PREMARITAL COUNSELING
LOS ANGELES
{ STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP BEFORE YOU SAY 'I DO' }
Explore Core Topics
Identify and discuss key areas including communication styles, conflict resolution, trust, finances, intimacy, and family planning.
What to Expect in Premarital Counseling
Premarital therapy is a collaborative, non-judgmental space designed to help you and your partner build a solid foundation. Our approach is practical and research-based, focusing on the real-world skills couples need to thrive long-term.
Build Shared Tools
Acquire concrete, evidence-based skills for managing disagreements with respect and maintaining emotional connection through life's stressors.
Plan for Transitions
Work through the unique challenges of wedding planning, moving in together, and other major life changes to ensure you stay aligned as a team.
My Approach with Engaged Couples
Dr. Jacqueline Shamtoob brings a warm, research-based perspective to premarital work, helping couples build a foundation of emotional safety and practical skills before their wedding day. Her style is collaborative and non-judgmental, ensuring both partners feel seen and supported as they navigate this significant life transition.
Evidence-Based
Sessions are informed by Gottman Method and attachment-focused principles, providing research-backed strategies for long-term relationship success.
Culturally Sensitive
Welcoming and inclusive of diverse backgrounds, identities, and relationship structures, tailoring my approach to your unique cultural context.
Collaborative
We work as a team to set meaningful goals for your future. Sessions are thoughtfully structured yet flexible to meet your immediate needs.
Practical
You will receive between-session tools, reflections, and exercises to try at home, strengthening your partnership in the rhythms of daily life.
Benefits of Premarital Counseling
Investing in your relationship today creates a stronger, more resilient foundation for your lifetime together.
Clearer, calmer communication
Learn to navigate sensitive topics with tools that reduce defensiveness and increase mutual understanding.
Teamwork on big decisions
Feel more like a team when discussing finances, family dynamics, and the major life choices ahead of you.
Constructive conflict tools
Develop tangible skills to handle disagreements effectively without causing lasting hurt to the relationship.
Stronger intimacy
Deepen both emotional and physical intimacy by exploring core needs and creating a truly safe erotic space.
A shared marriage vision
Align on your core values and long-term goals to ensure you are building a life that reflects your shared path.
Future stress resilience
Gain the confidence to navigate future stress and transitions together as a unified and balanced team.
Premarital Counseling FAQ
How many sessions are typically involved?
Most couples find that 6 to 10 sessions allow for a thorough foundation. We tailor the pace to your specific goals and timeline, ensuring you feel prepared and confident as you approach your commitment.
When is the ideal time to begin?
We recommend starting several months before your wedding. This ensures you have space for reflection and tool-building without the added pressure of final logistics or event planning.
What if we are already experiencing significant conflict?
Premarital counseling is the perfect setting to address current disagreements. Proactively working through these issues prevents them from becoming entrenched patterns, strengthening your bond for the future.
Is this approach open to diverse couples?
Absolutely. My practice is inclusive and culturally sensitive, welcoming couples of all diverse backgrounds, identities, and relationship structures. We focus on building a shared culture that honors both of you.
Do we have to talk about our childhoods?
While we may look at how your upbringing influences your current dynamic, our focus remains on your partnership here and now. Sessions are structured to provide practical tools for your marriage.
Ready to Begin?
The strongest marriages are built on a foundation of intentionality and trust. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how premarital counseling can support your relationship before you say 'I do.'