Premarital Counseling in Irvine, CA & Nearby Areas | CASA Therapy
At CASA Therapy, I believe that love should feel secure, not like a guessing game. For many multicultural couples, the conversation about marriage brings some excitement but also some unspoken fears: What if our families have conflicting expectations? What if we repeat the patterns that we grew up with? Premarital counseling is a chance to slow down, name your values, and build the foundation you'll carry into your future together. It’s not about perfection, it’s about creating safety, clarity, and connection before you say “I do.”
What is premarital counseling?
Premarital counseling is a form of therapy designed to help couples prepare for marriage with clarity and confidence. It gives you the tools to strengthen communication, deepen trust, and anticipate challenges before they become patterns. At CASA Therapy, premarital counseling is culturally rooted; we talk openly about the expectations, grief, and generational legacies that often shape love in families of color and multicultural relationships. Together, we create space for both partners to feel heard, respected, and aligned.
What are common themes addressed in premarital counseling?
- Miscommunication or shutting down during conflict
- Navigating cultural or religious differences in marriage
- Unspoken expectations around finances, gender roles, or family planning
- Balancing family loyalty with personal boundaries
- Fear of repeating unhealthy patterns learned in childhood
- Anxiety about long-term commitment and “losing yourself” in the relationship
How do I know if we need premarital counseling?
Ask yourselves:
- Do we avoid hard conversations because we’re scared of conflict?
- Do our cultural or family expectations sometimes clash?
- Do I feel like one of us carries more emotional labor or invisible pressure?
- Do we worry about money, roles, or in-laws but struggle to talk openly about it?
How do I approach premarital counseling at CASA Therapy in Irvine, CA?
My approach to premarital counseling blends Emotionally Focused Therapy with the Prepare/Enrich model, all through a culturally aware lens. Together, we explore the emotional patterns that shape your connection, strengthen communication and trust, and honor the cultural identities and family histories you each bring into the relationship. Together we will:
- Identify and address conflict cycles before they take root in your marriage
- Strengthen communication so both partners feel safe and understood
- Explore values, cultural traditions, and long-term goals without judgment
- Build tools for navigating finances, intimacy, and family planning with clarity
- Practice aligned boundaries, so you protect your relationship from outside pressure
- Identify and discuss your areas of strength and areas of growth as a couple
- Create a shared vision of marriage that honors both individuality and partnership
What topics can we talk about in premarital counseling?
- Communication skills and conflict repair strategies
- Family dynamics, cultural traditions, and setting boundaries
- Financial expectations and long-term planning
- Intimacy, trust, and emotional safety
- Parenting desires and navigating generational differences
- Creating a shared vision for your marriage
Steps to work with me
Hi, I'm Dama
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Grief Educator, and founder of CASA Therapy.
I'm trained in Emotion Focused Therapy for both couples and individuals. I firmly believe that love can be healing when both people are willing to do the work.
Step 1
A thorough intake session where we explore your relationship history, cultural backgrounds, and current struggles so we can understand the deeper patterns behind the disconnection.
Step 2
Emotionally focused sessions to help you with clarity, begin repairing trust, and rebuild emotional safety.
Step 3
Ongoing, guided sessions with personalized homework, where we break unhelpful cycles, strengthen connection, and practice healthier ways of relating so your relationship feels more like a true partnership.
I’m Dama Perez, founder of CASA Therapy. I know that preparing for marriage is more than just planning a ceremony; it’s preparing for a life together. I help couples build emotional safety, honor their roots, and step into marriage with clarity and strength. Whether you’re navigating culture, values, or simply wanting to future-proof your love, premarital counseling offers a space to start with intention.
Tips & resources for couples preparing for marriage
- Set aside regular “check-in” conversations about current stressors, finances, and upcoming plans
- Acknowledge and honor cultural traditions while defining what feels right for your partnership
- Create rituals of connection (weekly dates, gratitude practices, etc.) to strengthen intimacy
- Remember that preparing for marriage isn't about avoiding conflict, but learning how to repair together
Payment plans
$200 per 50-minute session, Couples
Each session includes:
- One 50-minute in person or virtual therapy session
- Occasional reflection prompts or homework assignments based on your goals as a way to deepen connection and continue the work between sessions when helpful.
You deserve support that feels steady and intentional.
FAQ
When’s the best time to start?
It’s never too early. Some couples start as soon as they are talking about seriously committing and others start after they get engaged. The goal of these sessions is to build clarity, confidence, and emotional safety before taking the next step.
Is premarital counseling only for couples who are struggling?
Not at all. Many couples use premarital counseling proactively to build communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and align on values before challenges arise. It's about prevention and strengthening a relationship rather than addressing major issues.
Premarital counseling vs. regular couples therapy, what’s the difference?
Premarital counseling is more structured and future focused. We discuss communication, conflict styles, values, family dynamics, finances, intimacy, and expectations so you can build a strong foundation. Regular couples therapy tends to focus more on ongoing challenges or patterns that need healing.
How long does premarital counseling usually last?
It depends on your goals. Some couples book 6-8 sessions, while others choose to continue longer to continue deepening their skills. We set a pace together based on what feels supportive for your relationship.
Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)
This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to us when we did the estimate.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.
You may contact the contact listed above if billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can request an update to the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.
You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:
www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059 .
This Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above.
