Actionable Relationship Therapy
DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT
20 + YEARS COUNSELING COUPLES
Become better partners.

COACHING & THERAPY FOR COUPLES IN CA, TX, FL

Get Back On The Same Page.

You know you love each other. Yet, somehow you find yourselves arguing about the SAME things over and over.

Relationship therapy customized for busy couples can spark change in minutes a day. Reawaken your feelings of aliveness and have fun together again.

Become Securely Attached
with tools to feel seen, safe & sure.

DISCUSS COUPLES COUNSELING DETAILS...

DEBBIE CHERRY

GROW CLOSER WITH RELATIONSHIP THERAPY & COACHING

Bring Out The Best In Each Other.

Learn the simple skills to communicate better with relationship therapy & research-based strategies refined over 2 decades of counseling couples.

DEBBIE
CHERRY, LMFT

MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST

When small disagreements snowball into big fights, you need new patterns. The heart of every argument is a need to be connected.

You don’t need more hours—just the right tools. Get expert guidance to focus on what you CAN do, rather than venting about what’s wrong.

Schedule a 15-minute introductory call to see how couples therapy can help you become better partners, no matter how triggered either of you get.

Years
Happily Married
0
Years of experience
0 +
Successful Couples
0 s
Become secure partners...

The fighting cycles ended. We now feel safe to share anything with each other.

– Couple with 2 young kids in CA

EXPERT COUPLES THERAPY & TOOLS

Break The Negative Cycles.

Discover skills to ease the tension when you trigger each other’s triggers.

Schedule a time to connect for free and see how couples counseling can help you stop repeating the same damaging patterns.

BOOK A COUPLES COUNSELING CONSULTATION…

“The 1st session was more helpful than a YEAR of other therapy. We went from feeling so alone and disconnected… to feeling seen, heard, empowered and inspired by each other.”
– ENTREPRENEURS ON THE BRINK OF DIVORCE IN TX
Don’t Let Your Defenses Stand Between You & Your Partner.
couple in bed
kissing couple

THERAPY & COACHING FOR BUSY COUPLES

Grow Closer Quickly.

You used to feel that rush of excitement when you saw each other, but now you feel more like roommates. You miss your partner.

After counseling couples for over 20 years, I realized that couples need practical steps to implement to get the relationship results they desired. Focusing on becoming better partners by creating new habits brings you closer much faster than rehashing old arguments.

Improve communication, resolve resentments and bring back the spark that brought you together in the first place with expert guidance & proven tools.

Couples Therapy Techniques

TAP THE METHOD TO LEARN ABOUT BECOMING SECURELY ATTACHED

ATTACHMENT-BASED COUPLES THERAPY

Attachment-based couples therapy helps couples understand the reasons for the painful patterns, address attachment needs, and build a secure bond that lasts.

THE GOTTMAN METHOD

The Gottman Method is a research-based approach that helps partners improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and handle conflict with greater ease.

EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPY

EFT helps couples communicate effectively about the core of emotional disconnection, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and vulnerabilities for greater empathy.

NARRATIVE THERAPY FOR COUPLES

Narrative Therapy helps partners break free from cycles of blame or hopelessness by focusing on how couples talk about and interpret their relationship.

IMAGO RELATIONSHIP THERAPY

Imago Therapy helps couples uncover the root of their relationship challenges by exploring how past experiences shapes their connection today so they can become better partners.

Psychobiological Couples Therapy

Psychobiological Couples Therapy empowers couples to break free from cycles of blame or shame by implementing daily research-based habits that bring them closer.
“WE HAVE HAD MORE AWARENESS & CHANGE FROM THIS PROCESS & TOOLS THAN ANY OTHER THERAPY WE’VE EVER DONE.”
– COUPLE MARRIED FOR 20 YEARS IN FL
Emotional Triggers
Can Destroy
Your Relationships

There is nothing more painful than feeling completely alone… right next to the person who used to get you the most.

Reconnect with your partner.

BOOK A FREE 15-MIN CONSULT FOR COUPLES THERAPY

BECOME BETTER PARTNERS

CREATE A SECURE COUPLEHOOD WITH ONLINE COUPLES COUNSELING

Married. Engaged. Dating. Committed. Straight. Bi. Gay. Neurodivergent. Polyamorous.

Improve your relationship no matter what it looks like.

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

RESOLVE RESENTMENTS

“WE HAVE HAD MORE AWARENESS & CHANGE FROM THIS PROCESS & TOOLS
THAN ANY OTHER THERAPY WE’VE EVER DONE.”

