Couples Counseling Bethesda
Couples Counseling in Bethesda, MD
Every relationship encounters its own set of challenges, leading to moments where partners may feel stuck. The concept of “happily ever after” often diverges from reality, as even the most harmonious couples navigate difficulties that test their connection.
For those grappling with issues like communication breakdowns, lack of intimacy, frequent disputes, or a sense of drifting apart, Couples Counseling in Bethesda stands as a pillar of support. Our Bethesda therapists are devoted to cultivating relationships anchored in love, trust, and mutual respect.
At the Counseling Center of Bethesda, our therapists are experts in pinpointing and tackling the difficulties of relationships, catering to a range of relationships, including dating, married, or co-parenting couples. By applying effective strategies such as the Gottman Method and Imago Therapy, we customize our support to meet your specific needs, while creating an environment conducive to open communication and understanding.
Should you wish to enrich your relationship, we warmly invite you to reach out to us to learn more.
Call to speak to someone now for an appointment
To speak to a therapist,
request an appointment below
What is Couples Counseling?
Couples counseling in Bethesda is recognized as the leading psychological intervention for navigating relationship challenges. It features private sessions led by experts, offering you and your partner the chance to strengthen your bond, understand each other better, and tackle tough issues for a more fulfilling relationship.
View your relationship as a dynamic system.
Consider your partnership as a unique system or culture, co-created by your joint efforts. In couples counseling Bethesda, we’ll assist you in identifying the type of relationship culture you aspire to cultivate and guide you through the process of building it.
Beyond just arguments.
It’s a common misconception that couples counseling is solely about resolving conflicts in front of a therapist. However, it’s much more than that. Yes, expressing intense emotions is part of the process, but our role is to facilitate these discussions in a respectful, managed environment, ensuring sensitive matters are handled with care.
Addressing difficult truths.
Facing issues like violence, anger, substance misuse, or infidelity requires courage and transparency. Couples counseling Bethesda provides a safe space to confront these challenges head-on, allowing for genuine healing and growth within the relationship.
Inclusive support for every relationship.
Our counseling services embrace all forms of partnerships, including second marriages, same-sex couples, long-term commitments not formalized by marriage, and blended families, offering the tailored support and guidance every relationship deserves.
Commitment is key.
Engaging in couples therapy demands dedication and openness from both partners to address what’s not working. This level of commitment lays the groundwork for significant and enduring improvements in your relationship.
No matter if you’re looking to overcome difficulties or elevate your relationship to a new level, Couples Counseling Bethesda is here to support you. Our therapists utilize diverse therapeutic techniques, such as the Gottman Method, Imago Relationship Therapy, and Discernment Counseling, to provide the strategies and tools necessary for a lasting, positive transformation in your relationship.
For any questions or to begin your journey with us, feel free to reach out today!
Meet Our Couples Counseling Therapists in Bethesda
Sarah Gammoh, Clinical Graduate Intern
Sarah is currently pursuing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University and is working as a clinical graduate intern under Victoria Mwongela, MSc., MDiv., LCPC/LPC at CCG. ...
Sapna Singh, LMSW
Sapna (she/her) is a Dialectical Behavior Therapist and licensed social worker in DC, MD, and VA currently taking new clients virtually. Before graduating with her Masters from Columbia University, Sapna ...
Pauliann Long, LCSW-C
Pauliann is a heart-centered, integrative clinical practitioner dedicated to helping people navigate major life transitions and crises; cultivate more ease, joy, and balance in their everyday lives; develop an ever-deeper ...
Oxana Holtmann – Clinical Graduate Intern
Oxana has a deep interest in working with individuals and couples who feel stuck and searching for a new purpose and meaning in their relationships and work. Indications may include ...
Matt Korbon, LGPC
Matt serves clients of all ages and backgrounds and is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in the State of Maryland. Matt weaves together various treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ...
Mary Carlough, LCSW-C
Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with over 25 years of clinical experience. Mary works with clients struggling with life cycle transitions, work/life balance, relationship issues, separation/divorce, mood ...
Marjorie Kreppel, LCPC, Founder
Marjorie founded the Counseling Center Group in 2015 after years of academic study, gold-standard training, and experience in private practice, hospital settings, and clinical research initiatives. She has developed an ...
Daniel McNulty, LMSW
Daniel McNulty, LMSW, is passionate about helping people alleviate suffering to find meaning and purpose in their lives. His clinical interests include working with couples, adults, and adolescents who struggle ...
