Protect a conversation beyond the guest list
Premarital Counseling by video across California.
Wedding Stress and Your Relationship
Wedding planning can bring deadlines, money and family expectations into the same week. You may find yourselves coordinating an event while losing touch with why you wanted to make the commitment.
Premarital counseling can make space for the relationship alongside the planning. It is not event planning, and it does not require the wedding to look a particular way.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
Planning conversations turn into recurring arguments.
02
Family expectations feel hard to navigate.
03
One partner feels responsible for everything.
04
You want time to discuss the marriage itself.
01 · Understand
Separate the event decision from its meaning
A disagreement about the guest list might also involve belonging or boundaries. A budget discussion might involve security or whose preferences count. You can explore the meaning without losing sight of the practical decision that still needs to be made.
The therapist can help each partner explain what matters and hear what the other person is trying to protect. You do not have to dismiss a concern as just wedding stress to keep the process moving.
02 · Practice
Return to the partnership you want
You can discuss how you want to make decisions together, ask for support and handle pressure from others. Those questions may matter beyond the wedding, which is why they can be useful premarital topics.
It is also okay to say that you need a break from planning during a conversation. A consultation can help you consider whether the current concerns fit premarital counseling, couples work or a different kind of support. There is no promised timeline for resolving them.
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 premarital counseling help if the wedding is soon?
You can ask about availability and your priorities. A short timeline may affect what is possible, so do not assume a fixed package or number of sessions without confirming it.
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.