Frequently Asked Questions About
Premarital Counseling & Relationship Coaching
Our Approach
-
Our Premarital Counseling is an educational and skills-based program designed to prepare couples for a strong, lifelong marriage. We are coaches, not therapists, and as such we are focused exclusively on the future of your relationship. We use the PREPARE/ENRICH® assessment, 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.
-
Therapy is intended for couples dealing with serious challenges such as mental health issues, abuse, addiction, or a relationship crisis, and it must be led by licensed mental health professionals. Our Premarital Counseling and Relationship Coaching are not therapy. They’re an educational process that equips you with tools for communication, conflict resolution, and long-term planning. In short: therapy heals the past, and our programs prepare you for the future.
-
Yes. Everything you share with us is kept confidential.
-
No. Our programs are not about “fixing” issues. They’re about equipping couples with skills and insights proactively. Many couples who come to us already feeling strong are surprised by how much they learn about each other and how much closer they become through the process.
-
None of our programs are 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 that exist.
-
Research shows that couples who take part in premarital education have about 30% lower odds of divorce. But the reason to consider Premarital Counseling goes beyond avoiding divorce: it also makes marriage more fulfilling and enjoyable. 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.
Learn more about the benefits of premarital counseling.
Programs & Sessions
-
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
-
It’s an online questionnaire each of you completes privately, taking about 30 to 45 minutes. Your results highlight your strengths as a couple and the areas where you’ll want to grow, and we review them with you in session.
Learn more about our assessments. -
You’ll complete the assessment and workbook exercises on your own time. In session, we’ll guide you through interactive exercises and conversations. You’ll discover strengths, uncover blind spots, and practice new skills. Because both Estrella and Robert are present for every session, our couple-to-couple approach creates balance and expands insight.
-
Yes. While most couples choose our PREPARE/ENRICH-based programs, we also offer a SYMBIS program: the SYMBIS assessment and four 60-minute debrief sessions, with no between-session homework. It’s the same investment as our Essentials Package.
Learn more about our assessments. -
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.
-
Yes. Our Marriage Coaching program helps married and committed couples strengthen communication, deepen connection, and work through challenges before they grow. Many of our premarital couples return to us after the wedding.
Learn more about Marriage Coaching. -
Yes. Sessions are designed for couples to participate together, so both partners benefit equally and can practice skills in real time.
Timing & Scheduling
-
Ideally, at least six months before your wedding. Our Mastery program takes at least two months to complete, and as the date gets closer, wedding planning tends to take over. That said, there’s no wrong time. Starting late is far better than not at all, and couples who put it off until after the wedding often keep putting it off while old habits settle in. Even pre-engaged couples benefit: the skills you learn help your relationship right away, and practicing them keeps them fresh through the wedding and beyond.
-
Our Mastery program is eight one-hour sessions, usually held every one to two weeks. Couples forming a blended family can add a ninth session devoted to that topic, and any couple who wants more time on a subject can add sessions as needed. Essentials covers the core skills in four sessions, or you can start with two and build from there.
-
Yes. If your wedding is approaching quickly, we can adjust the schedule or use our 4-session Essentials Package. While our 8-session Mastery Package is ideal, a shorter course still provides valuable tools and insights.
-
We meet in person at our office in Austin’s Northwest Hills, or online. Online premarital counseling is available anywhere in Texas., and our other coaching programs are available online in most states. If you’re local, in-person sessions can feel more personal and offer a distraction-free space.
-
About 20 minutes, in person or online. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to meet us, ask questions, and see if we’re the right fit.
-
Start with a free consultation. If you decide to continue, we’ll help you with paperwork and payment, and then you’ll book your sessions through our online scheduling system, which also lets you reschedule with 24 hours’ notice.
Cost & Policies
-
Every package includes both coaches in every session, the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, two copies of our workbook, The Journey from ME to WE, and all materials. Payment is made securely online.
See our Pricing page for details. -
All booking is done online, so we accept all major credit and debit cards.
-
No. Because our programs are proactive educational services, not therapy, health insurance and FSA/HSA funds do not apply.
-
Life happens. You can pause between sessions and resume when you’re ready. Packages are valid for six months from purchase. If you decide to stop, we’ll refund your unused sessions at your package’s per-session rate, less a $75 cancellation fee to cover your assessment and workbooks. Sessions not used within six months expire.
-
Yes. Texas couples who complete eight sessions, through any combination of our packages, receive a Twogether in Texas certificate, valid for one year.