Couples Communication Therapy
DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT
20 + YEARS COUNSELING COUPLES
Become better partners.

COMMUNICATION THERAPY FOR BUSY COUPLES

Finally Feel Heard.

You used to understand each other better than anyone. Now, neither of you want to talk about anything because everything turns into a fight.

Couples communication therapy will help you learn the SKILLS to communicate so you both feel seen & safe to open up about your fears, struggles, and dreams.

cute couple on the sand
Become Better Listeners.

Get tools to communicate deeply,
in AND out of sessions.

DISCUSS COUPLES COMMUNICATION THERAPY DETAILS

DEBBIE CHERRY

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIPS

How You Talk To Each Other Makes Or Breaks Your Relationship.

A secure connection helps both of you feel heard. Get research-based tools to communicate effectively, refined over 2 decades of experience.

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DEBBIE
CHERRY, LMFT

COUPLES COMMUNICATION & MARRIAGE THERAPIST

You’re tired of wasting time talking in circles. Simple misunderstandings over nothing turn into BIG arguments. It feels like you’re stuck in a neverending battle to be understood.

Learn how to productively address underlying issues, instead of triggering each other’s triggers.

If you are sick of walking on eggshells, then schedule a free consult call to see how communication therapy for couples can help you communicate better with your partner.

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Happily
Married
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Years of experience
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Successful Couples
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Communicate with your partner...

We’ve communicated
more in the past week
than the past year.

– MARRIED COUPLE WITH 2 KIDS UNDER TWO IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA

happy family at the beach
Lovely couple in bed

COUPLES COMMUNICATION THERAPY

Understand Each Other’s Needs.

Feeling unseen by your partner triggers a fight-or-flight response. At the core of our human experience is the fundamental NEED to be truly understood.

Schedule a time to connect for free and see how couples communication counseling can help you both feel heard.

BOOK A CONSULT FOR COMMUNICATION THERAPY

sweet couple looking at each other

We are more aware of each other’s needs and more open than ever.

– ENGAGED COUPLE IN LOS ANGELES, CA

Improve Communication With Couples Counseling & Simple Tools.

COUPLES COMMUNICATION THERAPY & COACHING

Make Hard Conversations Easier

You want to communicate without the fear of losing your partner or yourself. It’s tough to express yourself constructively when you’re in survival mode. Your defenses tear you apart.

Successful couples learn to express emotions and needs, rather than blame or shame.

Couples communication therapy will give you the TOOLS to navigate each other’s vulnerabilities with care, instead of bottling up feelings and exploding. Creating new patterns brings you closer much faster than just talking about the problems.

Couples Therapy Techniques

TAP THE METHOD TO LEARN ABOUT COMMUNICATING BETTER WITH YOUR PARTNER

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 HAD THE MOST MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION AFTER THE 1ST SESSION.”
– COUPLE WHO JUST MOVED IN TOGETHER IN AUSTIN, TX
Different
Communication Styles
Can Push You Apart.
The most impactful way to improve communication with your partner isn’t about saying more — it’s about listening better.

Reconnect with your partner.

BOOK A FREE 15-MIN CONSULT FOR COMMUNICATION THERAPY

BECOME BETTER LISTENERS

CREATE A SECURE COUPLEHOOD WITH COMMUNICATION THERAPY

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

Improve your communication no matter what your relationship looks like.

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

RESOLVE RESENTMENTS

“WE HAD THE MOST MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION AFTER THE 1ST SESSION.”

– COUPLE WHO JUST MOVED IN TOGETHER IN AUSTIN, TX

happy couple talking
Stop struggling with communication in your relationship...
(no matter how different your communication styles may be.)
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Secure Couplehood Resources

SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO FEEL SEEN, SAFE & SURE

DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT

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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.

Getting Started with Couples Communication Therapy

Couples communication therapy helps partners learn how to express themselves clearly, listen with empathy, and break out of negative cycles. The focus is on building emotional safety, understanding each other’s needs, and creating new patterns of connection, especially if every conversation turns into an argument or silence.

Couples communication therapy is a safe space to break out of stuck patterns, communicate more effectively, and reconnect emotionally. Unlike traditional therapy that may dwell on past issues, my approach teaches communication skills and secure partner habits to turn conflict into connection. Whether you’re fighting often, feeling distant, or just want to grow together, relationship therapy gives you the tools to become better partners.

You can see more about my background and approach here.

