Couples Therapy

“We will have many relationships over the course of our lives. Some of us will have them with the same person.”

- Ester Perel

Sex, communication frustrations, recurring arguments, value clashes, infidelity, secrets - or just an overall sense of distance and “Is this it?”
These are all valid reasons couples turn to therapy.

Together, we’ll unpack both your strengths and your challenges as a couple. We’ll explore who you are as individuals sharing a relational space, and revisit your current dance - to make way for a new one, whether that’s together or apart.

I’ll hold a safe, bold, and judgment-free space where you can bring your full self - fears, longings, shadows, and desires. From this place, we’ll work in the here-and-now, using what arises between us as a living microcosm of your relational patterns. You’ll reconnect in new, unfiltered ways - with greater safety, honesty, and courage. I’ll help you meet in the truth, so you can move and grow, both as individuals and as a couple.

My style is bold and direct. I will block your exits so that, together, we can improve the way you relate to yourself and each other - whether you stay together or not.

Initial session

We begin with a 90-minute intake session, where we get to “feel” the chemistry between us - because research shows the relationship with the therapist is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy.

By the end of that session, I’ll reflect your dynamic as I see it (both strengths and challenges), offer a roadmap for working together, and share some initial practices you can start applying right away.

From there, it’s your decision whether to continue. You take full ownership of your process and growth.

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If you choose to continue

Our work together is grounded in these principles:

• Therapy should end. My goal is to make myself obsolete. I want to give you real tools, not just insights, so you can handle challenges together without needing me in the long run. Not every couple needs therapy, but every couple needs tools.

• Knowledge is power. I’ll teach you effective and practical tools, concepts, and frameworks I’ve tested in my own marriage. I’ll often recommend videos and articles so you can apply what you've learned in real-life.

• Change happens between sessions. I’ll measure you by your feet, not your mouth - by what you actually do between sessions, not just what you say during them. I’ll challenge you to apply the work in real time, and hold you accountable to your own growth.

• You lead the pace. You determine the frequency of our meetings (in consultation with me). At the end of every session, I’ll ask when you want to meet next. That way, you take ownership over the process.

• We don’t go backward. My job isn’t to keep you together at all costs or help you return to how things used to be. I’m here to help each of you grow into your next evolution — and prepare for your next marriage, hopefully with the same partner. 

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About Me

I’m Dr. Assael Romanelli. I have a Ph.D. in Social Work, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey, certified couple and family therapist and supervisor, and the creator of the Ninja Therapy approach - a bold, experiential, research-driven clinical approach I teach and train internationally.

Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked with hundreds of couples from around the world, helping them deepen connection, rebuild trust, and create lasting change. I also supervise and mentor fellow therapists and consult with professionals seeking to expand their relational toolbox.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m the author of the Hebrew book Feel Free Together and published over 80 articles in my Psychology Today blog The Other Side of Relationships. My videos and articles on intimacy and communication have reached over 2 million people worldwide.

Logistics

Sessions take place online via Zoom, offering you flexibility and comfort from wherever you are. I meet with couples:
Sunday through Thursday, between 8:30 AM and 6:15 PM EST,
and Fridays 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM EST.

Couples sessions are typically 90 minutes, though 60-minute sessions are also available depending on your needs.
The fee is $220 per hour (330$ for 90 minutes).

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey and work as an out-of-network provider. If you have out-of-network benefits, I’m happy to provide a superbill (an itemized receipt you can submit to insurance for potential reimbursement).

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If this feels like the right fit, you can fill out the form below or reach out directly to book your first 90-minute session.