Before You Say ‘I Do’

You’ve planned your wedding—now it’s time to plan your marriage.

  • The Mini Assessment

    Not sure where to begin? This 3-session mini package provides a comprehensive relationship assessment and personalized roadmap.

    You’ll complete the Gottman Connect questionnaire, meet individually with Anna, and receive a detailed feedback session outlining your strengths, challenges, and next steps. Perfect for couples who want clarity before marriage or a foundation for future work.

    Includes:

    Gottman Connect relationship assessment

    1 joint feedback session with recommendations

    Option to continue with “8 Dates” sessions later

    Investment:
    Flat fee of $750

  • The Essentials Package

    Build a strong foundation before you say ‘I do.’ In six structured sessions, you’ll strengthen communication, deepen trust, and clarify your shared vision for the future using research-based tools from the Gottman Method

    Includes:

    3-session Gottman assessment phase using Gottman Connect (individual + joint interviews + feedback)

    3 guided sessions using 8 Dates topics (communication, conflict, trust, intimacy, shared meaning, etc.)

    Personalized relationship summary + recommendations

    Investment:
    Flat fee of $1,350 (saves ~$150 off $250 hourly rate if paid upfront)
    —or—
    $250 per session pay-as-you-go

  • The Deep Dive

    Go beyond wedding planning—invest in the marriage. A guided series to help you explore essential relationship foundations before the big day.

    Includes:

    Full Gottman Assessment via Gottman Connect (3 sessions)

    5 “8 Dates”-based sessions exploring love maps, conflict styles, sex and intimacy, finances, and shared meaning

    Communication and conflict management skill-building exercises

    Digital handouts and take-home exercises

    Personalized follow-up recommendations

    Investment:
    Flat fee of $1850 (saves ~$150 off $250 hourly rate if paid upfront)
    —or—
    $250 per session pay-as-you-go

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Why Premarital Counseling?

Love is the beginning — not the plan.
Premarital therapy helps you prepare for marriage with intention. Together, we’ll explore:

  • Communication and conflict management skills

  • How to repair after disagreements

  • Friendship, intimacy, and trust

  • Values, finances, and family planning

  • Creating shared meaning and long-term goals

Each session is guided by evidence-based Gottman tools and the 8 Dates topics that spark meaningful, lasting conversations.

About the 8 Dates Framework

Developed by Drs. John & Julie Gottman, 8 Dates invites couples to explore the essential conversations every lifelong relationship needs — from trust and sex to conflict and dreams. Each session builds communication skills, understanding, and intimacy.

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FAQs

  • 8 Dates is a book and relationship framework created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman — world-renowned relationship researchers and founders of the Gottman Institute.


    Each “date” invites couples to have a meaningful conversation about one of the eight essential topics for a lasting relationship: trust, conflict, sex, work and money, family, fun, growth, and dreams.

    In our sessions, I use these topics as a foundation to guide structured, emotionally safe conversations that help you strengthen communication, understanding, and connection.

  • No! While many couples begin premarital counseling while engaged, others participate after deciding to live together or before taking the next big step in their relationship. These sessions are ideal for any committed couple who wants to strengthen their foundation.

  • Premarital counseling is proactive and educational. It’s not focused on resolving deep, ongoing conflict — instead, it’s about building awareness, learning Gottman-based tools, and exploring important topics before marriage.

  • The Gottman Connect assessment is an online relationship questionnaire developed from decades of research. Each partner completes it individually before our sessions begin. It measures key relationship areas such as friendship, intimacy, conflict, trust, and shared meaning.
    We review your results together during a joint feedback session so you gain a personalized understanding of your strengths and growth areas.

  • That depends on your chosen package:

    • The Essentials Package: 6 sessions

    • The Deep Dive Package: 8 sessions

    • The Gottman Assessment Package: 3 sessions

    You can also add optional follow-up sessions (like a post-honeymoon check-in).

  • You can do either! I offer premarital counseling both virtually (via secure video) and in person in my Lakewood office. Many couples find virtual sessions especially convenient during busy wedding planning seasons.

  • Premarital counseling is considered an educational and enrichment service, not a medical or mental health service, so it’s typically not covered by insurance.
    I offer package pricing to make the investment more attainable and transparent.

  • No — it’s completely optional! Some couples enjoy reading it as they go, while others prefer to discuss the topics in session. If you’d like, I can recommend how to pair certain chapters with your sessions.

  • That’s completely normal. Premarital work often brings up meaningful differences. I’ll help you navigate those conversations using Gottman tools that promote understanding, empathy, and repair — so even difficult topics become opportunities for connection.

  • You can begin by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation to see which package fits best.
    Once you decide to move forward, I’ll send you the Gottman Connect assessment link and our first session will focus on getting to know your relationship story.

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