How do I know if Lisa Chen & Associates is the right fit for me?

We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. It's a chance to get to know us, understand our approach, and see if we align with your needs. The purpose of an initial consultation is to determine if you are a good fit for working together. You can expect a 15-20 minute conversation where you will have the opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach and personality.

Our fees range from $180 to $350 per 50-minute session based on the clinician's experience, specialized training, and services provided. Lisa Chen's fees are $350 per 50-minute session for both individual and couples counseling. Licensed Client Session fees are $200 for individual and $225 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. Associate Clinician fees are $180 for individual and $200 for couples counseling per 50-minute session. We also reserve spots for clients requesting a sliding-scale rate to accommodate financial needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Lisa Chen & Associates are out-of-network providers. We provide monthly insurance statements ('Superbills') for you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company according to your policy. For questions about your out-of-network benefits, please contact your insurance carrier before scheduling.

What is your cancellation policy?

Weekly clients are allowed 3 free cancellations every 6 months, and bi-weekly clients are allowed 2 free cancellations every 6 months, beginning from the date of your first session. You will be responsible for payment for your normally scheduled session time for all cancelled appointments beyond this. Please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. You may always choose to reschedule and/or take sessions virtually to accommodate occasional scheduling conflicts.

How often should I expect to meet?

We recommend weekly therapy sessions for optimal progress. However, there are times when clients prefer to meet twice a week for more complex challenges. During your initial phone consultation, let us know if you are interested in more frequent sessions.

Are you offering in-person sessions?

Yes, we are seeing clients in our South Bay office located at 2615 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 322, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. We also offer telehealth sessions for California residents.

How do I get started with counseling?

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation by calling our office or submitting the contact form on our website. This allows us to understand your needs and match you with the best therapist for your situation. From there, we'll work with you to schedule ongoing sessions.

Quality Time Starved? How to Nurture Closeness as a Busy Couple

In the whirlwind of life's demands, it's easy for couples to drift apart and lose that deep sense of connection they once shared. Work obligations, raising children, household responsibilities, and countless other factors can slowly chip away at quality time together. Over time, this emotional disconnect can breed feelings of loneliness, resentment, and even contempt within a relationship. A couple, once close, might feel the distance. The good news is, with some dedicated effort and the right guidance from an experienced couples therapist, that lost intimacy can be rekindled.

"A common issue I see in my practice is couples who feel they've become more like roommates than romantic partners. The spark has faded, and they're just going through the motions day-to-day," notes Lisa Chen, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Hermosa Beach. "When this disconnection sets in, it's crucial to be proactive and make your relationship a priority before the emotional divide becomes too wide to bridge."

The Importance of Quality Time

Numerous studies highlight the vital role that quality time plays in relationship satisfaction. A 2016 study from the University of Toronto found that engaging in leisure activities together was the greatest predictor of relationship quality, above and beyond sexual intimacy. This togetherness facilitates bonding, creates shared experiences, and nurtures the sense of being part of a tightly knit team.

My 3 Tips for Reconnecting

So, how can couples actively work to reconnect? I offer the following 3 expert tips:

1) Date Nights & Staycations

Schedule regular date nights or weekends away without kids to be fully present with each other. Put away screens and disconnect from technology so you can truly tune into your partner. Take up a new hobby or activity you both enjoy, like cooking classes or hiking. And don't forget the little things - leave surprise notes, send a flirty text during the day, or draw a bath for some sensual relaxation when your partner gets home.

My favorite and popular suggestion is to stay at a nearby hotel, order room service, and reconnect. It is a novel experience for partners to enjoy, and I believe the novelty allows the partners to learn and experience something different about each other.

2) The Power of Healthy Communication

Of course, quality time is just one piece of the puzzle. Healthy communication is also vital for overcoming a relationship rut.

"Couples get stuck in negative patterns where they stop really listening to each other and resort to criticism or defensiveness," explains Lisa. "Through research-backed communication tools like the Gottman Method, I help couples break through those barriers and start truly hearing each other's needs."

3) An Emotional Intimacy Exercise: 2 Minute Daily Bookends

Emotional intimacy can be built daily. I recommend that my couples start and end the day with the following exercise. In the morning, give a 7-second kiss or hug before you start your day. Also, take turns sharing three positive things you appreciate about your partner each night before bed.

These small, intentional acts of contemplating your partner's positive qualities can drastically improve your emotional connection over time.

When Professional Help is Needed

While making efforts on your own is valuable, sometimes the disconnect runs too deep or conflict patterns are too entrenched. This is when seeking professional help from a couples therapist becomes crucial.

If you've tried various strategies to reconnect but still feel stuck in that emotional rut, it's time to consider working with a therapist. An experienced couples counselor can provide objective guidance, help you build crucial relationship skills, and get to the root of underlying issues fueling that disconnect

Looking for the Best Couples Therapist Near Me?

For couples in the Hermosa Beach area looking to find that spark again, Lisa Chen & Associates offer individualized counseling tailored to each relationship's unique needs and challenges. Our clinicians combine evidence-based techniques like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman Method with a warm, insights-oriented approach to help partners improve communication, rebuild trust and intimacy, and rediscover their profound connection.

Take that first step toward reviving intimacy and closeness by booking an appointment with Lisa Chen & Associates today. The path to a stronger, more fulfilling relationship awaits.

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