Beth Haytmanek, LCPC
Beth has a client-centered/humanistic approach with a focus on a strong therapeutic relationship and genuine empathy for her clients. Beth utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); emotional awareness and tolerance; and is ...
Aleenia Nakamura, LMSW
I have always wanted to see people live the life they want. Since 2015, I have worked in the mental health field specifically in clinical practice, case management, and crisis ...
How We Approach Couples Counseling Bethesda
Couples Counseling in Bethesda applies a wide array of therapeutic techniques and strategies designed to improve relationship dynamics, enhance communication, and deepen emotional connections between partners. Here’s a brief overview of some key approaches we utilize:
- Gottman Method: Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method is based on the Sound Relationship House Theory, focusing on fostering mutual respect, admiration, understanding conflicts, and creating shared values and meanings in the relationship.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT is a short-term therapy that concentrates on adult attachment and bonding. It helps couples understand and respond to each other’s emotional needs, aiming to build a stronger, more secure bond.
- Imago Relationship Therapy: This approach explores how adult relationship issues are linked to childhood experiences, promoting healing and growth through effective communication and empathetic listening to resolve deep-rooted conflicts.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): In the context of couples counseling, CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that lead to relationship problems. It fosters positive interactions and equips couples with problem-solving skills.
At Couples Counseling Bethesda, we tailor these therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs and goals of each couple, leveraging our therapists’ expertise to navigate and overcome relationship challenges effectively.
Considering Couples Counseling?
Many hold the misconception that Couples Counseling Bethesda is only for those in dire straits, but that’s not true. Counseling can serve as a tool for enhancing your partnership, deepening intimacy, and discovering new happiness together. No partnership is without its flaws, and embracing the imperfections—recognizing that even a messy relationship can be filled with love and joy—is crucial.
If you or your partner are experiencing any of the following challenges, considering couples counseling is a wise choice:
- Persistent disagreements and miscommunications
- Struggles with maintaining excitement
- Issues of infidelity or trust
- Difficulties with intimacy
- Feelings of being misunderstood or disconnected
- Conflicting life goals and values
- Financial Stress
- Navigating significant life alterations
- Parenting conflicts
- Feeling undervalued or disrespected
- Experiencing any form of abuse
- Coping with loss or trauma
- Dealing with addiction or substance misuse
- And many other concerns
Seeking therapy reflects strength and a deep commitment to nurturing your relationship. Should these issues mirror your current situation, Couples Counseling Bethesda might offer the support you need.
The Advantages of Engaging in Couples Therapy
Engaging in couples counseling in Bethesda offers numerous advantages for all types of couples seeking to strengthen their relationships. Couples Counseling provides a safe environment for open communication, enhances problem-solving skills, and deepens emotional connections.
Whether dealing with communication breakdowns, trust issues, or major life transitions, couples counseling Bethesda provides the tools and support necessary to tackle these problems effectively.
At the Counseling Center of Bethesda, where many skilled therapists are available, couples of all backgrounds can find tailored support that significantly enhances their relationship dynamics and overall satisfaction.
Couples Counseling FAQ's
A typical couples counseling session usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the therapist’s recommendation. This duration allows enough time for both partners to explore their issues thoroughly and work on communication and resolution strategies under the guidance of the therapist.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions.
Yes, couples counseling can be beneficial regardless of your marital status. This type of therapy is designed to help any committed partners strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. Whether you’re dating, engaged, living together, or in a long-term partnership, couples counseling provides tools and insights that can foster a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
Yes, even if only one of you feels the need for counseling, both partners can still benefit from attending couples counseling. It’s not uncommon for one partner to be initially hesitant. In such cases, it might be helpful for the interested partner to start with individual sessions first. This can ease into the process, allowing time to address personal concerns before moving into joint sessions where both partners participate.
It’s perfectly okay to attend couples counseling early in a relationship. Many couples find it beneficial to start therapy proactively to build a strong foundation, improve communication skills, and address any potential issues before they become more challenging. Early counseling can set a positive tone for the relationship, helping partners develop healthy habits and understandings from the start.
Schedule an Appointment for Couples Counseling in Bethesda, MD
Ready to transform your relationship?
Contact the Counseling Center of Bethesda today to begin a journey toward better understanding and stronger bonds.
