Kerry Washington Opens Up About Marriage Maintenance Through Therapy
In a rare departure from her fiercely guarded privacy, acclaimed actress Kerry Washington has revealed the secret ingredient that has fortified her 13-year marriage to former NFL star Nnamdi Asomugha. The Scandal and Django Unchained star, known for keeping her personal life thoroughly shielded from public view, disclosed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine that couples therapy has been instrumental in strengthening their relationship.
A Private Couple's Public Revelation
Washington and Asomugha have maintained an exceptionally private marriage since their 2013 wedding, avoiding social media posts about their relationship, giving virtually no joint interviews, and making minimal red-carpet appearances together. A search through Getty Images yields barely three pages of photographs featuring the couple collectively, with similarly scarce images on their individual social media accounts.
"I love it. I'm obsessed with couples therapy," Washington enthusiastically told PEOPLE during the Los Angeles premiere of her new psychological thriller series, Imperfect Women. "We just put it all out there and do the work."
The Therapeutic Approach to Relationship Maintenance
Contrary to assumptions that their private marriage must be perpetually harmonious, Washington emphasized that therapy provides a crucial space for addressing their relationship dynamics. According to mental health professionals at Advanced Psychiatry Associates, couples therapy offers numerous benefits including improved communication skills, creation of a safe emotional space, enhanced understanding and empathy, conflict resolution assistance, support through life challenges, and provision of a constructive sounding board.
While couples therapy often carries societal stigma suggesting relationship trouble, Washington's revelation normalizes therapeutic support as proactive relationship maintenance rather than reactive crisis management. The couple, who met in 2009 and married four years later, share two children: 11-year-old daughter Isabelle and 9-year-old son Caleb. Washington also serves as stepmother to Asomugha's teenage daughter from a previous relationship.
Washington's Recent Recognition and Personal Connections
The 49-year-old Emmy-winning actress recently attended the Women's Cancer Research Fund's Unforgettable Evening 2026 Gala, where she received the Courage Award. Accompanied by her mother, Valerie—a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2004—Washington's advocacy for cancer awareness stems from this personal experience. The event featured a surprise appearance by childhood friend Jennifer Lopez, who presented the award and shared nostalgic memories of their time together at the Boys and Girls Club in the Bronx.
"Kerry, you remind us that together, through sciences, support of survivors, and the relentless pursuit of answers, that real change is possible," Lopez stated during the emotional presentation, revealing that Washington had taught her to dance during their youth.
Redefining Relationship Health in the Public Eye
Washington's candid discussion about couples therapy challenges conventional celebrity relationship narratives that often emphasize perfection. By publicly acknowledging the value of therapeutic support, she contributes to destigmatizing mental health care within relationships. Her revelation underscores that even highly private couples benefit from professional guidance, offering a nuanced perspective on what sustains long-term partnerships in the demanding entertainment industry.
The actress's openness about this aspect of her marriage, while maintaining overall privacy, demonstrates a balanced approach to public disclosure—sharing what might help others while protecting the intimate details of her family life. This selective transparency reflects a growing trend among public figures who use their platforms to normalize mental health support while preserving personal boundaries.
