A Note from Dr. Hauwa Bello (Mumtaz)

Marriage is one of the most important commitments you’ll ever make — and preparation makes all the difference.
My premarital counselling sessions are designed to help couples not just prepare for the wedding, but for a thriving, emotionally safe, and lasting marriage.
Blending insights from The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this 11-session program helps you understand your relationship dynamics, strengthen emotional connection, and build practical skills to navigate life together with confidence and compassion.

What to Expect

Premarital counselling is a proactive and empowering process that equips you with the tools to grow together.
Each session is experiential, reflective, and deeply tailored to your unique story — blending research-based strategies with genuine heart work.

Session Overview

Session 1 – Couple Intake & Relationship Evaluation

Your journey begins with a joint session focused on your relationship as a unit.
You’ll share how you met, what draws you together, and what challenges you’ve experienced.
Together, we’ll identify your goals for counselling and introduce the Gottman Relationship Checkup to help guide future sessions.
(Goal: Establish rapport and understand your relationship system.)

Sessions 2 & 3 – Individual Narrative Sessions

Each partner meets privately for a deeper understanding of their emotional world and background.
We’ll explore:

• Personal commitment and motivation for marriage

• Family of origin and attachment history

• Stress patterns, coping styles, and expectations
  (Goal: Understand each partner’s emotional blueprint and readiness for commitment.)

Session 4 – Relationship Assessment Review

We’ll review your assessment results and explore:

• Relationship strengths and growth areas

• Levels of friendship, trust, and intimacy

• Conflict management patterns and shared meaning
  (Goal: Build shared awareness and tailor upcoming sessions to your relationship needs.)

Session 5 – Understanding Love Maps & Emotional Connection

Deepen emotional intimacy by updating your Love Maps — your knowledge of each other’s inner world.
You’ll learn rituals of connection, appreciation, and emotional attunement that keep your bond vibrant.

Session 6 – Communication & Conflict Skills

Learn and practice:

• The Soft Start-Up for healthy discussions

• Repair attempts and turning toward each other

• How to replace the Four Horsemen (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, stonewalling) with effective dialogue
  (Goal: Master communication that heals instead of harms.)

Session 7 – Managing Emotional Cycles

Recognize and transform emotional loops like pursue–withdraw or blame–defend.
You’ll use EFT’s A.R.E. model (Accessibility, Responsiveness, Engagement) to create secure emotional bonds.

Session 8 – Intimacy & Emotional Safety

Explore how emotional closeness and physical intimacy work together.
Learn to communicate openly about needs, affection, and boundaries while building safety and respect in your connection.

Session 9 – Managing Finances, Family, and Faith

Explore the practical side of partnership:

• Attitudes toward money, saving, and spending

• Roles of extended family and boundaries

• Decision-making, stress management, and shared values
  (Goal: Build clarity and teamwork for real-life challenges.)

Session 10 – Shared Meaning & Future Vision

Articulate what your marriage will stand for.
Explore your shared values, spiritual views, family goals, and lifestyle dreams.
Together, you’ll create a Relationship Vision Statement that captures your purpose and vision as a couple.

Session 11 – Integration, Reflection & Growth Plan

Reflect on your journey and celebrate your progress.
Revisit goals, identify growth edges, and develop a sustainable post-marital plan — including rituals, gratitude practices, and conflict repair routines.
(Goal: Strengthen long-term resilience and connection.)

Format & Duration

• 11 Sessions (90–120 minutes each)

• Combination of joint and individual sessions

• Integrates research-based frameworks with personalized guidance

• Optional post-marital check-ins available after your wedding

Homework & Practice

Between sessions, you’ll complete simple yet powerful exercises such as:

• Gratitude or appreciation rituals

• Reflection or journaling prompts

• Communication and connection challenges

• Card decks games etc.

(Goal: Help you integrate new habits into your everyday relationship.)

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll have:
✅ A deeper understanding of each other’s emotional needs
✅ Enhanced communication and conflict resolution skills
✅ Increased emotional safety, intimacy, and trust
✅ Alignment on shared values and long-term goals
✅ A personalized plan for continued growth after marriage

Cost ₦2,250,000 / $1,700

Begin Your Journey Together

Strong marriages don’t just happen — they’re built intentionally.
Start your journey toward a conscious, connected, and enduring relationship today.

📅 Book Your Premarital Evaluation Session
Let’s help you build a marriage that lasts.