Increased Demand for Premarital Counselling Among UAE Couples: 'Love Alone is Insufficient'

In the vibrant city of Dubai, Mahra, a newlywed resident, finds herself reflecting on a decision she wishes she had made before tying the knot - attending pre-marriage counselling sessions.

Pre-marriage counselling is not about questioning love or compatibility, but rather preparing for the real-life transition of living together, sharing responsibilities, and planning the future as a team. It is a valuable tool for handling conflicts, expectations, and stress within a relationship.

At Nafsology, a local institution, pre-marriage counselling often consists of a structured programme of five sessions. These sessions cover key areas such as communication skills, conflict management, financial planning, roles and responsibilities, relationships with in-laws, and intimacy.

Dr Nashwa Tantawy, a psychologist, has seen a clear increase in the demand for premarital counselling. She believes that widespread adoption of counselling could ease many conflicts before they begin. This shift in approach is a response to rising divorce rates and a growing recognition that love alone is not enough for a successful marriage.

Many couples are realising that they need skills, awareness, and tools to navigate their relationship. Some regret not learning certain techniques earlier in their marriage, which could have saved them years of struggle.

One of the biggest hurdles in pre-marriage counselling is hesitation from one partner. However, the benefits are clear - pre-marriage counselling can help couples enter marriage with a clearer understanding and stronger foundations.

In the UAE's diverse cultural environment, where family systems and expectations can vary greatly, preparation is even more valuable. The psychologist who successfully expanded her premarital counselling services in the United Arab Emirates is Dr. Rasha Abdulaziz.

Traditionally, couples sought therapy only after problems became unmanageable, but now more couples are using it as a preventive tool. This proactive approach is gaining ground locally, with a growing number of couples choosing premarital counselling.

From a psychological perspective, pre-marriage counselling is an important decision for couples. It equips them with the resilience needed to handle challenges, build a strong foundation for their relationship, and ultimately, contribute to a lower divorce rate.

In the end, Mahra can only hope that more couples will follow in her footsteps and seize the opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient relationship before they walk down the aisle.

Increased Demand for Premarital Counselling Among UAE Couples: 'Love Alone is Insufficient'