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.

Essential Questions to Ask in Couples Therapy: Starting 2025 with Connection and Clarity

As a psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy, I’ve seen how asking the right questions can transform relationships. Whether you’re considering starting therapy or are ready to embark on your first session, this is the perfect time to reflect, reconnect, and prioritize your relationship goals.

2025 is here—a fresh start to strengthen your bond, improve communication, and create a thriving partnership. But what questions should you and your partner explore to make the most of couples therapy? Let’s dive in.

Why Asking Questions Matters in Couples Therapy

Couples therapy isn’t just about addressing problems—it’s about understanding your partner on a deeper level and building tools to navigate life together. Asking intentional, thoughtful questions can help:

Uncover underlying concerns or unmet needs.
Clarify shared goals for your relationship.
Improve communication and empathy.
Set the stage for meaningful progress in therapy.

"The most powerful tool in a relationship is curiosity. When you stay curious about your partner, you create a foundation of understanding and intimacy." — Lisa Chen

To make these conversations even more impactful, we often use Gottman couples therapy worksheets and Gottman Method exercises, which help couples identify their patterns, values, and goals.

Essential Questions to Explore Together

Here are some questions to guide your journey in couples therapy:

1. What brought us to therapy, and what do we hope to achieve?

This question helps you clarify your shared purpose. Are you working on communication, rebuilding trust, or navigating a major life transition?

"Therapy works best when couples know what they want to achieve—whether it’s better communication or simply feeling like a team again." — Lisa Chen

2. What do we value most in our relationship?

Identifying your core values as a couple reminds you of your strengths and shared priorities. Gottman worksheets for couples PDF downloads often include exercises to help partners reflect on shared values.

3. How can we better support each other’s individual growth?

Healthy relationships balance togetherness with personal autonomy. Explore ways to encourage each other’s goals and passions.

"When partners support each other’s personal growth, they’re investing in the relationship itself. Growth and love go hand in hand." — Lisa Chen

4. What are our patterns during conflict, and how can we improve them?

Reflecting on how you typically handle disagreements helps pinpoint areas for growth. Tools like John Gottman worksheets provide structured exercises to improve conflict resolution.

5. What are three things we love about our relationship right now?

Acknowledging the positives reminds you of what’s working and strengthens your bond. Activities like Gottman Method worksheets can help uncover and celebrate these moments.

"No matter the challenges, every couple has strengths worth celebrating. Therapy is about building on those strengths." — Lisa Chen

A Real-Life Example

Let’s take a couple I worked with, Alex and Taylor (names changed for privacy). They came to therapy feeling stuck, unsure of how to move forward after years of small, unresolved conflicts.

In our first session, I asked: “What do you want your relationship to look like a year from now?”

Alex responded, “I want us to communicate better without arguing.” Taylor added, “I just want to feel like we’re on the same team again.”

"Sometimes, the simple act of envisioning your ideal relationship can spark meaningful change. It reminds couples of what they’re striving for." — Lisa Chen

This simple question uncovered their shared goal of emotional connection, and it became the foundation of our work together. By revisiting this goal and using Gottman activities throughout therapy, they made intentional choices to rebuild their partnership.

Why the Start of the Year is the Perfect Time

The New Year offers a natural opportunity to reset and realign. Many couples use this time to:

Reflect on the past year—what worked, what didn’t.
Set intentions for the future.
Commit to healthier habits, both individually and as a couple.

"A New Year is more than a fresh start—it’s a chance to recommit to your partner and your shared vision for the future." — Lisa Chen

Tips for Making the Most of Couples Therapy

Stay Curious: Approach therapy with an open mind and a willingness to explore new perspectives.
Be Honest: Share your feelings authentically, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Therapy is a journey—small steps lead to meaningful change.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge the moments when you feel closer or more aligned.

Using tools like Gottman couples therapy exercises and worksheets for couples PDF downloads can make these steps easier to navigate and implement in your daily life.

"Therapy isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, trying, and growing together as partners." — Lisa Chen

Your Relationship Goals for 2025

To help you reflect and prepare for couples therapy, I’ve created a free downloadable worksheet: "Your 2025 Relationship Goals: Questions for Couples to Explore."

Download Now

This worksheet includes space to answer the questions above and features insights inspired by Gottman Method worksheets and Gottman activities. Start setting clear, actionable goals for the year ahead.

Ready to Strengthen Your Relationship?

At Lisa Chen & Associates, we specialize in helping couples reconnect, rebuild trust, and create lasting bonds. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to deepen your connection, our experienced therapists are here to guide you.

Contact us today to schedule your first session, in-person in Hermosa Beach or virtually anywhere in California. Let’s make 2025 the year you prioritize your relationship.