Posted on February 18, 2026

By Dr. Robert Caruso, DMin, MDiv, MART, MA, ALMFT

The K-1 fiancée visa process is more than a legal hurdle; it’s an emotional marathon that tests the endurance of any partnership. At The Caruso Wellness Center, we specialize in helping couples turn this season of uncertainty into a foundation for a resilient marriage. Through our Adlerian Brief Couples Therapy (ABCT), we provide a goal-oriented, 6-session framework designed to help you move from conflict to cooperation.

Why Adlerian Counseling is Ideal for K-1 Couples

The K-1 process often involves long-distance separation, intense immigration consular interviews, and the stress of a 90-day marriage timeline. Our Adlerian approach focuses on three core pillars to help you manage these stressors and set-up your relationship for success:

• Building a Partnership of Equals: We emphasize mutual respect and equality, ensuring both partners feel seen and heard despite the inherent power imbalances often felt during immigration.
• Reframing the "Life Style": Every partner brings a unique "Life Style"—core beliefs formed by their upbringing. We help you understand how these patterns influence your communication and conflict resolution during high-stress visa waiting periods.
• The Power of Encouragement: Instead of focusing on "red flags," we use encouragement-based techniques to help you recognize your strengths as a couple, building the confidence needed, not only for your visa interview, but also other potential relationship stressors (i.e., parents, siblings, and friends) impacting your feelings of connection and belonging.

Our Specialized Support Packages

We offer structured support to fit the fast-paced nature of your K-1 journey:

1. Adlerian Brief Couples Therapy Package: Six 90-minute sessions used within 90 days to help you move from insight to action.
2. Premarital Growth Package: Specifically designed to build a strong foundation before your U.S. wedding, focusing on shared goals and future alignment.
3. Virtual Accessibility: We offer online therapy for couples navigating the long-distance phase of their application.

Start Your Journey with Confidence

At The Caruso Wellness Center, led by Dr. Robert W. Caruso, we understand the unique stressors of international relationships. Whether you are navigating cultural differences or the anxiety of a visa deadline, we are here to listen with empathy and provide practical tools for your new life together.

Are you ready to strengthen your partnership before your K-1 interview? Book a free 15-minute consultation today to see how our Adlerian approach can support your specific needs.