Couples Therapy

Every intimate relationship experiences periods of tension, miscommunication, or emotional distance. When life stressors, career demands, parenting challenges, or unresolved personal baggage accumulate, couples can easily fall into frustrating cycles of misunderstanding and mutual defensiveness.

Rita Balakhane, LMFT, provides thoughtful, non-judgmental couples therapy in Beverly Hills and online throughout California. With more than 22 years of licensed experience, Rita helps couples move beyond circular arguments and toward deeper emotional intimacy, mutual understanding, and constructive partnership.

Who I Work With

I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties, communication problems, separation, or divorce. They often want to improve communication, understand relationship patterns, heal from past experiences, make thoughtful decisions, and move forward in a healthier way.

I help clients develop healthy communication and deeper, more meaningful connections with themselves and others. I support them in understanding themselves, identifying and expressing their needs, navigating relationships, and developing healthy, constructive ways to address and resolve conflicts. Ultimately, I want my clients to feel more connected, understood, and fulfilled in their relationships and in their lives.

Approach

In couples therapy, the relationship itself is the client. Rather than taking sides, Rita creates a balanced, compassionate environment where both partners can safely express vulnerability and identify their authentic needs:

• Gottman Method Principles: Identifying destructive communication habits (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, stonewalling) and replacing them with affection, respect, and mutual attunement.
• Attachment-Focused Therapy: Understanding how each partner’s childhood background and attachment style influence their emotional reactions and needs for connection or autonomy.
• Psychodynamic Insight: Uncovering how past relationships, family-of-origin patterns, and unspoken expectations shape present dynamics.
• Pragmatic Communication Tools: Practicing active listening, emotional de-escalation, and collaborative problem-solving for daily conflicts.

Common Issues

Couples seek therapy at many different stages of their relationship journey:

• Improving Daily Communication: Moving from reactive arguments to productive, respectful dialogue.
• Navigating Parenting Stress: Aligning on parenting philosophies, discipline styles, and dividing household responsibilities.
• Rebuilding Connection: Restoring emotional closeness, affection, and shared laughter after years of feeling like roommates.
• Managing Major Transitions: Adjusting to marriage, welcoming a child, career moves, or caring for aging parents.
• Navigating Separation or Divorce: When a relationship is ending, therapy provides compassionate guidance to separate amicably, preserve mutual dignity, and protect children’s well-being.

Sessions & Fees

• Session Length: 45 to 50 minutes, typically held weekly.
• Fee: $280 per session.
• Availability: In person in Beverly Hills or West Los Angeles, or online via secure video telehealth across California.

Getting Started

Investing in your relationship is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. Reach out today to discuss availability and schedule your first couples session.