Hi, I am pretty new here but have something to offer. I am engaged also and we have had our share of difficulties. Things seem to really be moving in the right direction now, but one thing I did, since my bf will not go to counselling either is, I took a few simple ideas from counselling and asked him to do them in our communication. For instance, no yelling and taking turns to speak and each of us do that mirroring thing, where when the first person says what they wanted to say, the second person repeats what they think you meant so you each know you have been listened to and understood. I also have learned to stand my ground with him without getting emotional about it, like, if he starts yelling, I say calmly but firmly, do not yell at me, we agreed no yelling. It was challenging at first but it seems to be working and we are doing much better now. Hope that is useful!
Shy