Premarital Counseling & Newlywed Counseling

Let’s Get Started on The Same Page

Why Premarital Counseling?

Love is Strong—But Skills Keep It Stronger

Everyone walks down the aisle believing their love will last. And yet, 1 in 2 marriages end in divorce—a number that jumps to 67% for second marriages and 74% for third marriages.

That’s not because love wasn’t real. It’s because love alone isn’t enough.

Premarital counseling helps couples build the skills to navigate the challenges ahead—before they turn into deal-breakers. Studies show that premarital counseling can reduce the risk of divorce by 30%—making it one of the best investments you can make in your future together.

Planning a wedding is exciting—but building a lifelong partnership requires more than choosing centerpieces and venues.

Resolve past hurts or misunderstandings before they cause resentment.
Prepare for common stressors—finances, in-laws, work-life balance.
Identify shared values and areas of difference so disagreements don’t turn into deep divides.
Learn how to communicate better and manage conflict in ways that bring you closer instead of pushing you apart.

Marriage isn’t about avoiding differences. It’s about knowing how to work through them—together.

A lovely cherry blossom branch signifying coming together - premarital counseling

What We Cover in Premarital Counseling

Core Relationship Strengths & Areas for Growth

Identifying what makes your relationship strong—and where challenges might arise.
Learning how to appreciate differences instead of feeling frustrated by them.

Conflict Resolution & Communication Skills

How to handle disagreements without damaging connection.
Understanding your partner’s communication style so both of you feel heard.
Practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations.

Managing External Stressors (In-Laws, Money, Work-Life Balance)

Setting healthy boundaries with family and friends.
Financial planning discussions—spending, saving, handling debt, and financial goals.
Finding balance between work, personal time, and couple time.

Expectations Around Intimacy, Parenting & Future Goals

Aligning on big life decisions—kids, careers, where to live.
Strengthening your friendship and partnership for the long haul.
Navigating differences in emotional and physical intimacy needs. (If you want support navigating emotional or physical intimacy needs, visit our Sex & Intimacy Counseling page.)

Peaceful wooden bridge in nature, symbolizing the shared journey couples take through premarital counseling.

Our Approach: Two Types of Premarital Counseling

At our practice, we offer two evidence-based approaches to premarital counseling:

Traditional Premarital Counseling

A customized, therapist-guided approach focusing on relationship skills, conflict resolution, and deepening connection.

FOCCUS© Premarital Counseling

A structured 5-step process using the FOCCUS Inventory, a questionnaire designed to:

Identify strengths & areas for discussion
Help couples appreciate their unique relationship dynamics
Facilitate meaningful conversations with a trained FOCCUS Facilitator

Each partner fills out the FOCCUS Inventory, which generates a Couple Report outlining key topics for discussion. This structured approach helps couples explore compatibility, expectations, and communication patterns with professional guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premarital Counseling

How Long Does Premarital Counseling Take?

Most couples attend 6 to 8 sessions, though some continue for additional sessions to strengthen their connection further. It’s easier to build relationship skills before major stress hits.

We Only Have a Few Weeks Before the Wedding—Should We Still Do It?

Yes! Even if you’re short on time, starting now can give you tools to bring into your marriage. Many couples continue their sessions after the wedding to keep building a strong foundation.

What If Premarital Counseling Brings Up Big Issues?

This is a common concern, but for most couples, premarital counseling brings them closer rather than farther apart. If bigger challenges do surface, therapy gives you the space to work through them with clarity—before they become long-term issues.

What If We’re Already Married?

If you’re in the early years of marriage and noticing:

More miscommunications than expected
Frequent misunderstandings or lingering past issues
Trouble adjusting to shared routines, finances, or family expectations

Then Marriage Counseling can help. It’s designed to strengthen connection before frustration builds up—so your relationship grows stronger instead of drifting apart.

Choosing the Right Premarital Counselor

Not all therapists are trained in couples counseling. Many focus on individual therapy, which is very different.

At OC Relationship Center, our premarital therapists:

Have advanced training in couples therapy techniques.
Specialize in helping couples prepare for long-term success.
Use an active, structured approach—not just “talk therapy.”

Your marriage deserves the best start possible.

Call us at (949) 393-8662 or book online here to get started.

Why Wait?

Is Premarital Counseling Right for You?

Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or just want to strengthen your relationship, premarital counseling can give you the tools to build a strong, lasting partnership.

Call us at (949) 393-8662 or book online here to schedule your first session.

Love is a foundation. Let’s help you build it to last.

Call (949) 393-8662 Schedule an Appointment