6 of the Best Premarital Counselors in San Francisco
Takeaway: Planning a wedding is exciting—but planning for a healthy, lasting marriage matters even more. Premarital counseling gives couples the tools to strengthen communication, align on values, and work through challenges before saying “I do.” At California Couples Counseling, our licensed San Francisco therapists specialize in research-backed approaches like the Gottman Method to help you feel confident and connected as you step into marriage together. Contact us when you’re ready to begin.
Premarital counseling at a glance
Location: Virtual in San Francisco, CA & statewide
First step: Book a free consultation call
Duration: Typically 4-8 sessions
Cost: See packages here
Population: Inclusive support for all couples, including LGBTQ+, blended families, and multicultural partnerships
Meet the therapists
| Therapist | Best For | Languages | Virtual / In Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Moultrie, LMFT | Busy professionals and entrepreneurs | English | Virtual |
| Jennie Lopez, LMFT | Best for LGBTQ+ couples | English | Virtual |
| Tammie Makely, LMFT | Best for couples addressing anger or past betrayals | English | Virtual |
| Kierra Gordon-Smith, LMFT | Best for mind-body-spirit approaches | English | Virtual |
| Mandy Greaves, PhD, LMFT | Best for couples dealing with grief or loss | English | Virtual |
| Christopher Kelm, LMFT | Best for men struggling with commitment and communication | English | Virtual |
Why trust us?
California Couples Counseling specializes exclusively in relationship therapy, with every therapist trained in evidence-based approaches like the Gottman Method. Our team brings decades of combined experience helping couples throughout California build strong, lasting partnerships through compassionate, expert care.
How we selected
The therapists we’ve highlighted here are California-licensed, trained in premarital counseling methodologies, and demonstrate specialized expertise in helping couples prepare for marriage. Each clinician offers unique strengths to meet diverse needs, ensuring you'll find the right match for your relationship journey. Can’t find the right fit from this list? Meet the rest of our team here.
Therapist bios
Daniel Moultrie, LMFT
Best for busy professionals and entrepreneurs
Daniel is the founder of California Couples Counseling and brings over a decade of clinical experience with an empathetic, solution-oriented approach. Specializing in supporting busy professionals and entrepreneurs, he helps couples create strong foundations while managing demanding careers and modern relationship challenges.
Jennie Lopez, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples
Jennie has a deep passion for working with couples and specialized training in EMDR and the Gottman Method. She creates a judgment-free, affirming space where LGBTQ+ couples feel heard and validated, helping partners build trust, enhance communication, and prepare for a strong marriage aligned with their values and goals.
Tammie Makely, LMFT
Best for couples addressing anger or past betrayals
Tammie is trained in EMDR and certified as an Anger Management Specialist, bringing valuable tools for addressing individual challenges that can impact relationships. Her down-to-earth, calming presence and expertise in the Gottman Method help couples work through past hurts and build healthy communication patterns before marriage.
Kierra Gordon-Smith, LMFT
Best for mind-body-spirit approaches
Kierra is passionate about helping couples heal, grow, and reconnect as they prepare for marriage. Her client-centered, non-judgmental approach honors the connection between mind, body, and spirit, making her especially skilled at supporting couples who want to address past relationship wounds and build emotional safety before saying "I do."
Mandy Greaves, PhD, LMFT
Best for couples dealing with grief or loss
Dr. Mandy Greaves is a licensed therapist with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience helping couples navigate grief, loss, and life transitions. As an assistant professor with years of clinical practice, she brings both academic expertise and compassionate care to support couples preparing for marriage while processing loss or managing stress and overwhelm.
Christopher Kelm, LMFT
Best for men struggling with commitment and communication
Christopher is dedicated to guiding couples through relationship complexities with compassionate, evidence-based care. With specialized expertise in men's issues, life transitions, and helping partners navigate new stages together, he creates a nurturing environment where couples can explore challenges and strengthen their bond before marriage.
Common reasons why couples seek premarital counseling
Building strong communication skills before entering marriage
Aligning on major life decisions like finances, children, career goals, and where to live
Understanding conflict resolution styles and learning healthy ways to navigate disagreements
Exploring family backgrounds and values that shape expectations in marriage
Discussing intimacy and connection to ensure both partners feel heard and fulfilled
Addressing concerns or fears about commitment, past relationships, or family patterns
Strengthening emotional bonds and deepening understanding of each other's needs
Preparing for life transitions like blending families, relocating, or career changes
Creating shared goals and vision for the marriage and future together
What to expect from the process
Assessment and goal-setting
Your therapist will begin by learning about your relationship history, strengths, and areas where you'd like support. Together, you'll identify specific goals for premarital counseling—whether that's improving communication, aligning on values, or addressing particular concerns—creating a roadmap tailored to your unique needs as a couple.
Exploring key topics
You'll work through essential topics that shape a strong marriage, including communication patterns, conflict resolution, financial management, intimacy, family planning, and values alignment. Your therapist will provide evidence-based tools and frameworks to help you navigate these areas with honesty, compassion, and clarity.
Building skills and practicing
Through guided exercises and real-time practice, you'll learn concrete skills for effective communication, emotional regulation, and collaborative problem-solving. Your therapist will help you identify unhealthy patterns and replace them with constructive approaches, giving you tools to use long after counseling ends.
Integration and next steps
As counseling concludes, you'll reflect on your growth and solidify the strategies you've learned. Your therapist will help you create a plan for continuing to strengthen your relationship, recognizing potential challenges ahead, and knowing when to seek support in the future.
FAQs about premarital couples counseling
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Most couples benefit from starting premarital counseling six months to a year before their wedding. This timeline allows adequate space to explore important topics without the stress of imminent wedding planning. However, it's never too early to begin—even newly engaged couples gain valuable insights that strengthen their foundation from the start.
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Premarital counseling is typically not covered by insurance, though exact coverage varies from plan to plan. Learn more about our pricing and packages here.
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Research shows that premarital counseling significantly improves relationship satisfaction and reduces divorce risk. Couples who participate in premarital education often report better communication skills, increased understanding of their partner, and greater confidence in handling conflicts.
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Absolutely not—premarital counseling is a sign of commitment and intention. Investing in your relationship before marriage takes maturity, self-awareness, and dedication to building a lasting partnership. It shows you're taking your commitment seriously and want to create the healthiest possible foundation together.