– COUPLE MARRIED FOR 20 YEARS IN FL

Bring out the best in each other...
(even if you have different attachment or communication styles.)
Secure Couplehoood Logo

Secure Couplehood Resources

SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO FEEL SEEN, SAFE & SURE

DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT

couple with cups
couple talking at the beach
happy couple with phone

GET SIMPLE STEPS TO COMMUNICATE BETTER FOR FREE

SIMPLE STEPS TO COMMUNICATE BETTER FOR FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

View All FAQs Here.

Therapy Costs and Insurance

The investment for each couples therapy session ranges from $175 to $350 per 50-minute session, depending on the level of support you choose and your benefits. Most couples experience real momentum and clarity within just a few sessions. Many clients also use their HSA/FSA benefits or receive up to 50% reimbursement through their insurance provider. If you’re not sure what’s covered, I can help guide you through the right questions to ask on a free consultation call.

If couples therapy is tied to a diagnosable mental health condition, some plans may cover it. However, therapy focused on relationship dynamics, communication, and emotional growth is often not considered a “medical necessity” and may not be covered. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the policies of your insurer. Some plans reimburse a portion or all of the cost if the therapy is delivered by a licensed professional. It is advisable to check directly with your insurance provider and therapist about coverage details and eligibility before starting therapy.

I accept Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and HSA cards, with payments processed automatically after each session for ease and convenience.

Couples therapy can be covered by insurance in some cases, when it is considered a medical necessity. Relationship therapy focused on communication, creating new patterns and growing closer is often not considered a medical necessity and does not fit the traditional medical model where there is a diagnosis and specific treatment. Insurance acceptance varies by provider and insurance plan. It’s essential to verify with both your therapist and insurance company to understand the coverage details. Always confirm your benefits before beginning therapy to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smooth therapy experience. If you’d like to explore your options, I can help you understand what questions to ask your provider on a free consultation.

Therapy sessions are confidential, and what you share won’t be disclosed without your written consent. There are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality, such as if there’s a risk of serious harm to you or others which will be addressed fully in the informed consent. If you’re using insurance, it’s important to know that most insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis for reimbursement. That diagnosis becomes part of your medical record, which some couples prefer to avoid. Because of this, many couples choose to pay privately to maintain more privacy and avoid labeling their relationship or one partner with a clinical diagnosis. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, I’m happy to talk through the options on a free consultation call.

If you’re feeling stuck in the same arguments, drifting apart, or craving better communication, relationship therapy can be a powerful investment. It’s ideal for busy couples who want efficient, research-backed strategies they can apply right away. Determining whether couples therapy is a worthwhile investment involves assessing your relationship needs and commitment. Look at the therapist’s qualifications and the therapy model used. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit. Many couples use therapy to reconnect, improve emotional safety, and become better teammates. Couples’ success stories, reviews and results can be found here.

The Process for Relationship Therapy

In your first couples therapy session, we’ll explore your relationship history, current dynamics, and what brought you in. You’ll both have space to share your perspectives while I begin identifying patterns that are keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and introduce practical, research-backed tools to reduce conflict, improve communication, and rebuild emotional connection.

Couples therapy is a collaborative process. Sometimes we follow your ideas and priorities, and other times I’ll offer guidance based on what I’ve seen work over 20+ years of helping couples. My role is to help you navigate complex conversations, stay on track, and prioritize what matters most for lasting change.

Together, we’ll explore patterns, unpack deeper emotions, and practice tools that lead to better connection. Each session is customized to meet your unique needs while keeping momentum toward the relationship you both want. In our sessions, you won’t just vent. We’ll identify the patterns that keep you stuck and start shifting them with tools you can use right away. I’ll help you talk through tough topics without blowing up or shutting down, so you can feel more like partners again instead of opponents. Expect each session to be a mix of guided conversation, practical communication tools, and real-time coaching. We’ll work toward helping you both feel seen, heard, and supported.

Relationship therapy creates change by increasing awareness, offering new experiences, and providing practical tools. First, it shines a light on unconscious patterns and default reactions that keep you stuck. Once you’re aware of these patterns, you can start making more intentional choices instead of repeating old habits. Second, therapy offers new emotional experiences. For example, if you’re used to feeling misunderstood in hard conversations, practicing reflective listening with your partner in session can shift that dynamic and help you feel truly heard. Finally, therapy equips you with actionable tools to handle real-life challenges. Whether it’s managing conflict, deepening emotional intimacy, or communicating needs more clearly, you’ll leave each session with something you can try right away. Over time, these small shifts add up to lasting change. To see what’s possible with couples therapy, check out the couples’ success stories here.

