carpenter couple & family counseling, pllc

From the outside, your relationship might look solid. You’re managing life, sharing responsibilities, and showing up for each other. But internally, something feels missing. Many couples struggle with a relationship that looks good but feels empty - and feel confused or even guilty for wanting more when nothing is “wrong”. This quiet dissatisfaction is more common than you think.

Engagement is often filled with excitement, hope, and future planning. You may feel deeply connected, aligned on values, and confident in your relationship. So it can feel confusing when premarital counseling is suggested. After all, nothing is wrong. But premarital counseling isn’t about fixing problems. It’s about preparing for the realities of long-term partnership before stress, resentment, or disconnection have a chance to grow.

Every couple goes through ups and downs - stressful seasons, communication misfires, emotional distance, or changes that shake up the rhythm of the relationship. Needing support doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your partnership. In fact, many couples choose therapy not because they’re on the brink of separation, but because they care enough to strengthen what matters.

If you have made the brave decision to begin the process of therapy, one of the hardest parts of the process can be finding a...