Build a Strong Foundation for Your Marriage
Marriage is one of life’s most meaningful commitments. Entering it with clarity, confidence, and strong communication skills can make all the difference. Premarital counseling offers couples the opportunity to deepen their understanding of each other, strengthen their bond, and prepare for a thriving partnership.
At Bruce Hearn Psychotherapy, I make use of the Prepare/Enrich program, one of the most widely researched and trusted tools for premarital counseling. This structured, evidence-based approach provides couples with personalized insights and practical skills to grow together.
What Is Prepare/Enrich?
Prepare/Enrich begins with an in-depth online assessment, designed to highlight your relationship’s strengths and identify potential areas for growth. Together we can use these insights to:
- Improve communication and conflict resolution
- Explore expectations about marriage, family, and finances
- Deepen emotional and physical intimacy
- Develop strategies for managing stress and life transitions
- Build a roadmap for lasting connection
The program is tailored to your unique relationship, leaving space to talk about the issues that have come up in your relationship. It offers both guidance and practical exercises you can use right away.
Why Premarital Counseling?
Couples who engage in premarital counseling report higher satisfaction, stronger commitment, and more resilient marriages. By investing in your relationship now, you’ll be creating a more solid foundation on which to build your relationship for years to come.
What to Expect
- Step 1: Online Assessment – Each partner completes the Prepare/Enrich questionnaire.
- Step 2: Feedback Sessions – We review your personalized results together in 3–6 sessions, depending on your needs.
- Step 3: Skills Practice – You’ll learn and practice tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen your bond.
- Step 4: Ongoing Growth – You’ll leave with strategies and resources to continue building your marriage long after counseling ends.
Is Premarital Counseling Right for Us?
This service is ideal for couples who are:
- Engaged and preparing for marriage
- Recently married and looking to strengthen their foundation
- In a committed relationship and wanting to explore future steps together
For couples who wish to consider a less structured couples therapy, see my couples therapy page. I also offer psychotherapy for men, with expertise in working with men’s emotional health, though I also welcome women to my practice.
About Bruce
I was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 2014, and have a good deal of experience working with couples in premarital counseling, emotionally focused couples therapy, and discernment counseling. I welcome those with spiritual beliefs as well as atheists, LGBT, and those with cross-cultural partnerships. I was certified to facilitate Prepare/Enrich sessions a decade ago.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to build a marriage grounded in understanding and resilience, I’d love to support you.
My practice is located in Noe Valley in San Francisco and I also offer secure online sessions for couples throughout California.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation and learn more about how premarital counseling with Prepare/Enrich can support your relationship.