Couples therapists ask thoughtful, open-ended questions to understand your relationship dynamics, identify stuck patterns, and guide you toward better communication and connection. These questions are designed to build insight, clarity, and empathy between you and your partner.

Here are some examples of questions a couples therapist might ask during sessions:

  • How did your relationship begin?
  • What drew you to each other?
  • What does a typical disagreement look like between you?
  • When do you feel most loved by your partner?
  • What do you notice you tend to argue about most?
  • What would success in therapy look like for each of you?

Yes! In every session, you’ll receive practical, research-backed tools to strengthen your connection and communication. These aren’t just “talk about your feelings” ideas – they’re proven strategies tailored to what actually works in real relationships. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll get:

  • Better Communication: Tools like active listening prompts, “I” statement scripts, and communication journals help you talk without triggering each other.
  • Conflict Repair Plans: From take-a-break phrases to problem-solving worksheets, you’ll learn how to cool off and come back stronger.
  • Connection Boosters: Think quality-time rituals, weekly check-ins, shared gratitude activities, and love language checklists to rekindle closeness.
  • Emotional Awareness: Tools like mindfulness exercises, emotion wheels, and guided journaling help you better understand yourself and each other.
  • Progress Trackers: From goal-setting worksheets to relationship temperature checks, you’ll have a clear view of how far you’ve come.

These tools are designed to help you move from stuck and stressed to seen, supported, and secure. If you would like to see some sample couples therapy exercises, grab the Connected Communication Toolkit here.

Couples therapy exercises are simple, practical tools to help you connect, communicate better, and shift old patterns. Some help you practice active listening, like summarizing what your partner said before responding. Others focus on emotional connection, like daily activities to better understand each other’s needs, or frameworks to build new habits that will bring you closer. These exercises are customized based on what you’re working on, so you’re not just talking about problems – you’re building new habits that actually create change between sessions. Grab the Communication Toolkit for couples to get started with some activities to do with your partner right away.

To get the most out of couples therapy, be honest and stay actively engaged both in and out of sessions. Set clear goals with your partner, reflect on progress, and show up ready to communicate openly about your feelings and experiences. Therapy is especially effective for challenges like communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, parenting stress, and more. Follow through on any homework, check in with your therapist about what’s working, and celebrate small wins along the way. See what’s possible with couples therapy, and read about the couples’ success stories here.

Effectiveness of Couples Counseling

Couples therapy can be very effective when both partners are committed and actively engaged. Research indicates that therapy sessions, when led by a skilled therapist, can help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen emotional connections. The effectiveness often depends on consistent participation, the use of evidence-based techniques, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Many couples say therapy was the turning point that helped them feel like a team again. See what’s possible with couples therapy, and read about the couples’ success stories here.

Every couple is different, but many start to feel relief and make real progress within the first few sessions. I focus on practical tools you can apply right away so you don’t stay in therapy forever, just long enough to change your patterns for good. On average, couples attend therapy twice a month for 6 months, depending on how deep the patterns run and how consistently you’re able to practice the tools we cover. Some come in for a focused tune-up, while others choose to stay longer for ongoing support as they grow. My approach is designed to be efficient and actionable. You’ll leave every session with real insights and tools you can apply immediately. You can see client success stories, reviews and results here.

Yes, online couples counseling can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Research shows that virtual sessions, when led by a trained couples therapist using evidence-based approaches, can improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase emotional connection. For many busy couples, the convenience of meeting from home actually makes it easier to show up consistently. Many couples feel more comfortable doing therapy from home than in a clinical office. Being in your own space lowers defenses, builds rapport faster, and helps you open up more easily, so you get results sooner. I offer a free 15-minute consultation if you want to talk more about working together.

99% of the couples that I work with report that they have seen significant improvement in their relationship communication and connection. Couples therapy in general has a success rate of around 70%, according to data from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Success often depends on a few key factors:

  • Seeking therapy before too much resentment builds
  • A strong therapeutic alliance with a skilled couples therapist
  • Seeing a therapists who specializes in couples work

See what’s possible with couples therapy, and read about the couples’ success stories here.

