What if the secret to a thriving marriage wasn’t about fixing problems, but about preventing them in the first place? That’s exactly the philosophy Kerry Washington and her husband, former NFL star Nnamdi Asomugha, live by. The “Scandal” star recently shared that they turned to couples therapy not when things were tough, but as a proactive measure to strengthen their bond.
A Proactive Approach to Partnership
Speaking on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with Alex Cooper, Washington revealed, “We started couples therapy before anything was wrong… kind of preventatively.” She explained that this approach helps them build a strong foundation for communication, especially since her husband was newer to therapy than she was. “We were like, ‘We should just start having these conversations so that if something does get hard, we already have a culture of knowing how to talk about stuff.’”
This strategy is all about fostering a healthy relationship dynamic. By regularly discussing their feelings and learning each other’s perspectives, they ensure they have the tools to navigate future challenges together. It’s like a regular check-up for their marriage, keeping it in top shape.
More Than Just a Meeting: Therapy as a Joyful Ritual
Washington doesn’t just see therapy as a tool; she genuinely enjoys it! She described her sessions with Asomugha as “the best part of my week,” likening them to a mix of a logistics meeting, a party, and a date. This positive framing makes a potentially daunting activity something to look forward to.
A key element of their sessions is starting with appreciation. “We start every session with something that the other person did well. Like something that we appreciate about the other person,” she shared. This simple practice sets a positive tone and highlights the good in their relationship.
So often the thing he shares with me that he appreciated—or the thing I share with him—it’s not something I would’ve guessed. It’s something that to me was small, but to him it meant a lot. — Kerry Washington
This practice of sharing unexpected appreciations helps them “learn how to love each other better.” It reveals how small gestures can have a significant impact and deepens their understanding of each other’s needs and feelings. It’s a beautiful way to continuously discover new facets of your partner.
A Private Partnership in the Public Eye
Washington and Asomugha, who married in 2013, have intentionally kept their relationship private despite their high-profile careers. They have two children together, and Washington is also a stepmother. This commitment to privacy allows them to nurture their partnership away from the glare of the spotlight.
As Washington told People Magazine in 2024, “I think just from the very beginning, Nnamdi and I have been really protective of our partnership and our relationship, because we wanted it to belong to us, and we found that we were able to define and create a relationship for ourselves and with each other outside of the public eye.”
Their dedication to protecting their private life while openly embracing tools like preventative therapy offers a unique model for modern relationships. It shows that strong partnerships are built on consistent effort, open communication, and a shared commitment to growth.
What are your thoughts on preventative couples therapy? Do you think it’s a valuable tool for maintaining a strong relationship? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
