Garden City Center
Garden City Center
Belonging & Becoming
 

Premarital & Pre-Engagement Therapy in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia

At Garden City Center, we help couples prepare for a lasting, fulfilling marriage through structured, evidence-based counseling.

 
 

Whether you’re deciding if marriage is the right next step or you’re ready to strengthen your relationship before your wedding, our therapists provide practical tools, guided conversations, and proven strategies to set you up for success. We offer in-person sessions in Washington, DC and secure online therapy for couples in Maryland and Virginia.

 
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Build an Unshakable Foundation Together

 

Planning for a marriage is about more than a wedding day. Without intentional conversations and skill-building, couples risk repeating harmful patterns or avoiding important topics. With the right guidance, you can strengthen your communication, deepen your understanding of each other, and enter marriage confident in your shared vision for the future.

 
 

Why Choose Premarital & Pre-Engagement Therapy at Garden City Center?

Our therapists, including certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator Stacey Mayo, bring over a decade of experience working with couples in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We help partners explore essential topics like:

  • Communication and conflict resolution skills

  • Shared values and life goals

  • Financial planning and decision-making

  • Family roles and in-law relationships

  • Sex, intimacy, and parenting plans

Whether you’re in the pre-engagement stage or already engaged, our sessions provide a safe space to address concerns and build skills to help prevent future ruptures.

 
 
Therapists for this Specialty
Stacey Mayo
Stacey Mayo

LMFT

Ly Tran
Ly Tran

D. MIN, LPC-S

 

How We Help —

In premarital & pre-engagement therapy, you can:

  • Clarify your shared values and expectations

  • Address sensitive topics before they become conflicts

  • Learn communication tools that last a lifetime

  • Build emotional and sexual intimacy

  • Gain confidence in your readiness for marriage

 

All good things are wild and free.

— Henry David Thoreau

 
 

 Our Process

Your Journey Toward a Stronger Future

 
 

// step one //
Schedule Your Consultation

Discuss your goals and relationship history so we can tailor your package to your needs.

// step two //
Complete the Prepare/Enrich Assessment

Receive a comprehensive Couple Report identifying
your strengths and growth areas.

 
 
 

// step three //
Work Through 8 Guided Sessions

Cover essential topics such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, sex, parenting, and values.

// step four //
Take Your Toolbox Into Marriage

Leave with practical skills and resources you can revisit
as your relationship grows.

 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions
Premarital & Pre-Engagement Therapy in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia

 

  • Pre-engagement counseling focuses on discernment and skill-building before committing to marriage, while premarital counseling assumes you’re already engaged and focuses on preparation.

  • Yes — we provide HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for clients in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia

  • We encourage both partners to attend, but even if one partner is less certain, the sessions can still be beneficial for communication and clarity.

  • We recommend starting at least 3–6 months before your wedding to allow time to work through the sessions and practice new skills.

 
 

 Don’t see your question here? Contact us to learn more about premarital & pre-engagement therapy at Garden City Center.

 
 
 

Start Premarital or Pre-Engagement Therapy in Washington, DC, Maryland & Virginia

Invest in your relationship now for a
stronger future together.

Schedule your consultation today.

 
 
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