Start married life on solid ground
A warm, practical way to prepare for marriage together, in person in Canberra or online across Australia.
Preparing for the life, not just the day
So much energy goes into planning a wedding. Pre-marriage counselling is about preparing for everything that comes after it. It is a supportive space to understand each other more deeply, talk through the things couples often avoid, and build the habits that carry a marriage through the years.
You do not need to be having problems to benefit. In fact, the couples who gain the most are often the ones who come in feeling strong and simply want to start married life with a shared understanding and the right tools in hand.
Building your foundation
Together we focus on the things that make the biggest difference to how a marriage feels day to day.
- Communicating clearly and being truly heard
- Working through disagreements without damage
- Understanding each other’s needs and expectations
- Setting realistic, shared expectations of marriage
- Deeper insight into how you each tick
- Practical skills you keep for the long run
Not just for engaged couples
Whether you are recently engaged, thinking seriously about marriage, or simply want to invest in your future together, this work meets you where you are.
Recently engaged
Preparing intentionally for marriage, with a shared picture of the life you are building.
Thinking about it
Weighing up the future together and wanting to understand each other more fully first.
Already committed
Long-term partners who simply want to strengthen their foundation before the next step.
Topics worth talking through now
Some of the most important conversations are the ones couples put off. We help you have them calmly, before they become points of tension.
- How you communicate under stress
- Money, spending and financial goals
- Differing values or religious beliefs
- Views on children and parenting
- Expectations of roles and responsibilities
- Family, in-laws and boundaries
If you are facing something heavier, such as concerns around safety, addiction or your mental health, please know that dedicated support is available and often a better first step. We are always happy to help point you in the right direction. You can get in touch and we will help you find the right support.
Meet Darleen
I am the founder and director of DIPAC, which I established in 2009. Across around 25 years of practice I have helped many couples prepare for marriage and build the skills that keep a relationship strong. Pre-marriage work is some of the most hopeful I do, and I love helping couples start this chapter well.
- Australian Counselling Association
- AIFLAM
- Mediation Institute of Australia
- IICT
- ICF
- NDIS Provider
- Accredited Private Health Provider
What our clients say
We came to Darleen at a point where we were struggling to communicate. Over twelve weeks she gave us the tools to actually hear each other, and honestly saved our marriage. We are closer now than we have ever been.
Donna & Brad
We cannot thank Darleen enough. She created a space where we both felt safe to be honest, and helped us understand each other in a way we never had before. We walked away with skills we still use every day.
Brenda & Doug
Begin married life well
Your initial 45-minute session is a relaxed chance to talk through where you are and how we can help. In person in Canberra, or securely online across Australia.