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Kerry Washington shares why early therapy strengthened her relationship


kerry washington wearing fendi arrives at the 54th annual naacp
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Kerry Washington at the Hollywood Reporter's Women In Entertainment Gala held at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, USA on December 7, 2023.

Kerry Washington shares a surprise

Ever wonder what really keeps a marriage strong after years together? Kerry Washington recently opened up about her relationship, and her approach feels both simple and eye opening for couples at any stage in life, no matter where they are.

She shared that she and her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, chose couples therapy before facing any serious problems. That early decision helped them build trust, understand each other deeply, and create a strong emotional foundation from the very beginning.

kerry washington arrives at the 55th annual naacp image awards

Kerry Washington chose early effort

Kerry Washington didn’t wait for conflict to take action in her marriage. She believed that putting in effort early could prevent issues from growing later, and that idea shaped how she and her husband approached their relationship from the start.

By starting therapy early, they created a space where both felt heard and respected. It gave them tools to manage emotions, handle disagreements calmly, and grow as partners, instead of reacting only when something felt wrong or overwhelming later.

A couple in love against a sunset sky, holding hands.

Kerry Washington on lasting love

After more than a decade together, Kerry Washington says marriage is still a learning experience. She often shares that her husband continues to teach her new things, which keeps their relationship active, meaningful, and full of growth even after many years.

She believes lasting love is not about perfection but about effort and understanding. Through regular conversations and shared experiences, they continue to discover new ways to support each other, making their bond stronger with time instead of letting it fade.

Unrecognizable black couple making up after fight on therapy session

Starting before problems arise

It may seem unusual to begin therapy when everything feels fine, but that was exactly their goal. They wanted to build healthy habits early, so they could face future challenges with confidence instead of confusion or frustration later.

This approach allowed them to understand each other’s communication styles and emotional needs. When difficult moments come up, they already have tools in place that help them respond with care instead of reacting in ways that could hurt the relationship.

cropped view of woman embracing another woman during therapy meeting

Communication takes real practice

Clear communication doesn’t just happen naturally, it takes effort and consistency. Through therapy, the couple worked on expressing their thoughts honestly while also learning how to listen without interrupting or making quick judgments during important conversations together.

These skills helped them avoid misunderstandings that can grow over time. By practicing open dialogue, they created a relationship where both partners feel safe sharing feelings, which makes everyday interactions smoother and strengthens their emotional connection in lasting ways.

People holding hands and sitting together.

A simple weekly habit matters

One of the most meaningful parts of their therapy routine is how they begin each session. They take time to share something they appreciate about each other, setting a positive and thoughtful tone before discussing anything else together.

This habit may seem small, but it creates a big emotional impact. It reminds them to notice the good in each other regularly, helping them stay connected and grateful, even during busy or stressful times in their daily lives together.

kerry washington wearing fendi arrives at the 54th annual naacp

Small actions can mean more

Kerry Washington noticed something surprising during their sessions. The things her husband appreciated were often small actions she didn’t think twice about, showing her how even simple gestures can carry deep meaning in a relationship over time.

That realization changed how she approached everyday moments. She became more mindful of how her actions might affect her partner, and it helped her focus on doing thoughtful things that strengthen their bond in quiet but powerful ways.

A couple in love watching a sunset over the Hudson.

Understanding each other deeply

Every person experiences love in a different way, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Therapy helped them understand each other’s needs more clearly, making it easier to show care in ways that truly matter to the other person.

Once they gained that understanding, their connection became more meaningful. They could respond to each other with intention, instead of guessing, which reduced frustration and created a stronger sense of emotional support between them over time.

Little-known fact: Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha married in a private Idaho ceremony in 2013, which helps explain why they have kept their family life so guarded over the years.

Silhouette of romantic couple at sunset.

Love is something you practice

Kerry Washington believes love is not just a feeling, it’s something you actively practice every day. Small actions, kind words, and thoughtful gestures all play a role in keeping a relationship strong and full of life.

Therapy helped them turn this idea into daily habits. By showing appreciation, staying present, and making time for each other, they built a relationship that feels steady and supportive, even when life becomes busy or challenging.

Fun fact: Washington said couples therapy has become one of her favorite parts of the week, while People noted that each session starts with the couple sharing something they appreciate about each other.

Couple holding hands at sea sunset.

Protecting their private world

Even though they live in the public eye, Kerry and Nnamdi choose to keep their personal life mostly private. They believe some parts of their relationship are too important to share with the outside world.

This decision helps them focus on what truly matters. Without outside opinions or pressure, they can grow together naturally, building trust and understanding in a way that feels authentic and meaningful for both of them.

Kerry Washington at An Unforgettable Evening 2026 benefitting the Women's Cancer Research

Growth never really stops

After 13 years of marriage, the couple still believes in growing together. Kerry Washington often says she continues to learn from her husband, which keeps their relationship feeling fresh and full of new experiences over time.

Instead of becoming comfortable and staying the same, they stay curious about each other. That curiosity helps them adapt, improve, and strengthen their connection, making their bond deeper as the years go by.

A vertical shot of a couple walking on the street.

Changing how people see therapy

For many years, therapy was seen as something only needed during serious problems. Kerry Washington’s story is helping shift that view, showing that it can also be a positive step for maintaining a healthy relationship.

More people are starting to see therapy as a tool for growth, not just repair. It offers guidance, encourages communication, and helps couples build stronger connections before issues have a chance to develop into something more difficult.

Love a little romantic chaos on screen? Discover these unforgettable sitcom love triangles that kept everyone guessing.

Man and woman holding hands closeup

A simple idea anyone can try

You don’t need to be famous to learn from this approach. Taking time to talk openly and appreciate your partner can make a big difference in how a relationship grows over time.

Simple habits like regular check-ins or expressing gratitude can strengthen emotional bonds. What do you think about starting something like this in your own relationship, and how might it change the way you connect every day?

Curious how another star is putting people first behind the scenes. Explore Olivia Rodrigo’s thoughtful move on tour.

Want a relationship that keeps growing over time, or do you think love should just come naturally? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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