A modern house on a hill with green grass and mountains with snow in the background under an overcast sky.

About Graciela Pacheco, MFT

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.

Here's where it gets interesting – and why my approach might be exactly what you need.

My Unique Training Background

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.

Modern wooden house with stone steps leading up to it, surrounded by grassy landscape and mountains in the distance.

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.

A modern wooden house on a grassy hillside overlooking a large lake with mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.

Why Prevention Beats Repair Every Single Time

Most couples I see in therapy are there for repair work – rebuilding trust, resolving conflicts, forgiving betrayals. It's exhausting, expensive, and emotionally devastating.

But with premarital counseling, we get to do something revolutionary: prevent the problems before they inevitably happen.

The PREPARE/ENRICH program I use has been proven to reduce divorce risk by 31%. That's not wishful thinking – that's research-backed, science-based relationship insurance that costs a fraction of what you'll spend on couples therapy later (or divorce lawyers).

The Vegas Experience (With a Reality Check)

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.

Mountain range with snow-capped peaks in the background, green rolling hills, and modern buildings on a hillside in the foreground.

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.

The Real Talk You Need to Hear

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.