Couples therapy has the potential to save a relationship by offering a structured space to address conflicts and improve communication. The strategic support of an expert couples therapist can help you learn new skills for managing disagreements and strengthening your bond. Success depends on the commitment and active participation of both partners and the therapeutic relationship with the therapist. While therapy cannot guarantee a saved relationship, it often provides the tools and insights needed to navigate challenges, rebuild trust, and create the kind of future you want together. Read about the couples’ success stories here, and see what’s possible with couples therapy.

You don’t need months of therapy to start seeing change. When both partners are motivated and the approach is strategic, meaningful progress can happen quickly. First, we’ll clarify your top priorities, whether it’s stopping the constant arguments, feeling more emotionally connected, or rebuilding trust. I’ll guide you through tools that target those areas directly. To accelerate growth, I recommend staying consistent, and practicing what you learn between sessions. Many couples leave their first few appointments already feeling more aligned and hopeful. With honest communication, a willingness to try new habits, and custom action steps to use at home, you can shift long-standing patterns quickly.

Need momentum now? Let’s start with a free 15-minute call to see if we’re a good fit.

Partner Dynamics and Couples Therapy Fit

It’s incredibly common for one partner to feel ready before the other, especially if they feel shamed, have significant trauma or have previously had a negative experience in therapy. While couples therapy works best when both people are involved, change can still begin with just one of you. If you start learning how to communicate more clearly, respond instead of react, and break old patterns, your partner will likely start responding differently too.

You’re welcome to start with a free 15-minute consultation, and I’ll help you figure out a path forward that feels supportive and doable for both of you.

Many of the couples I work with are not in crisis. They are proactive, high-achieving, and just feeling disconnected, stuck in the same arguments, or wanting to grow together more intentionally. Couples therapy isn’t only about fixing what’s broken; it’s also about leveraging your strengths and building habits that help you stay close, even during stressful times. Think of it as relationship coaching for your emotional bond. The earlier you start, the easier it is to shift patterns and create real connection. Book a free 15-minute consultation to get clarity and support tailored to your relationship goals.

It’s totally understandable to feel wary if therapy didn’t go well in the past. But not all therapy is the same. My approach is collaborative, actionable, and grounded in 20+ years of experience helping high-achieving couples reconnect without blame or overwhelm. We’ll set clear goals together, use proven strategies, and create a space that actually feels safe and productive. If you want to learn more about my approach, start with a free 15-minute consultation to get a feel for the process. Sometimes, a fresh approach makes all the difference.

Yes, couples therapy can be incredibly helpful for neurodivergent partnerships. In fact, it can be even more important when different communication styles, sensory needs, or emotional processing patterns are at play. The key is finding a therapist who understands neurodivergence and knows how to support both partners in feeling seen, safe, and respected. Here are a few ways that relationship therapy can be helpful for neurodivergent couples:

  • Translate emotional needs into clear language
  • Use visuals, frameworks and structure for clarity
  • Focus on strengths, not deficits
  • Practice repetition and regulation
  • Provide practical strategies, scripts and exercises

Whether ADHD, autism spectrum, sensory sensitivities, or other processing differences, a neurodiversity-affirming approach and therapist becomes a bridge to understanding each other better so you can co-regulate in a way that feels safe. If you want to learn more about my approach, start with a free 15-minute consultation to get a feel for the process.

The best couples therapy platform depends on your relationship needs, schedule, and how personalized you want the experience to be. If you’re looking for custom, high-touch support with a licensed expert, working directly with a couples therapist in private practice is ideal. You’ll get tailored strategies, deeper emotional work, and someone who truly understands your unique dynamic. If you want something more affordable or self-paced, platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, or Regain offer flexible options with messaging and video, but may not specialize in high-achieving couples or attachment-based approaches. Consider factors such as therapist expertise, client reviews, tools and available communication methods. It’s a good idea to schedule consultations with potential therapists to determine compatibility, ensuring the platform and therapy style you choose aligns well with your relationship goals.

Couples therapy may not be suitable for couples experiencing acute mental health emergencies, or domestic violence, where immediate and intensive in-person intervention is needed. Assess your situation carefully with a professional’s guidance before choosing the best support for your relationship. If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help you figure out the best next step in a consultation.

If you’re stuck having the same argument on repeat, feeling emotionally distant, or just want to reconnect, couples therapy can help. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit. Whether you’re navigating big life transitions or simply want to strengthen your bond, therapy offers practical tools to improve communication, deepen connection, and shift unhelpful patterns quickly. Many couples just try one session and take it from there. You might be surprised how much clarity and hope you can gain right away. Book your free consultation here and let’s take the first step together.