Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling in Washington DC & Maryland

You’ve been having the same argument for years, and at this point, you’re all out of ideas on how to make things better. Your relationship is in a place you never thought it would be—and you feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to rebuild connection.

Imagine waking up tomorrow to a partnership where you feel supported, understood, and deeply valued. Imagine transforming recurring conflicts into opportunities to grow closer instead of being driven apart. Envision a bond where your partner truly “gets” you, gives you the benefit of the doubt, and has your back through every challenge.

A connected, resilient relationship is possible. With over 15 years of experience, our licensed marriage and family therapists help couples across Washington DC and Maryland break negative communication loops, heal past hurts, and rebuild lasting trust.

Evidence-Based Marriage & Relationship Counseling

Our therapists are expertly trained in leading, research-backed couples therapy models. We custom-tailor each treatment plan to meet the unique dynamics of your relationship. Our clinical expertise includes:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Discernment Counseling
  Discernment Counseling

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  Discernment counseling is a way for couples to look at their options before making a final decision about divorce. It is most appropriate for couples where one partner wants to preserve and repair the relationship and the other is leaning towards ending it. Research shows that this kind of “mixed agenda” is common among couples approaching divorce, and there is a dearth of special services for them. It’s also a common (and difficult) presentation in couples counseling. Discernment counseling differs from regular marriage counseling in three ways: a) the goal is not to solve problems in the relationship, but to figure out whether the problems can be solved; b) the process involves mainly individual conversations with each partner, since they each have different needs and agendas, and c) it is always short term.
  

  
  

  What Can Couples Expect to Gain from Discernment Counseling?

  
  

  
  
  • Clarity and confidence about next steps for their relationship
  
  
  • A deeper understanding of what has happened to their relationship and each person’s contributions to the problems
  
  

  
  

  What Does Discernment Counseling Involve?

  
  The counseling focuses on three paths: ending the relationship via separation or divorce, carving out a six-month period of time to for an all-out effort in couples counseling (and sometimes other services) to preserve the marriage/relationship, or staying the course and deciding later. The sessions involve mostly individual conversations with the discernment counselor, along with sharing about what each partner is learning in these conversations. The counselor respects the reasons for ending the relationship while opening up the possibility of restoring the relationship to health.
  
  The counselor helps both partners see their individual contributions to the problems and the possible solutions. Understanding one’s own contributions to the problems can be important to the success of future relationships even if this one ends.
  
  Discernment counseling is considered successful when people have clarity and confidence in their decision, and when they more fully understand what’s happened to their relationship.
  

  How Many Sessions are There?

  
  Discernment counseling can be as brief as one session and as long as five sessions. You decide each time whether to come back for a subsequent session. The sessions are usually 1.5 – 2 hours.
  
  Discernment counseling is NOT suitable when:
  

  
  
  • One partner has made a final decision to end the relationship and only wants counseling to encourage the other spouse accept that decision
  
  
  • One partner is coercing the other to participate via threats of any kind
  
  
  • There is a danger of domestic violence
  
  
  • When there is an Order of Protection from a court.
  
  

  
  Sourced from www.discernmentcounseling.com
• Prepare/Enrich Relationship Program
  Prepare/Enrich Relationship Program

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  PREPARE/ENRICH leads the way in helping couples explore and strengthen their relationships. The main component of the program is an online survey you each complete in about 30-45 minutes. PREPARE/ENRICH is not just any survey. The items you respond to are based on research and are intended to help you identify the unique strengths and potential growth areas of your premarital or married relationship. You'll meet with a facilitator trained to provide feedback by helping you understand your results and learn important relationship skills. Built on a solid research foundation, PREPARE/ENRICH has been improved and refined over the years to become one of the best, most effective, easy-to-use relationship assessment tools available.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping)

Convenient Virtual Couples Therapy

We provide flexible, secure online couples therapy across Washington DC and Maryland. Virtual sessions make it easy for busy partners to join together seamlessly, even from separate office or home locations.

Take the first step toward a stronger relationship today. Contact Laurel Fay & Associates to schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of our licensed therapists.

Schedule an Appointment | Call or Text 301-563-9520 |