I'm Graciela Pacheco, MFT, and I'm going to level with you from the start. I'm a dual-state licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in both Nevada and California, a certified PREPARE/ENRICH premarital counselor since 2013, and someone who is absolutely passionate about helping couples build marriages that last.
About Graciela Pacheco, MFT
Here's where it gets interesting – and why my approach might be exactly what you need.
Build Love Intentionally
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Prevent Problems Early
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Real Talk, Real Marriage
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Build Love Intentionally ⟡ Prevent Problems Early ⟡ Real Talk, Real Marriage ⟡
I earned my certification in 2013 by working with engaged couples in arranged marriages – an experience that taught me invaluable lessons about building strong relationships from the ground up.
Working with couples who were just beginning to know each other showed me that successful marriages aren't built on initial chemistry alone – they're built on communication skills, mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to growing together.
This experience taught me something crucial: the couples who thrive are those where both partners are teachable, willing to grow, and committed to putting in the effort to build something lasting.
My Unique Training Background
Why Prevention Beats Repair Every Single Time
Most couples come to therapy for repair work - rebuilding trust, resolving conflicts, and healing from betrayals. It’s exhausting, expensive, and emotionally draining.
Premarital counseling lets us prevent problems before they happen - which is a proactive, revolutionary approach instead of crisis cleanup.
The PREPARE/ENRICH program reduces divorce risk by 31% — a research-backed, science-based investment that costs far less than couples therapy or divorce lawyers later.
Since we're in Las Vegas – the land of quickie weddings and Elvis impersonators – I've created something unique: a 1960s retro-themed experience complete with a custom-painted pink coffin that says "Til Death Do Us Part."
Why the casket? Because we're not playing games here. This isn't a weekend getaway – it's preparation for a lifetime commitment.
If that visual makes you squirm a little, perfect. We're talking about choosing each other every day for the rest of your lives, not just until things get difficult.
The Vegas Experience
(with a reality check!)
Who I Work With
(Spoiler: Probably You)
I'm bilingual (fluent in Spanish), LGBTQ+ affirming, and I welcome couples from all backgrounds. Whether you're:
Intercultural couples navigating family differences
Previously married and bringing kids into the mix
Living together for years or never sharing a space
Religious, spiritual or atheist
Getting married after 3 months (we need to talk) or 3 years
I've literally seen it all, and nothing shocks me anymore.
I use a blend of presentations, interactive exercises, games, music, and yes – plenty of humor and real talk. Because if we can't laugh while learning about the most important relationship of your life, we're doing it wrong.
But here's what I won't do: I won't sugarcoat the realities of marriage or let you coast on romantic fantasies that will crash and burn six months in.
The Real Talk You Need to Hear
