Make room for hopes, questions and uncertainty
Premarital Counseling by video across California.
Parenting Expectations Before Marriage
Before marriage, people may assume that they agree about children because the subject has come up briefly. A closer conversation can reveal questions about timing, caregiving, work and family involvement that deserve more room.
Premarital counseling can support that discussion without assuming that every couple wants children or that uncertainty needs an immediate answer.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
You have different ideas about timing.
02
One person is uncertain about children.
03
Caregiving expectations have not been discussed.
04
You want to talk without rushing a decision.
01 · Understand
Allow each person to answer honestly
You may have clear hopes, mixed feelings or unanswered questions. It matters that each person can describe those without being pushed toward the answer they think their partner wants. Differences can be painful, but avoiding them does not make them disappear.
The therapist can help you slow the conversation down and consider what the question means for your relationship. Therapy does not decide whether you should become parents, pursue a particular medical path or remain together.
02 · Practice
Include the day-to-day picture
If parenting is part of your shared hope, you can discuss how you imagine responsibilities, work, rest and support from others. These are expectations to explore, not predictions of exactly how life will unfold.
You can also talk about how you would revisit plans if circumstances changed. Medical, fertility or legal questions require their own qualified guidance. Keep the therapy conversation centered on your values, feelings, communication and choices as partners.
03 · Choose Your Next Step
Six clinicians, with room to find your fit
All six treating clinicians offer premarital counseling: Holly, Emily Chen, Misty, Nicola, Dina and Aidé. Ask about the approach, language and availability that fit your needs. Emily Harris supports the team as a supervisor and does not see clients at the practice.
The consultation can clarify the service and practical next steps. You do not need a complete plan for the relationship before asking questions. No fixed package, result or number of sessions is promised here.
A therapist who fits you
These clinicians offer the related service. Availability and the right approach for your situation are part of the consultation.
Holly Whitmore
MA, LMFT
Gottman couples therapy and IFS
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Emily Chen
AMFT
EFT, attachment and inner child work
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Misty Goldenberg
AMFT
EMDR, perinatal and couples work
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Nicola Loretto
MA, AMFT
Grief, identity and Gottman couples work
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Dina Abdelaal
AMFT
Trauma and PTSD, in English and Spanish
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Aidé Merito
AMFT, APCC
Teens, identity and trauma, in English and Spanish
View profileFees in brief
We are in network with Aetna (PPO and EPO plans only), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Blue Shield of California. Not every clinician is in network with every plan.
Seeing someone out of network? We provide superbills you can submit for reimbursement.
Rates and insuranceLicensed therapist
$180
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Associate therapist
$150
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Questions before you begin
Can we discuss not wanting children?
Yes. Premarital work can include different hopes and decisions about family life. It should not assume that parenthood is the goal for every couple.
How do I ask about this service?
Tell the practice the broad kind of support you are seeking, your language preference and whether you have a clinician in mind. Fit, availability and any fee or insurance arrangement need to be confirmed before an appointment.
A small first step
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss provider fit, availability and the next step. Keep personal and health details out of an ordinary website inquiry. Ongoing sessions are offered by video within California.
Explore Premarital CounselingKeep exploring
Conversations Before Marriage
Planning a wedding can fill the calendar while bigger questions remain in the background.
Talking About Money Before Marriage
You may know each other's favorite meal before you know how each person thinks about shared expenses, saving or financial privacy.
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.