by Kimberly Smiley, Psy.D
Research overwhelmingly supports what I’ve seen in my own practice: couples who engage in premarital counseling are better prepared for marriage and experience lower rates of divorce. According to Dr. John Gottman, a leading expert in relationship science, how couples handle conflict and communicate with one another is one of the strongest predictors of marital success. Couples who master these skills are more likely to build happy, lasting marriages.
The Prepare-Enrich program, a framework I use frequently in my work, emphasizes the importance of tackling key areas like finances, intimacy, and long-term life goals before marriage. These conversations don’t just align partners’ expectations—they equip couples with tools they can revisit throughout their relationship, ensuring that their marriage evolves alongside them.
I’ve worked with countless couples using the Prepare-Enrich framework, which has been shown to improve communication, confl ict resolution, and overall relationship satisfaction. In fact, the research shows that couples who engage in premarital counseling are 30% more likely to stay married and report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships.
The 4 Pillars of Marital Success
After 20 years of working with couples—and drawing from trusted frameworks like the Prepare-Enrich program and The Gottman Institute—I’ve identified four core areas that consistently show up in strong, healthy marriages. I call them The 4 Pillars of Marital Success.
This is my personal take on what truly sets couples up for a resilient relationship—not just in the early years, but through all the seasons of marriage.
Here’s a quick look at the pillars:
- Skills to Master – Communication, conflict resolution, emotional support, and accepting influence.
- Nurture the Relationship – Staying connected through shared goals, friendship, quality time, and meaningful celebrations.
- Work Toward Alignment – Exploring intimacy, finances, values, and even your approach to social media.
- Find Balance – Supporting each other’s individuality while creating a life that feels whole and connected.
These four pillars are the foundation of my premarital coaching program, and I’ve seen them make all the difference for couples who want to go beyond just “hoping it works out.”
Want to see how the 4 Pillars can transform your relationship?
Schedule a consultation here or download my free resource here to get started.
Conclusion
Indeed, marriage is a journey. And, like any worthwhile adventure, it requires intentionality, effort, and the right tools to thrive. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you prepare to take this important step, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Every engaged couple has questions and concerns—whether it’s about communication, confl ict, fi nances, or maintaining intimacy over time. These challenges don’t mean something is wrong with your relationship; they simply highlight areas where preparation and guidance can make all the difference.
That’s where premarital coaching comes in. It’s not about fixing problems or preparing for the worst—it’s about proactively equipping you and your partner with the skills and strategies to build a strong, resilient foundation for your marriage. Premarital coaching offers a safe, structured space to explore your expectations, align your goals, and gain clarity about what it takes to succeed as a team.
My passion for helping couples stems from both my personal experiences and the countless success stories I’ve witnessed over the years. I know what it’s like to enter marriage without the tools to navigate its complexities, and I’ve seen how transformative these tools can be for couples who take the time to prepare.
Imagine starting your marriage with confidence, knowing you have the skills to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and nurture your connection through life’s ups and downs. That’s the gift of premarital coaching—it’s an investment in your future as a couple and a declaration that your relationship deserves every opportunity to thrive.
Marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, partnership, and perseverance. With the right tools and a shared commitment to growth, you can create a relationship that not only lasts but thrives.
If you’re ready to take the next step in building a strong and resilient marriage, I invite you to explore how premarital coaching can work for you. Whether you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, diving into my programs, or downloading a free resource to get started, I’m here to help.
- Schedule a consultation today and start your journey to more confi dence in your relationship, a deeper connection with your partner and a clear strategy for the amazing years ahead!
https://calendly.com/drksmiley/consultation - Explore my Premarital Coaching Bundles:
https://training.atlantamarriageprep.com/premarital_coaching - Download my free resource, “The 3 Questions Many Engaged Couples Never Ask That Can Make Or Break A Marriage,” and begin exploring the topics that matter most in your relationship.
https://training.atlantamarriageprep.com/roadmap-blueprint
Your journey starts now, and I’m honored to guide you along the way.
If you would like to book a free, 15-minute consultation with Dr. Smiley for premarital counseling, please click here: https://calendly.com/drksmiley/consultation