5 Calming Places in Los Angeles, CA to Process & Debrief Your Couples Therapy Session
As a couples therapist in Los Angeles, CA, one thing I always emphasize with the partners I work with is that the real work of therapy doesn’t end when the session does. Couples therapy is a process—a journey—and to truly experience growth and transformation as a couple, you need continuity between sessions. That’s why I always give homework. Not just to check a box, but to help bridge the gap between what’s discussed in the therapy room and what’s lived out in the real world.
One of the most important staple assignments I give to every couple is something simple but powerful: the after-session debrief.
This is an intentional conversation that takes place after your therapy session, where the two of you talk about what came up. It’s a time to unpack what each of you said, reflect on what I (as your therapist) said, explore insights or emotions that surfaced, and sit with the takeaways you want to carry forward. It doesn’t have to be long or formal. In fact, the more natural and comfortable you make it, the better.
And that brings me to the next part—where and how you debrief matters.
I often help couples identify their best debriefing environment. The goal is to find (or create) a space that feels emotionally safe, soothing, and conducive to meaningful conversation. Whether it’s in the comfort of your home or out in nature, the setting you choose can significantly impact the quality of your dialogue and connection. Here are five calming places and ideas for where and how to process your couples therapy session together:
1. A Designated “Connection Corner” at Home
Sometimes, the best place to process is right in your own home—but with intention.
I often encourage couples to create a designated “connection corner.” This could be a cozy nook in your living room, a special spot on the patio, or even a corner of the bedroom set aside for meaningful talks. Add a candle, soft lighting, a couple of throw pillows, or a favorite blanket. The goal is to make it inviting and emotionally grounding.
By physically going to this space after each session, your nervous system begins to associate that spot with calm, connection, and reflection. It becomes a ritual—just the act of sitting down there signals to both of you: “This is our time to tune into each other.”
2. A Scenic Walk Together (Nature as a Co-Therapist)
Taking a walk after your session, especially somewhere scenic—can do wonders.
Walking side-by-side (rather than face-to-face) can ease tension and create a more open, non-confrontational energy. Add to that the calming effects of nature—trees rustling, birds singing, the movement of your body—and you’ve got the perfect environment for grounded, open-hearted conversation.
Here are some specific places to try:
A quiet hiking trail
A tree-lined neighborhood loop
A beachside boardwalk
A large city park with natural features
Even a 20-minute stroll can provide the mental spaciousness you need to reflect on the session, share feelings, and reset together.
3. A Coffee Shop with a Cozy Vibe
If you’re a couple that thrives in a social setting, a calm, quiet coffee shop might be your ideal debrief space. There’s something grounding about sipping a warm drink, sitting across from your partner, and talking through the emotional material that came up.
Look for:
A coffee shop with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere
Spots with outdoor seating if you prefer fresh air
Cafés with a no-rush vibe, where lingering is welcomed
This option works well for couples who find it easier to reflect in a structured environment, or who want to mentally “bookend” the session before heading back into the day’s demands.
4. In the Car—Parked and Present
Sometimes, the simplest option is one of the most effective.
If you’re driving to couples counseling together, take 10–15 minutes to debrief right there in the car before heading home. Park somewhere with a nice view, turn off the engine, put away your phones, and just sit together. The car becomes a temporary “container” for your thoughts and emotions—a neutral zone where you can decompress without interruption.
This is especially helpful if you have kids at home or a busy house where uninterrupted conversations are rare.
Tip: Keep a small notebook in the glove box to jot down reflections or insights you want to remember for next time.
5. Cooking a Meal Together
This might not sound like an obvious place for a therapy debrief, but hear me out.
Cooking can be a wonderfully grounding, co-regulating activity. It gets your hands moving, engages your senses, and requires teamwork. As you chop, stir, and taste together, there’s an opportunity for gentle, meaningful conversation.
You don’t have to jump straight into deep analysis. It can start with a simple: “How did that feel for you today?” or “What stood out to you from what [therapist’s name] said?”
By pairing connection with a comforting activity, you’re creating a sensory-rich ritual that associates processing with nourishment—both physical and emotional.
Final Thoughts: Turning the Debrief Into a Relationship Ritual
Couples therapy is a brave, intentional act of togetherness—and that togetherness shouldn’t stop when you walk out of the therapy office. In fact, the real opportunity for transformation happens in between sessions, in the daily ways you show up for each other.
Debriefing after your session is about more than just talking through the content—it’s about creating a habit of connection. When you commit to processing together in calming, intentional ways, you’re reinforcing a new relationship rhythm—one that values vulnerability, reflection, and shared emotional space.
Start with one of the debrief locations above and see how it feels. Over time, this simple act of pausing together may become one of the most grounding rituals in your relationship—a thread of connection that carries you from one therapy session to the next, and far beyond.
Connection doesn’t just happen in therapy—it’s built, nurtured, and sustained in the spaces in between.
Couples Therapy in LA Can Help You Reconnect
At Illuminative Self-Care Therapy, I support couples in not only understanding each other more deeply during sessions but also in creating rituals of connection outside of them. These moments become the glue that holds your growth together.
Here’s how to get started:
Contact me for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your goals as a couple.
Explore our blogs for more insights into couples counseling.
Pick one of the debrief spots mentioned above and plan a time to talk after your next session—even 15 minutes can help you both feel more grounded and heard.
Other Services I Offer in Los Angeles, CA, and Nevada
In addition to couples therapy, I provide individual therapy to support personal growth and self-discovery, and family therapy to improve relationships and communication within families. Whatever your needs, I’m here to help. Explore more here.