Many individuals experience communication struggles because of underlying factors such as past emotional experiences, unlearned communication skills, or fear of vulnerability. Personal habits, like assuming your partner understands your unspoken feelings, can also contribute. Often, stress, anxiety, or unresolved personal issues lead to miscommunication or avoidance, making it hard to express needs clearly. Working on self-awareness and engaging in guided exercises can help uncover these patterns and pave the way for healthier interactions.

Absolutely. Therapy offers a structured and supportive environment to explore communication challenges. A trained therapist can guide couples through exercises to build empathy, improve active listening, and identify recurring negative patterns. Therapeutic methods, like cognitive-behavioral techniques or the Gottman Method help partners develop skills that promote open and respectful dialogue, ultimately reducing conflict and building a stronger connection.

That’s very common, and it’s something communication therapy is designed to help with. You’ll learn how to understand and adapt to each other’s needs, whether one of you shuts down and the other escalates, or one values logic while the other leads with emotion. The goal is to create shared understanding, not sameness.

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.

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.

Stonewalling occurs when one partner withdraws from a conversation or refuses to engage during a conflict. This behavior often manifests as silence, avoidance of eye contact, or disengagement, making it difficult for the other partner to resolve the issue. Stonewalling is typically a defense mechanism used to prevent further emotional discomfort, but it can also lead to feelings of rejection and increased tension over time.

To get the most out of couples communication 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 for Communication

Yes, couples can overcome communication issues with commitment and the right strategies. Through mutual effort, learning active listening, and understanding each other’s emotional triggers, couples can break negative cycles. Techniques such as practicing empathy, clarifying misunderstandings, and setting aside regular time to discuss feelings can lead to meaningful improvements. Professional help, including couples therapy, often provides the structure and tools needed to facilitate this change. I can help guide an empowering process to evaluate your strengths and challenges as a couple and come up with the best plan of action to support your goals. You can book a quick consultation here, and take the 1st step toward a deeper understanding & an action plan.

Yes. Therapy can absolutely help if you’re constantly fighting or avoiding each other. In fact, that’s one of the most common reasons couples seek support. Whether it feels like every conversation turns into an argument or you’re walking on eggshells to keep the peace, communication therapy helps you understand the deeper patterns driving those reactions. You’ll learn how to de-escalate tension, express your needs clearly, and rebuild emotional safety so you can talk without shutting down or blowing up. Even couples who’ve felt stuck for years often begin to feel more connected and understood within just a few sessions.

Couples quickly start noticing signs like fewer blowups, more productive conversations, feeling more like a team, or simply understanding each other’s needs more clearly. You may still have challenges, but they won’t escalate as quickly, or linger as long. As your therapist, I’ll help track those shifts with you, celebrate wins, and adapt the approach as needed to keep the momentum going.

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.

Many couples start feeling more heard and hopeful after the very first session. Noticeable changes often happen within 3 to 5 sessions when both partners are engaged and practicing the tools between sessions.

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.

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.

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

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.

Couples communication therapy is a valuable resource that can help address underlying issues, improve communication, and rebuild trust. While therapy isn’t a magic solution, it provides tools and techniques to understand each partner’s perspective, resolve conflicts, and foster healthier interactions. In many cases, couples who actively participate in therapy report improved emotional intimacy and a renewed sense of partnership.

The goal is to empower both partners to navigate challenges together rather than simply “fixing” the relationship overnight. 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 Communication Therapy Fit

Some common signs that you may need help with communication include feeling misunderstood, repeating the same arguments, avoiding important conversations, or feeling like you’re not being heard or respected. If one or both of you shuts down during conflict, gets defensive, or feels emotionally disconnected after trying to talk things through, these are clear signals that your communication patterns may be working against you. You don’t have to wait for a major blow-up. Iif everyday conversations feel tense, confusing, or unproductive, couples communication therapy can help you build new skills, create emotional safety, and actually enjoy talking again.

Unhealthy communication is often characterized by negative patterns such as:

  • Criticism and Contempt: Constantly attacking or belittling your partner.
  • Defensiveness: Responding to feedback with excuses or counterattacks instead of listening.
  • Stonewalling: Withdrawing from discussions or shutting down.
  • Passive Aggression: Indirectly expressing anger instead of openly discussing issues.

These behaviors can create a cycle of resentment and misunderstanding, eroding trust and emotional intimacy over time.

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.

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.

Even couples who consider their relationship healthy can benefit from therapy. Proactive sessions can help maintain effective communication, prevent minor issues from escalating, and enhance understanding. Therapy isn’t solely for when problems arise—it can be a preventive measure to ensure that both partners continue to grow together, learn new skills, and stay connected over time.. 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.