Premarital Counselling in Cambridge, Ontario - Prepare/Enrich Program
Prepare for marriage with intention through evidence-based counselling
Looking to strengthen your relationship before marriage? Our premarital counselling in Cambridge, Ontario, uses the Prepare/Enrich program to help couples explore strengths, clarify expectations, and build a strong foundation for their future. Sessions are offered in person in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, or virtually across Ontario.
The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships . . . which are basically a reflection of your sense of decency, your ability to think of others, your generosity.
Esther Perel
Is Premarital Counselling Right for You?
Premarital counselling isn't only for couples experiencing challenges. Many engaged couples seek therapy to deepen communication, align expectations, and intentionally shape their life together.
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Engaged or planning marriage
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Wanting to discuss finances, roles, and family expectations
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Entering a blended family or second marriage
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Looking for a research-based, therapist-facilitated program
What is Prepare/Enrich?
Prepare/Enrich is a research-based relationship assessment used by therapists worldwide to help couples understand their strengths and growth areas. Couples complete a personalized online assessment highlighting communication patterns, conflict styles, expectations, and shared values. Our clinicians integrate these insights into sessions, guiding conversations tailored to your relationship.
How Our Approach Works
At Relationship Matters Therapy Centre, Prepare/Enrich is more than a questionnaire - it is the starting point for guided, clinically-informed discussions. Our approach is:
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Evidence-based: Grounded in relationship science
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Relational & Systemic:
Exploring histories, patterns, and contexts -
Inclusive: Affirming diverse identities, relationships, and family structures
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Collaborative: Focused on strengths and areas for growth.
Option 1: Integrative Premarital Therapy
The Approach: A flexible, conversation-based path where your therapist draws from various proven methods (like Gottman or EFT) to address your unique dynamics.
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The Focus: Deepening emotional connection, resolving specific recurring conflicts, and exploring family-of-origin patterns.
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The Team: Facilitated by our diverse team of Registered Psychotherapists who specialize in relational health.
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Best If: You want a process that is less "by the book" and more tailored to the "here and now" of your relationship.
Option 2: The Prepare/Enrich Program
The Approach: A world-renowned, evidence-based program that starts with a comprehensive online assessment to identify your relationship's specific "Strength" and "Growth" areas.
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The Focus: Objective data on 10+ categories including communication, finances, and spiritual beliefs, followed by structured feedback sessions.
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The Specialist: Exclusively facilitated by Kristina Beifuss, MDiv., RP, our resident Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator.
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Best If: You want to take the guesswork out of your prep. This path is ideal for couples who value data-driven insights, want a clear and structured roadmap for their sessions, or require a completion certificate from a Certified Facilitator for their officiant.
Two ways to Start Premarital Counselling in Cambridge & Waterloo
What to expect in Prepare/Enrich Premarital Counselling
Prepare/Enrich is a structured, evidence-based program that helps couples build a strong foundation before marriage. Here's a high-level overview:
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Assessment
Couples complete a personalized online assessment that explores relationship strengths, communication patterns, conflict styles, expectations, values, and family dynamics.
Please note, the assessment requires a one-time fee, separate from session costs, as it provides a personalized report for your relationship.
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Feedback Session
Your therapist reviews your results and provides a clear, personalized report highlighting both strengths and areas to grow.
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Guided Discussion
In therapy sessions, couples discuss the assessment results with a licensed therapist and certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator, learning strategies to improve communication, resolve conflicts and align expectations.
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Skills Development
Couples learn practical tools for managing conflict, deepening emotional connection, and building shared goals for the future.
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Action Planning
Together with your therapist, you create actionable steps to strengthen your relationship and prepare for marriage with confidence and clarity.
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Throughout the process, your therapist provides a safe, structured space to explore your relationship, celebrate your strengths, and prepare intentionally for your shared future.
Topics Explored in Premarital Counselling
Topics typically include:
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Communication & conflict resolution
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Emotional intimacy & connection
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Family of origin & boundaries
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Money & financial expectations
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Roles & shared meaning
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Sexuality & intimacy
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Parenting & future planning
Session Options & Format
Premarital counselling sessions are offered:
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In-Person at our Cambridge office
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Virtually for clients across ontario
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Why Choose Relationship Matters Therapy Centre
Couples choose us for premarital counselling because:
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We specialize in relational and systemic therapy
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We have clinicians trained in evidence-based models and Prepare/Enrich
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Warm, inclusive, anti-oppressive environment
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Locally based in Cambridge, with virtual therapy across Ontario
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Integration of clinical expertise with compassionate care