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Couples therapy & marriage counseling in Manhattan Beach

Hello, I'm Dr. Jené Verchick, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 26 years of experience working with couples throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles.

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If your relationship feels stuck — the same fights, the growing distance, the sense that you're going through the motions — you're not alone. Most couples wait too long to get help. The fact that you're here means you're ready for something to change.

How I Work With Couples

I'm not a passive therapist. I don't sit quietly while you rehash the same argument you've been having at home.

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In session, I step in. I'll slow things down when a conversation starts going sideways, point out the pattern you're both stuck in, and coach you through a different way of responding to each other — right there in real time.

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Most couples can describe what's wrong. What they can't do is change the dynamic while it's happening. That's what I help with, and it's what my clients say makes the biggest difference.

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If you've tried couples therapy before and it felt like expensive venting, this approach will feel very different.

What Brings South Bay Couples to Therapy

I work with couples across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and the broader South Bay. The specifics vary, but the patterns are familiar:

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• Repeating the same argument without resolution

• Feeling more like roommates than partners

• One person pulling away while the other chases

• Rebuilding after infidelity or a serious betrayal

• Navigating a major life change — new baby, career shift, retirement

• Wanting to strengthen a good relationship before cracks deepen
   

Whatever brought you here, the work is the same: change how you interact so the relationship actually moves forward.

Premarital Counseling

I also work with couples before marriage. Premarital counseling is the work of having the conversations most couples wait too long to have, including money, family, kids, conflict, and how to recover from the harder moments. The patterns you build before marriage are the patterns you live with after. If you are engaged or seriously considering marriage, learn more about premarital counseling.​

26+ Years of Experience

I've spent over two decades working with couples. The consistent thing I've learned: couples make faster progress when the therapist is active, direct, and willing to step into the conversation — not just observe it.

What Clients Say

We came in thinking we had a communication problem—but Dr. Verchick helped us realize it was about feeling heard and valued."

I used to leave conversations with my husband feeling more alone than before we started talking. Dr. Verchick created a safe space for both of us to share honestly, without judgment or blame. She helped us slow down, listen with empathy, and really see each other again. I never imagined therapy could bring so much clarity and connection.

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"Infidelity shattered everything I thought I knew about our relationship. I didn’t know if healing was even possible."

When we first started therapy, I was full of anger, grief, and doubt. Dr. Verchick met us with such compassion and strength. She didn’t rush the process—she guided us step by step through the hurt, the rebuilding of trust, and eventually, forgiveness. I still can't believe how far we’ve come. I feel hopeful again. That’s something I never thought I’d say.

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"After years of feeling like roommates, we finally found our way back to being partners."

We had grown so distant, buried under work, schedules, and silence. I worried we had waited too long. But Dr. Verchick helped us uncover the patterns we were stuck in—and replace them with something so much better. Her approach was thoughtful and empowering. We laugh more, we talk more, and I feel like I have my best friend back.

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"Blending our families was harder than we expected, and we were struggling to stay connected through all the stress."

We both brought kids, past relationships, and baggage into our marriage. It was overwhelming. Dr. Verchick helped us untangle it all—without shame or blame. She taught us how to set boundaries, support each other, and create a strong foundation that included everyone. We’re not perfect, but we’re solid now—and we’re in this together.

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Frequently asked questions about couples therapy in Manhattan Beach

What approach do you use in couples therapy?

I take an active, direct approach. When I see a pattern happening between you, I name it and help you respond differently in real time. I draw on more than 26 years of clinical experience and integrate evidence-based techniques rather than following a single therapeutic framework.

 

Do you work with couples across the South Bay?

Yes. I work with couples across the South Bay, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, and El Segundo. The video format makes it easy to fit therapy around family schedules, school pickups, and demanding work hours.

 

What happens in the first session?

I meet with both of you together. I want to hear what brought you in, what has been happening in the relationship, and what you are hoping to change. I also start working with you right away. You will not leave the first session feeling like all we did was fill out paperwork.

 

How long does couples therapy with you typically take?

It depends on the couple. Some couples see meaningful shifts within a few sessions. Others work with me for several months, especially when there is a betrayal to repair or years of accumulated resentment to undo. I do not use a fixed program.

 

Can you start with just one partner?

Yes. I am happy to begin with one partner if the other is not yet ready. Often, when one person starts the work, the dynamic at home begins to shift, and the more reluctant partner becomes curious enough to join.

 

Do you work with same-sex couples and unmarried couples?

Yes. The work is the same regardless of who is in the relationship or whether you are married. What matters is that you are both committed to engaging honestly.

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What is the difference between couples therapy and marriage counseling?

Functionally, nothing. Couples therapy and marriage counseling describe the same work. I use both terms because people search for both, but the therapy itself is identical whether you are married, engaged, or in a long-term relationship.

 

How is couples therapy via video different from in-person?

For most couples, the work is the same. The therapeutic relationship still develops, the patterns still show up in session, and I can still intervene in real time. The practical differences are no commute, more flexibility for evening or weekend sessions, and complete privacy.