Couples Counseling Therapists in Bethesda, MD
See all therapists in Bethesda
Sharilyn Wiskup Hafkin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, EdS, LPC, CGP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I most enjoy working with adults and
couples
.
I believe that everyone deserves therapy and an objective ear. No problem is too big or too small. I see it as part of my job to help you understand the way you think and feel so that you can have more meaningful relationships with those closest to you. Together, we'll make sense of the things in your life that are troubling you, and explore ways to cope in order to help you feel less overwhelmed.

Noha Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
The focus of my work is on helping individuals and
couples
navigate stressors and develop healthier relationships with themselves and the people in their lives. I aim to provide a supportive therapeutic
relationship
in which we can openly explore how your experiences and thoughts impact your personal and relational wellbeing. Through developing a deeper understanding of self, we can achieve greater self-acceptance, increased confidence, and more fulfilling relationships. I am fluent in both English and Arabic and I welcome the opportunity to work with clients in either language.

Ilana Bar-Levav
MD
Verified
Verified
I see people individually, as
couples
& in family groups.
Dealing with difficult life situations is harder when decision-making is clouded by emotions that make us feel stuck or act in ways that lead to unwanted outcomes. By learning to think clearer and to safely express emotions, you will discover healthier ways to respond. I work with people whose blocked feelings cause physical and/or emotional pain. I help
couples
who are caught in problematic relationships develop clearer boundaries. I encourage self care and help you challenge what gets in your own way. I also have expertise in helping ailing people facing end of life issues and welcome those who need/want to explore these concerns.
Not accepting new clients

Gillian Brooke Karp
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Many of us keep our distress to ourselves, believing that seeking help is a sign of weakness or skeptical that we can trust a stranger. I offer a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive space to explore your concerns. Together we can begin to understand and improve your outlook and mood, whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, dissatisfying
relationship
dynamics, parenting issues or stress.
Bethesda, MD 20814
Not accepting new clients

Global Psychotherapy Center of Bethesda
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified
Verified
We are a team of professionals with clinical expertise who love working together to provide the appropriate treatment in a compassionate, therapeutic environment. We provide services to the international community. Our goal is to provide high-quality psychotherapy and counseling treatment to individuals,
couples
, and families. We focus on helping our clients find their inner resources to be able to make changes in their lives in a healthy and meaningful way.
Not accepting new clients

Marcia C Tindall
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
What brought you to this site? Perhaps you are distressed about a
relationship
or something from the past. Maybe you feel stuck in certain ways of behaving. Or do you long to set aside time to gain clarity about your life, who you want to be in this journey? Sometimes we know exactly where we are going, how we want to get there, who is going with us. At other times we feel lost, in need of new maps or less baggage, or a better connection to our traveling companions.

Ethlynne Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed therapist in the state of Maryland and a graduate from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. I have worked in the field of mental health for over 11 years and I am committed to helping individuals overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, relationships, and boundaries. My goal is to collaboratively work together to gain new perspectives by exploring core beliefs and the meaning behind actions. It is my intention to provide a nurturing and authentic
relationship
that promotes improved mental health and personal growth. I look forward to being part of your journey!

HigherChange LLC with Dr. Thomas Luttrell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LCMFT
Verified
Verified
I work primarily with
couples
and individuals who struggle with emotional, sexual or spiritual intimacy due to addiction, fear or shame.
If you are struggling with your
relationship
, past hurts, or sexuality, you need someone with advanced experience. HigherChange is led by myself, Dr. Luttrell. I started working as a therapist in 2008 and have a PhD in Marital and Family Therapy. I am licensed for independent, clinical practice in marriage and family therapy in California (LMFT 111604) and Maryland (LCMFT, LCM754). I'm a Maryland-approved MFT supervisor and an associate professor of counseling at a local university. I have training and experience with scientific, evidence-based practices. I've been happily married for over 15 years, and we have 2 young boys.

Stephanie Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Life can be really challenging, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed with difficult emotional experiences, stuck in cycles of self judgment, shame and self doubt, or struggling with anxiety, depression, or
relationship
issues. But change is possible, and I am here to help you make the change you're looking for! I care deeply about supporting my clients as they learn more about themselves and the root of the symptoms they are experiencing, helping them heal from emotional wounds and traumas, better their relationships, and learn how to live more fully in the present!
Waitlist for new clients

TogetherWell Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
At TogetherWell, we provide individual and
couples
therapy for adults and specialize in prenatal, postpartum, and maternal mental health.
Becoming a parent is HARD. The journey to parenthood is one in which many of us struggle with feelings related to loss of control. Expectations of this time period often differ from reality, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, grief, guilt, and frustration. The therapists at TogetherWell are here so you don’t have to manage the challenges alone. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are very treatable, and our team is dedicated to working with you to accomplish your goals so that you can feel better quickly and have the prenatal and postpartum experience you so deserve.

