Strengthen your relationship without having to explain or defend who you are. Get practical, research-based couples therapy for LGBTQ+ partners who want to communicate more openly, repair hurts, deepen intimacy, and build a relationship that works for both of you.
Create a secure connection.
Re-awaken your feelings of aliveness and have fun together again with counseling services for queer couples or relationship coaching with flexible scheduling and weekend appointments available.
After 18 years of marriage myself & two decades of counseling couples, I’ve seen what works. Creating a relationship you love requires you to become a team against the defenses.
Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals — executives, entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, attorneys, and physicians — balancing demanding careers with marriage and family life.
If you are ready to stop feeling disconnected in your relationship… then book your free 15- minute introductory call now.
“Debbie & her coaching saved our marriage! We have had so much going on these past few months, I’m not sure if we would have made it out still together if it weren’t for her help. The support has helped us communicate, listen, and react so much better to each other!”
– COUPLE ON THE BRINK OF DIVORCE IN CA
After over 30,000 counseling sessions with clients, I know that couples need simple tools to change old habits. Get the skills to become better partners with expert guidance.
Schedule a time to connect for free and see how couples counseling in California, Texas relationship therapy, or Florida counseling can help you heal the resentment in your relationship, and get back to creating enthusiasm for the future.
The fighting cycles ended.
We now feel safe to share anything with each other.
You used to feel that rush of excitement when you saw each other, but now you feel more like roommates.
Resolve resentments and bring back the spark that brought you together in the first place. Through a combination of premarital therapy, queer marriage counseling, relationship therapy for gay & lesbian couples, coaching, homework and a proven framework, I help couples create a secure partnership where they can grow closer.
Don’t let the stress of life get in the way of the most impactful thing in your life – your relationship! Hit the RESET button and reinvest in your partnership with a relationship expert.
Reconnect with your partner.
Married. Engaged. Dating. Committed. Straight. Bi. Gay. Neurodivergent. Polyamorous.
“WE HAVE HAD MORE AWARENESS & CHANGE FROM THIS PROCESS & TOOLS
THAN ANY OTHER THERAPY WE’VE EVER DONE.”
– COUPLE MARRIED FOR 20 YEARS
(without years of therapy or rehashing the past.)
DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT
LGBTQ+ couples therapy is a form of couples therapy and relationship counseling designed to help LGBTQ+ couples strengthen communication, resolve relationship conflicts, increase emotional intimacy, and build a healthier relationship. It can also address unique relationship challenges connected to sexual orientation, gender identity, family members, social stigma, minority stress, and other experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. You can see client success stories, reviews and results here.
Couples therapy can help with communication issues, relationship patterns, trust, emotional connection, physical intimacy, intimacy issues, life transitions, relationship conflicts, and other relationship challenges. Therapy can also help partners improve communication, learn new skills, better understand each other, and create positive changes in the relationship.
You might consider gay and lesbian relationship counseling if you notice recurring patterns of conflict, communication breakdowns, emotional distancing, or unresolved issues that lead to ongoing distress. Other signs include feelings of disconnection, a lack of intimacy, or when attempts at resolving issues on your own have not been successful. Counseling can help provide clarity, facilitate better understanding, and develop strategies to address these challenges. Before relationship problems become bigger, watch for these 4 often-overlooked signs that it may be time for marriage help.
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.
Many relationship issues are similar across LGBTQ+ couples and heterosexual couples, but gay couples, lesbian couples, same sex couples, and other queer relationships may also face unique challenges. These can include minority stress, social stigma, family pressures, gender roles, sexual orientation concerns, gender identity questions, or experiences within the queer community. An LGBTQ+ affirming couples therapist can address those factors without assuming they are the cause of every relationship problem.
Yes. Relationship 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.
For gay couples struggling with relationship issues, professionals such as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) specializing in couples therapy are typically the best choices. These marriage therapist experts are trained specifically to navigate relationship dynamics and provide strategies for improving communication and resolving conflicts. It’s advisable to review a counselor’s credentials, experience, and therapeutic approach to ensure they are a good fit for your unique situation.
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 marriage 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.
LGBTQ+ couples may seek guidance when communication has become difficult, emotional intimacy has declined, relationship conflicts keep repeating, physical intimacy feels strained, trust has been damaged, or major life transitions are creating stress. You do not have to wait until the relationship is in crisis for therapy to help.Couples’ success stories, reviews and results can be found here.
Getting started is simple. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can talk about what’s been coming up in your relationship, your goals, and whether we’re a good fit. If it feels right, we’ll schedule your first session and begin working on the specific tools and insights that can help you reconnect, communicate better, and feel like teammates again. Book your free consultation here and let’s take the first step together.
The duration of relationship counseling can depend on the specific challenges a couple faces. Many couples see progress within 10 to 12 sessions; however, some relationships may benefit from a shorter, more intensive approach, while others might require several months of ongoing therapy. 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.
Most marriage therapy sessions are 50 minutes long. This time frame allows us to dive into meaningful conversations, identify key patterns, and give you clear action steps without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. After 20+ years of working with couples, I’ve found that 50 minutes strikes the perfect balance between insight and implementation.
Ultimately, the length is determined by the goals of counseling and the pace at which both partners work through their issues. We’ll tailor the pace to fit your relationship, goals, and schedule. To see what’s possible with couples therapy, check out the couples’ success stories here.
