One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned in Marriage & Family Therapy graduate school at USC was that the biggest factor in a client’s success isn’t the type of therapy, the technique, or the duration. It’s the strength of the therapeutic relationship.
Feeling seen, safe and supported gives us the freedom to take risks, and become more of who we truly are.
As a Couples Therapist & an Infant Mental Health Specialist, I know that the quality of our lives depends on the security in our relationships. I strategically apply my deep understanding of attachment to helping couples create a secure bond.
You won’t solve your relationship problems by focusing on what’s wrong or who’s at fault!
Over 30,000 counseling sessions has taught me that clients need practical steps to use in & out of sessions to get lasting results.
That’s why I created simple tools for couples to feel seen, safe and supported in just a few minutes a day. Don’t let the stress of life get in the way of the most impactful thing in your life – your relationship! Get back to creating shared goals and enthusiasm for the future.
Finding the right therapist
who gets both of us
made all the difference.
If you are ready to stop putting your relationship goals on hold, then book your free 15- minute introductory call now.
Therapy before felt like getting
temporary relief… but, now it’s
actually long term change!
My husband and I have experienced our share of ups and downs. We needed practical tools to use in the moment when we were triggered. Since I could not find this out there… I created them! Together, we actually led a couples group coaching program for 3 years, helping other couples with young kids grow closer.
Now, he’s the homemaker, gardener, chef, homeschool dad, animal caretaker, and comic relief for our family, while I focus on helping couples achieve the closeness they desire as well as have time to play & be pampered! We complement each other’s strengths, and bring out the best in each other.
I combine proven strategies and simple tools based on Attachment Theory, Neuroscience, The Gottman Method, EFT and Coaching to help couples achieve lasting change in just 6-12 sessions. Hit the RESET button and reinvest in your relationship with a couples expert.
– NEWLYWEDS RAISING A FAMILY & GROWING A BUSINESS
Married. Engaged. Dating. Committed. Straight. Bi. Gay. Neurodivergent. Polyamorous.
Improve your relationship no matter what it looks like.
“I am so happy with the results and owe an immense debt of gratitude to Debbie for quite literally saving our relationship.”
– COUPLE WITH TWO DEMANDING CAREERS & 2 KIDS
“WE STRUGGLED FOR YEARS IN THERAPY BEFORE WE FOUND DEBBIE. THIS PROCESS WAS SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE.”
– MARRIED COUPLE FOR 10 YEARS ON THE BRINK OF DIVORCE
“Every session has worth my time & investment. If you are ready to put in the work to change your life, Debbie is the person for you.”
(no matter how triggered either of you get).
DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT
A marriage and family therapist helps couples and families improve communication, navigate conflict, and build stronger emotional bonds. My role is to identify the patterns keeping you stuck and teach you new tools to feel more connected and supported in your relationship. Instead of just focusing on past problems, I guide you toward practical, research-backed strategies that help you resolve tension, express your needs more clearly, and feel like a team again. Whether you’re navigating big transitions or simply want to reconnect, therapy can help you build the foundation for a stronger, more secure partnership. You can see client success stories, reviews and results here.
I specialize in communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, parenting stress, high-conflict cycles, betrayal recovery, and navigating transitions like new parenthood or career changes. Common struggles include recurring arguments, feeling unseen or unsupported, parenting and career stress, or one person feeling like they’re carrying the emotional load alone. My approach helps couples stop repeating the same patterns and start creating real connection, so they can talk without fighting, listen without shutting down, and feel close again. If you would like to see some specific examples of how I help clients, grab the Connected Communication Toolkit here.
The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy, even more impactful than the specific method or approach used. In couples therapy, this bond is especially important because BOTH partners need to feel heard, respected, and emotionally safe. A strong therapeutic relationship helps create trust, reduces defensiveness, and allows for honest, vulnerable conversations that lead to meaningful change. When both partners feel that the therapist understands their dynamic without taking sides, it builds momentum and makes it easier to break old patterns and rebuild connection. Years of experience, couples expertise, specific specialties, and client reviews are helpful to research. Feel free to schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to see if I am a fit to help you reach your relationship goals.
Look for someone who is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in your state, and who has specific training and experience in working with couples. I’ve spent 20+ years helping couples build stronger, more secure relationships – with an approach that’s both research-based and deeply personalized. If you have more questions, we can talk it through during a free consultation to figure out the best next steps for your relationship.
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:
My style is warm, practical, and focused on helping both partners feel heard and respected without taking sides. I combine research-backed methods with a real-world, conversational approach that helps couples get to the heart of what’s going on and make meaningful shifts. I use strategies from Attachment Theory, the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and more, but the heart of my work is creating a safe, collaborative space where you can talk openly, lower defenses, and start working as a team again. You’ll leave each session with insight, clarity, and specific tools to use between sessions. Feel free to schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to see if I am a fit to help you reach your relationship goals.