Phillip A Reynolds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Recently voted "Reader's Pick, Best Family Therapist" 2014 in Bethesda Magazine, I believe the therapeutic
relationship
(between client and psychotherapist) is the most important element in the interpersonal and relational interventions of therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are, and to help you get to where you want to be: as an individual, a couple, and/or as a family.

Nancy Hyatt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
I have been helping individuals and
couples
transform their lives for over 25 years. My work is holistic. We target the root causes of your distress rather than skimming the surface level of symptoms. Only when root causes are addressed can symptoms dissolve. We dive deeply into the core issues that are keeping you stuck, disconnected and dissatisfied in your life and relationships. The process is efficient, effective, respectful, safe and profound. My ideal clients are people who are passionate about healing and releasing patterns that no longer serve them.

Thomas Rea
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, CST
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I provide therapeutic services and support to help individuals and
partner
(s) who are experiencing sexual concerns. Many issues can contribute to impaired sexual functioning and desire like anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem and unhappiness. Additionally, sexual concerns can also be the result of a medical condition, medications, stress or
relationship
difficulties. I specialize in helping people and
partner
(s) resolve their sexual concerns, along with other psychological issues, using a broad base of treatment approaches.
Not accepting new clients

Rachel E. K. Freedman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
"All change is loss, and all loss must be mourned." This quote by Harry Levenson normalizes the feelings we all have when big changes occur, even good ones. I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to examine recent life events and their impact on you and your relationships. The therapy
relationship
is of primary importance to me. Together, we can formulate some coping strategies to address your current difficulties. I seek to help you make connections between the past and the present so that you can create the future you want.

Lana E. Segerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
Envision being hopeful and not feeling overwhelmed by sadness or worry, struggles with relationships, or loss of connection with others. Envision calmly coping with grief over the death of a loved one, the end of a close
relationship
, life transitions, or feelings of regret. Envision having courage, confidence, and clarity as you face life's struggles.
Waitlist for new clients

Caryn Malkus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LCMFT
Verified
11 Endorsed
Verified
11 Endorsed
As a
relationship
expert who is Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, I guide my clients to understand and change their negative patterns of behavior so they can have healthy relationships with self and others for the long haul.
As Ted Lasso says, "I promise you there is something worse out there than being sad, and that's being alone and being sad". Are you experiencing sadness, frustration, loneliness, and worry? Are you struggling with relationships? Are you caught in a negative self talk spiral? It's time to get some relief from these difficult issues and feelings. Sharing with me, I will undo your aloneness and help you gain the support and guidance you need. Whether you are an individual or couple, I can help you create new, healthy ways of interacting with your self and others so you get what you want out of life, emerging confident and connected!

V. Jan Freeman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
I am an experienced therapist who finds real joy in helping one person/couple/family at a time regain control of their life, improve their situation, find a better path, or understand who they really are at the deepest levels along with core
relationship
patterns. I have 37 years of clinical experience and specialized postgraduate training in a variety of approaches.. Trauma is a primary specialty though I am trained to address a range of problems. I want you to feel safe and comfortable when we meet so developing a trusting
relationship
will be important. My style is interactive; you will decide if I'm a good fit for what you need.

Petra A. Elder
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I work with individuals and
couples
, and specialize in
relationship
and sexual issues, sexual addictions and eating disorders.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Health Coach with a broad range of experience in private practice, schools and universities, a private psychiatric hospital, and community mental health clinics. I believe that a strong, collaborative
relationship
between the client and therapist is instrumental in making change and growth possible. In a warm and caring environment, I help clients move forward with hope despite sometimes difficult circumstances; improve
relationship
and communication skills; and mobilize their strengths toward achieving life goals. I am insurance eligible, and many clients receive out-of-network coverage for their sessions.

Carolyn S Shaffer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I enjoy working with
couples
and individuals using a Cognitive Behavior Therapy model(CBT) and Mindfulness Based CBT. I am a certified sex therapist. I am also skilled in treating depression and anxiety. I have a warm and accepting style and very rarely have clients decide to go elsewhere after they have met me. I was trained by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, the 2 creators of CBT. I enjoy working on gay and lesbian issues and also working with adolescents and young adults. CBT teaches clients to recognize their dysfunctional thoughts and to change them allowing them to eventually become their own therapists.

Marjorie Kreppel
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified
Verified
My passion is to improve the lives of my clients, offering them new insight, enabling them to see things from different perspectives, and empowering them to make new choices. I work with each client as a whole individual, utilizing an active and collaborative approach. I tailor evidenced-based strategies to best meet the need of each client that I serve. My client base includes individuals,
couples
, groups, and families. I provide treatment and counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, emotional regulation issues, self-esteem,
relationship
concerns, and parenting.
See more therapy options for
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.