If, like me, you spent your twenties in Berlin, you might have similar memories: things were easy-going and everyone was curious, going on endless dates and trying things out. Then – all of a sudden – everyone seemed to be over 30, thinking about children and getting married. Marriage? What once seemed impossible suddenly felt realistic, normal and perhaps even desirable. In a world where constants are a rarity, partnerships offer security, trust and a home. Then there’s the romance of getting engaged – surely one of life’s last great gestures. Yet with proposals come questions: is it the right decision? How do I really feel? Does my partner have reservations? Is there anything we ought to discuss beforehand? And if so, how? For all quandaries of this kind, Hannah Hebenstreit might just be the contact you need. The Mitte couples therapist offers non-religious marriage preparation courses in addition to classical counseling and therapy.

Marriage preparation courses? In Germany these were once only organized by the church, but Hebenstreit has given the pre-nup sessions an update for contemporary city life. Without religion and spiritualism to distract, you’ll focus on pragmatic topics that will help you build a solid foundation for the future. You’ll delve into communication and finances, self-discovery, family dynamics, sex, intimacy and the emotional baggage you both might be bringing with you. Sound complicated? It certainly is – which is why you need a competent counselor to guide you through the thorny issues. It’s a form of preventive couples therapy, meaning that even after you’ve tied the knot there’ll still be room for passion and curiosity – and you (hopefully) won’t need one of Hebenstreit’s crisis sessions…

Text: Alina Herbel / Photos: Viktor Strasse

Hannah Hebenstreit, Mulackstr.22 Innenhof (right), Berlin–Mitte; map

Sessions are held online or in person in Dutch, German or English, and can be booked here.