What is Premarital Counseling with Loran Coaching?

Our Premarital Counseling is an educational and skills-based program designed to prepare couples for a strong, lifelong marriage. We are not therapists or licensed mental health providers. As marriage educators we use assessments, guided exercises, workbook reflections, and open conversations to help you identify strengths, uncover potential challenges, and build strategies for success. Every session is co-led by Estrella and Robert in a relaxed couple-to-couple format that helps couples feel comfortable and supported as they learn together.

How is Premarital Counseling different from therapy?

Therapy is intended for couples dealing with serious challenges such as mental health issues, abuse, addiction, or facing a relationship crisis, and it must be led by licensed professionals. Our Premarital Counseling is not therapy—it’s an educational process that equips you with tools for communication, conflict resolution, and long-term planning. In short: therapy heals the past, our program prepares you for the future.

Like therapy, confidentiality and discretion are absolute.

What are the benefits of Premarital Counseling?

Couples who participate in premarital education are shown to be 30% less likely to divorce. Our program provides practical tools to handle conflict constructively, strengthen intimacy, and align on future goals. It also helps couples feel more confident entering marriage and, if needed, makes them more likely to seek support early. In rare cases, the program can uncover fundamental differences, allowing couples to make informed choices before committing.

What areas are covered in your program?

- Family background and values
- The “big five” conflict areas: money, intimacy, spirituality, parenting, and in-laws
- Communication and conflict resolution skills
- Roles and responsibilities in marriage
- Creating a shared vision for your future

What will we do in sessions?

Our program blends an assessment (either Prepare–Enrich or SYMBIS), workbook explorations, interactive exercises, and guided conversations. You’ll discover strengths, uncover blind spots, and practice new skills. Because both Estrella and Robert are present for all sessions, we offer a unique couple-to-couple approach that that creates balance and expands insight.

Is Premarital Counseling only for engaged couples?

No. While many clients come to us engaged, the relationship skills coaching aspect of what we do is equally valuable for couples who are seriously dating (pre-engaged) and want to deeply explore their relationship, or recently married couples who want to strengthen their foundation.

Should we do it even if we’re not having problems?

Yes. The program isn’t about “fixing” issues—it’s about building skills and insights proactively. Many couples who thought they didn’t need premarital counseling were surprised by how much they learned about each other and how much stronger their relationship became.

Is your Premarital Counseling faith-based?

Our program is not faith-based, but we do explore spirituality if it’s important to you as a couple. These conversations help partners understand one another’s beliefs and plan constructively for any differences.

Where do you offer Premarital Counseling?

We meet couples in-person at our Northwest Austin office and online via Zoom with clients across Texas. Both options deliver the same supportive, high-quality experience.

Should we choose in-person or online sessions?

If you’re local to Austin, in-person sessions often provide fewer distractions and a more personal feel. However, our Zoom sessions are equally effective, and many couples across Texas benefit from the virtual format.

When should we start Premarital Counseling?

The sooner, the better. Starting early lets you apply new insights right away, even before the wedding. That said, it’s never too late—the program is equally valuable for couples close to their wedding date or already married.

How long does the program take?

Most couples complete the program in 8 weekly, 1-hour sessions. Depending on your needs and schedule, we offer flexible formats ranging from 4 to 12 sessions. Couples completing at least 8 sessions receive a Twogether in Texas certificate, which provides a $60 discount on the marriage license and waives the 72-hour waiting period.

Do you provide a state-recognized certificate?

Yes. Completing at least 8 sessions earns you a Twogether in Texas certificate, which saves $60 on your Texas marriage license and eliminates the 72-hour waiting period.

Can we do a faster version if our wedding is soon?

Yes. If your wedding is approaching quickly, we can adjust the schedule or create a condensed 4-session format. While the full 8-session program is ideal, the shorter version still provides valuable tools and insights.

Do both of us need to attend every session?

Yes. Sessions are designed for couples to participate together, so both partners benefit equally and can practice skills in real time.

How much does Premarital Counseling cost?

4 sessions: from $500

8 sessions (most popular): from $890

Pricing includes both coaches in every session, either a Prepare–Enrich or SYMBIS assessment, and all materials. Payment is made securely online. See our Pricing page for details.

Is Premarital Counseling covered by insurance?

No. Because our program is an educational service, not therapy, health insurance does not apply.

How do we get started?

The first step is a free consultation with Estrella and Robert, either in-person or online. This relaxed session lets you meet us, ask questions, and see if the program is a good fit. If you choose to continue, we’ll guide you through handle paperwork and payment. Once that’s done, you’ll use our convenient self-scheduling system to book your sessions at a time convenient for you. This system also allows easy rescheduling of appointments with 24-hour notice.

Premarital Counseling FAQ