Marriage Counseling/Couples Therapy

Do you have repetitive arguments with your partner or spouse?  Is there a lack of affection or sex? Is cheating or anger eating away at your relationship?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, don’t wait any longer. Since 2002, I’ve helped many couples work through difficult and challenging times to have a more fulfilling and loving relationship.

I help couples in several ways. Perhaps first and foremost, I teach them how to listen better and communicate more clearly and effectively. One of the techniques I use is called a ‘reflective listening exercise’, which couples therapists have been using for many years with great effectiveness.

I also teach couples how to argue constructively and fight fairly, and how to turn conflicts into solutions. Since all couples argue at some point, this is a valuable skill to learn. One of the things I stress in counseling is shifting the focus away from the “courtroom” style of arguing many couples use in which they try to prove that “I’m right and you’re wrong”.  Instead, I teach couples to seek to understand each other better — which often includes a basic understanding of male-female differences — as the key to connection.

I’ll also explore the effect couples’ early experiences with their parents and other significant figures may have on the types of attractions and conflicts that arise in their adult relationships. This insight is often very helpful in identifying negative and longstanding patterns couples may not be aware of.

I often give “homework assignments” to couples so they can practice what’s discussed in our sessions. This is an important part of the therapy process because it reinforces new solutions to old patterns.

To set up a couples counseling appointment or for more information about how I can help, please call 202.588.1288 or email me at david@dctalktherapy.com.