Relationship therapy and coaching sessions range from $175 to $350, depending on the service, session length, and individual circumstances. The best way to understand the options available to you, the recommended service, and the exact rate is to schedule a consultation.
Because relationship therapy is often not considered medically necessary by insurance companies, coverage varies significantly. The best way to understand what may be possible in your situation is to schedule a 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.
In your first marriage 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.
Therapy sessions typically focus on your current relationship, relationship dynamics, communication patterns, relationship conflicts, and the goals you want to work toward together. Your couples therapist may help you identify unhelpful relationship patterns, practice communication skills, navigate conflict, and develop a treatment plan based on your relationship needs and goals.
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.
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:
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.
A marriage counselor’s role is not to tell you whether to stay or leave, but to help you gain clarity, communicate more effectively, and understand the deeper dynamics in your relationship. In some cases, therapy may reveal that separation is the healthiest option for one or both partners, but that decision always belongs to you.
A skilled therapist supports both individuals in making empowered, informed choices, whether that’s rebuilding connection or parting with compassion and respect. Therapy is a space for exploring possibilities, not being pressured in one direction.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to get clarity and support tailored to your relationship goals.
Yes. LGBTQ+ couples therapy can help partners strengthen emotional intimacy, improve physical intimacy, talk more openly about sexual health and intimacy, and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s needs. Therapy sessions may also focus on expressing emotions, improving communication skills, and creating greater intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
You can see more about my background and approach here.
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. Marriage 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.
Yes! I offer evening and weekend appointments, including Saturdays and Sundays to fit into your full lives. Whether you’re juggling demanding careers, parenting duties, or both, my flexible schedule is designed to meet couples where they are, so getting support doesn’t feel like just another task.
Many couples have unpredictable schedules, and therapy can still work for you. I offer flexible virtual sessions, including evenings and weekends, to fit your life as it changes. You don’t need to lock into the same time every week. Clients have access to a client portal and can request appointments, schedule and reschedule on their own as needed.
I see couples online through a HIPAA-secure video call platform for relationship therapy in California, Texas and Florida. Couples can join from their phone, tablet or computer, even from separate locations when necessary. I do see clients worldwide for relationship coaching virtually as well.
99% of the couples that I work with report that they have seen significant improvement in their relationship communication and connection. Marriage 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:
See what’s possible with marriage therapy, and read about the couples’ success stories here.
The most effective marriage 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. Marriage 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.
Yes, online 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.
For busy couples seeking marriage counseling Miami, online sessions can make it easier to meet around work, parenting, and travel. Couples looking for marriage counseling San Francisco may appreciate being able to connect without navigating long commutes or coordinating trips across the Bay Area. I also provide marriage counseling in Austin for couples who want practical, relationship-focused support from the convenience of home.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation if you want to talk more about working together.
It is a very natural and common for couples to be on the fence about therapy. It’s heartfelt, honest, and reflects the exact state many people are in when they start considering support.
You might be wondering…
If you’re not sure whether your relationship can be saved, you’re not alone. Many couples find themselves at this exact crossroads, wondering: Is this just a rough season… or the beginning of the end? The truth is, you don’t have to have it all figured out to take a meaningful first step.
Therapy can give you the space to pause, reflect, and get unstuck. My approach focuses on helping you figure out what’s not working, whether the core connection is still there, and what needs to shift, without pressure to “fix” everything overnight. Sometimes just one session helps couples feel more hopeful. Other times, it helps clarify next steps, even if that means moving in different directions with respect and care.
If you’re both even a little bit open to exploring what’s possible, that’s enough to begin. You don’t have to know the outcome, just whether it’s worth one real, honest conversation. I offer a free 15-minute consultation if you want to feel it out together.
Yes. Gay couples counseling, gay couples therapy, and couples counseling for lesbian couples can help partners address relationship issues, improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and increase relationship satisfaction. Gay and lesbian couples may also use therapy to work through unique relationship challenges related to family, identity, minority stress, or social stigma.
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 marriage therapy.
Saving a marriage generally involves a combination of open communication, mutual commitment, and sometimes professional help. Practical steps include addressing unresolved issues, working on communication skills, and setting aside dedicated time to reconnect with one another. Many couples find that engaging in marriage counseling helps them develop new strategies to manage conflict, rebuild trust, and create a shared vision for the future. Every relationship is unique, so tailored strategies that reflect both partners’ needs are essential.
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.
No. LGBTQ+ couples counseling can be helpful whether you are experiencing serious relationship conflicts or simply want to build a stronger, healthier relationship. Some LGBTQ+ couples seek guidance around communication, intimacy, life transitions, relationship satisfaction, or preventive relationship therapy before problems become more difficult.
Couples counseling tends to be most effective when both partners participate because relationship issues typically involve interactions between the two individuals. That said, individual sessions can be a helpful start if one partner is reluctant or if personal insights are needed. 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.
Yes. Relationship patterns often become automatic over time. Couples therapy can help you recognize those patterns, understand what is happening underneath them, and practice new skills that create a more supportive emotional connection. The goal is to help couples navigate difficult moments differently rather than repeating the same relationship conflicts. See what’s possible with marriage therapy, and read about the couples’ success stories here.
