5 Highly Recommended Sherman Oaks Premarital Counselors
Planning a wedding is exciting, but navigating tough conversations about finances, family, or future goals can be overwhelming. You want to start your marriage on solid ground, not wonder if you're truly prepared for what's ahead.
That’s where premarital counseling comes in. Our Sherman Oaks therapists help couples build the communication skills and emotional foundation they need for a lasting partnership. Meet our team here—along with other trusted, local providers—to find the right fit and reach out once you’re ready to begin.
Jump to a therapist
Best for premarital counseling for couples planning to start a family: Gayane Aramyan
Best for premarital counseling for multicultural couples: Lea-Maude Roy
Best for premarital counseling for high-conflict couples: Anita Avedian
Best for premarital counseling for couples navigating trauma: Adrine Davtyan
Best for premarital counseling in Greek or German: Chrys Gkotsi
Meet our premarital therapists
Gayane Aramyan, LMFT
Best for premarital counseling for couples planning to start a family
Gayane specializes in helping couples prepare for parenthood by strengthening their emotional connection and communication skills before marriage. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method, she helps partners navigate conversations about children, parenting styles, and maintaining intimacy through the transition to becoming parents.
Offers premarital counseling ✓
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Lea-Maude Roy, AMFT
Best for premarital counseling for multicultural couples
Lea-Maude brings a multicultural perspective from living in Dubai, Montreal, and Los Angeles, making her especially skilled at helping couples navigate cultural differences before marriage. She creates a judgment-free space where couples can explore how their diverse backgrounds, values, and traditions will shape their partnership and family life.
Offers premarital counseling ✓
Credentials: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Other recommended premarital counselors in Sherman Oaks
While we’d love to support all couples on their path toward marriage, we recognize that there are some situations where you may be better served by another therapist. Here, we’ve featured trusted local premarital counselors that we’ve personally vetted so you can find the right match for your situation.
Anita Avedian, LMFT
Best for premarital counseling for high-conflict couples
Anita is a Certified Anger Management Specialist IV with nearly 30 years of experience helping couples improve communication and resolve conflicts constructively. Her expertise in anger management and relationship work makes her ideal for couples who struggle with heated arguments or want to establish healthy conflict resolution skills before marriage.
Offers premarital counseling ✓
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Adrine Davtyan, LCSW
Best for premarital counseling for couples navigating trauma
Adrine is a trauma-informed therapist who helps couples understand how past painful experiences affect their relationship patterns and prepare for a healthy marriage. Using EMDR, Gottman Method, and attachment-based approaches, she guides partners through healing while building the communication tools and secure foundation they need for a lasting partnership.
Offers premarital counseling ✓
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Chrys Gkotsi, LMFT, CAMC
Best for premarital counseling in Greek or German
Chrys offers premarital counseling in English, Greek, and German, bringing cultural sensitivity and language accessibility to couples from diverse backgrounds. Using an attachment-based approach, she helps partners understand how their upbringing and cultural values shape their relationship while preparing them to navigate differences and build a strong marriage together.
Offers premarital counseling ✓
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Anger Management Counselor
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Why couples choose our practice for premarital counseling
Our practice was founded on the belief that all couples deserve support as they navigate life's transitions—and what bigger transition is there than marriage? Here’s what sets our practice apart.
Specialized training in couples therapy: Our therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method.
Attachment-focused approach: We help you understand how your early relationships shape your partnership and communication patterns.
Real-world experience: We draw on our lived experience when appropriate so therapy feels warm and relatable, not cold and clinical.
Flexible scheduling: We offer both in-person sessions in Sherman Oaks and virtual therapy to fit your busy lives.
Safe, judgment-free environment: We create space for honest conversations about the tough topics many couples avoid.
Collaborative style: You're the experts on your relationship—we're here to guide and support you, not dictate what you should or shouldn’t do.
Whether you're navigating differences, blending families, or simply want to strengthen your communication before saying "I do," we're here to support you both. Our goal is to help you build the skills and understanding you'll need for a fulfilling marriage.
What premarital counseling helps with
Financial stress and disagreements about money management, spending habits, or debt
Communication breakdowns when discussing difficult or emotional topics
Differing expectations about gender roles, household responsibilities, or career priorities
Religious or cultural differences that affect values, traditions, or raising children
Planning for children: when, how many, parenting styles, and what if you disagree
Family dynamics and boundary-setting with in-laws or extended family
Conflict resolution when you keep having the same argument without resolution
Intimacy concerns—physical, emotional, or feeling disconnected from each other
How to choose the right premarital therapist for you
Finding the right therapist can make all the difference in how helpful premarital counseling feels. Not every therapist will be the right match for you as a couple, and that's okay—the most important thing is finding someone who understands your unique needs and relationship.
Specialized training: Look for therapists trained in evidence-based couples therapy approaches (EFT, Gottman Method, etc.)
Approach and style match: Consider whether you want a therapist who's more structured and skill-focused or relational and exploratory
Values alignment: Find a therapist who respects your cultural background, religious beliefs, and relationship values
Personal connection: Trust your gut—do you both feel comfortable opening up to this person?
Logistics: Consider location, session availability, whether they offer virtual options, and cost
Experience with your specific concerns: If you're navigating unique circumstances (interfaith marriage, blending families, etc.), seek someone with relevant experience
Take advantage of free consultations to ask questions and get a feel for whether a therapist is right for you both. The best premarital counselor is one you both feel comfortable with and trust to guide you through this important work. Schedule your free consultation here.
FAQs about premarital counseling
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Most couples benefit from starting premarital counseling several months before their wedding, though some begin earlier. This gives you plenty of time to work through important conversations without the added stress of wedding planning deadlines. That said, it's never too early or too late to invest in your relationship.
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Most insurance plans don't cover premarital counseling because it's considered preventative rather than treatment for a diagnosed condition. However, some therapists may be able to bill for individual sessions if anxiety or other concerns are present. It's best to contact your insurance provider directly to understand what your plan covers.
Our practice operates entirely out-of-network, but we can provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
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Yes—research consistently shows that couples who participate in premarital counseling have higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships. Many couples find that the investment in premarital counseling saves them from larger issues down the road and helps them build a stronger foundation from the start.