I combine the most effective and research-backed methods from Attachment Theory, The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Imago Therapy, Psychobiological approaches, Narrative Therapy for Couples and relationship coaching. This blended framework allows me to tailor strategies to each couple’s unique dynamics. My goal is to provide actionable tools that you can communicate and connect better in and out of the therapy sessions.
I combine over 20 years of experience counseling couples with practical tools. My approach is rooted in attachment science and is action-oriented, efficient, and tailored for high-achieving, emotionally intelligent couples who don’t have time to waste. I don’t just listen. I help you talk differently, fight better, and reconnect faster. You’ll walk away from each session with clear takeaways, real-time communication tools, and new patterns that help you feel like a team again. You can learn more about me, my background and approach here.
Yes! Couples I work with receive custom homework between sessions because lasting change happens between the sessions, not just during them. You’ll get easy-to-use tools, reflection prompts, cheat sheets, and exercises designed to improve communication, deepen connection, and apply what we cover in real life. Assignments might include practicing listening skills, answering questions together, or planning intentional quality time. These tools are based on 20+ years of working with real couples and are tailored to your specific goals. They help you build momentum, stay engaged, and make meaningful progress every week. If you would like to see some sample couples therapy exercises, grab the Connected Communication Toolkit here.
Marriage and family therapy focuses on the relational dynamics between people, whether that’s romantic partners, family members, or even co-parents. Rather than treating one person in isolation, I look at how patterns, communication styles, and emotional responses play out between you. In contrast, individual therapy centers on your personal inner world and emotional processing. In couples work, we focus on the “space between”, where miscommunication, disconnection, and reactivity tend to happen so you can shift into healthier patterns together. The goal is to strengthen connection, improve teamwork, and create a more secure partnership.
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.
Couples therapy and couples coaching both aim to improve relationships, but they do so in different in a few ways. Couples therapy is led by licensed mental health professionals and focuses on healing emotional wounds, resolving past trauma, and addressing deeper psychological patterns. It often includes exploring past experiences, attachment styles, and mental health concerns that affect your dynamic.
Couples coaching, on the other hand, is more future-focused and action-oriented. Coaches help you set relationship goals, improve communication, and create positive habits that bring you closer. Coaching focuses on skills, accountability, and forward momentum.
Not sure which one is right for you? Start with a free 15-minute consultation to get clarity and support tailored to your relationship goals.
Yes, I offer family therapy sessions, especially with young adults and their parents. These conversations often help bridge generational gaps, improve communication, and strengthen trust. Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges, launching into adulthood, or trying to repair strained dynamics, we’ll create a space where everyone feels heard and understood. I also can provide support to the whole family particularly with young children as I have a specialty in early childhood mental health and development.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation if you want to talk more about working together.
Yes. Couples therapy isn’t just about staying together, it’s about gaining clarity. If you’re unsure whether to work through issues or part ways, therapy creates a supportive space to explore your options. You’ll understand the dynamics more clearly, have honest conversations, and make decisions with less blame and more insight no matter what path you choose. 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.
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.
Not at all. You don’t need a ring or a marriage certificate to work on your relationship. I see dating couples, engaged partners, newlyweds, and long-term spouses alike. If you want to improve your connection, prevent future problems, or simply learn how to support each other better, you’re in the right place. 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.
The most effective couples therapy combines emotional safety with actionable tools rooted in evidence-based models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or the Gottman Method. These frameworks help couples improve communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. Therapists use structured sessions, homework assignments, and interactive exercises to engage both partners. The success of any approach also depends on the therapist’s skill and the couple’s willingness to actively participate in the therapeutic process.
Absolutely. My practice affirms all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures. I create a safe, respectful space where LGBTQ+ couples can explore challenges without fear of judgment. Therapy is tailored to support your unique dynamic and the strengths you already bring. 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.
Marriage and family therapy supports couples at all stages of their relationship, not just when things feel hard. Many partners come to therapy to strengthen their connection, improve communication, or navigate big transitions like moving in together, starting a family, or managing career stress. It can be a proactive way to build emotional safety and stay connected through change. Couples often find that beginning therapy before challenges build up helps them grow closer and create better habits for the long term. If you want to make sure that I am the best fit to help you with your relationship, start with a free 15-minute consultation to get a feel for the process.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Texas & Florida.
Relationship Coaching available worldwide.
Get actionable steps to communicate
effectively and bring out the best in each other.