Restore love and connection in your relationship

Struggling with your partner can be draining and exhausting. Ready for a change?

Revitalize your relationship with a refreshingly modern approach on couples therapy

With compassion and lived experience, I guide couples from conflict back to loving connection. As a seasoned Hermosa Beach couples therapist, I specialize in unraveling the mystery of how relationships work. I break down resentment and antipathy, helping high-achieving couples feel understood by one another and heal from destructive patterns. Together, we navigate the complexities of your relationship, fostering communication and intimacy. Take the first step towards a thriving partnership by scheduling a session today.

Specialty Areas

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    Premarital Counseling

    Research demonstrates that couples who complete premarital counseling are 70% less likely to get divorced. Work through the big stuff with your partner.

  • Magnifying Glass of a Person symbolizing perfectionism and harsh inner critic

    Relationship Checkup

    Seek to better understand your partner’s wishes and relationship goals. Identify and address difficult or significant issues before conflict arises.

  • Image of clouds representing communication issues

    Communication Issues

    Often we find ourselves misunderstanding each other's intentions and emotions, which leads to unnecessary conflicts and hurts.

  • Image of disconnected puzzle pieces symbolizing emotional distance

    Intimacy

    There's a growing emotional distance between us, and we feel like we're living parallel lives rather than sharing our thoughts, feelings, and dreams.

  • Image of two figures in a tug of war

    High Conflict

    Your fights are intense and frequent, escalating quickly and difficult to resolve. Even the tiniest things are dynamite, triggering another argument and struggle to get over the conflict even when it is “over.”

  • Image of a broken key and lock symbolizing infidelity and affair

    Infidelity & Affair

    Healing from infidelity is possible, but it requires an emotional, spiritual, and mental determination to stubbornly recover into a fully-functional restored intimacy.

Welcome to my practice.

As a couples therapist in Hermosa Beach, I understand that all couples can experience difficulties in their relationships. Whether you are struggling with communication problems, conflicts, or feelings of disconnection, I am here to help.

By using EFT, I help couples understand and express their emotions healthily and effectively, resulting in a deeper level of emotional intimacy and connection. The Gottman Method helps couples identify negative patterns and replace them with positive communication and behaviors for a stronger foundation. DBT helps couples develop skills to regulate emotions and manage behaviors, resulting in a more harmonious relationship. 

I offer in-person Hermosa Beach couples therapy and telehealth couples therapy for California residents. If you are ready to take the first step towards improving your relationship, I would be honored to work with you.

Meet Our Relationship Therapists

  • Lisa Chen Hermosa Beach Relationship Therapy

    Lisa Chen, LMFT

    Executive Director & Relationship Therapist

  • Jessica Slavin Hermosa Beach Couples Therapist

    Jessica Slavin, AMFT

    Relationship Therapist

  • Emma Moore Couples Therapist Hermosa Beah

    Emma Moore, AMFT

    Relationship Therapist

FAQs about Couples Therapy

  • Couples therapy can be profoundly beneficial for any couple, irrespective of where they are in their relationship. If you find yourself feeling distant from your partner, overwhelmed by tension, or frequently engaging in conflicts, seeking the support of a skilled therapist could offer invaluable insights and pathways to healing.

    Life circumstances can often strain even the strongest of relationships. If changes in your lives are causing difficulties, whether it's a new job, a move, or any other significant shift, couples counseling can provide a space to navigate these challenges together.

    Taking that step to reach out for help demonstrates a commitment to the relationship and a desire to cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling connection.

    So, if you resonate with any of these feelings or situations in your relationship, know that you are not alone. Couples therapy or marriage therapy in Hermosa Beach can be a beacon of hope, guiding you and your partner toward a more harmonious and fulfilling partnership.

  • You are brave for taking this first vulnerable step towards Hermosa Beach couples therapy or finding a Hermosa Beach marriage therapist near me. That willingness to learn from and change with your partner speaks volumes about your commitment to each other.

    In our experience, yes: couples counseling can sometimes save a relationship. If both partners can be vulnerable, open, honest, and forgiving, some couples are able to piece their relationship back together for lasting change through Hermosa Beach couples therapy.

    However, the work isn't only in the therapist's office. You must apply what you learn about your relationship and partner at home. Healing and growth take diligent effort outside of sessions.

  • Couples therapy is rarely "too late," but there are situations where the challenges become increasingly difficult to overcome. If one or both partners have already emotionally checked out of the relationship and have no desire to rebuild the connection, therapy may have a limited impact. Unresolved issues of infidelity, substance abuse, or abusive behavior can also hinder progress if those root problems are not actively addressed. Additionally, if there is an unwavering lack of commitment, respect, or kindness between partners, the foundation for reconciliation may be too compromised. Ultimately, it comes down to the willingness of both individuals to authentically engage in the process of healing their bond. As long as that kernel of hope remains, pursuing counseling can be worthwhile.

  • Our therapists are trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and IFIO Couples Therapy. We tailor our approach to each client's unique needs and goals.

  • The duration of therapy can vary depending on the couple's specific concerns and goals. Some couples may find relief after a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. During the initial consultation, we'll discuss your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. Read more.

  • No, we accept most major insurance plans. Instead, we offer superbills to submit to your PPO insurance. We also offer self-pay options for those without insurance or who prefer not to use their coverage. We also offer limited sliding scale rate sessions.

  • During the first session, your therapist will gather information about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This will help them develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. The first session is also an opportunity for you to get to know your therapist and ensure a good fit.

  • To get started, simply contact our office 213-537-9672, email us at lisachentherapy@gmail.com or fill out the online appointment request form on our website. We'll schedule an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and determine the best course of action.

What People Are Saying

“As a marriage, we were at a point of no return, we thought. Couple therapy seemed our only chance to fix our marriage. It was not easy, there were many wounds to be healed, but Lisa knew how to help and gave us tools and methods to avoid repeating past mistakes

— Jason & Stacey

“Nothing matters more for our well-being than nurturing our close relationships. Thank you Lisa for teaching us how to better communicate. ”

— Anne & Liz

“Couples therapy wasn’t easy, and we had our reservations about coming into therapy. Fortunately, Lisa’s warmth, wisdom, and expert guidance set the stage to restore intimacy. It saved our relationship.”

— Steve & Crystal

Clinical research shows that 86% of couples improve after a brief period of EFT guidance, and 73% have maintained their improvements 2 years later.