Marc Patience, PhD
Fairfax, VA
I see relationships as living, evolving entities that can get stuck in patterns like distance, repeated arguments, or lost trust. With over 11 years of experience as a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and former military psychologist, I partner with couples to uncover what’s keeping them stuck and guide them toward healthier patterns. My approach, grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is clear, curious, and supportive. I deeply believe in the power of relationships to foster growth and resilience, and I’m committed to helping couples reconnect and build stronger, lasting bonds.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Texas A&M University
- 11+ years of experience serving couples and families
Specialties
- Marital & Premarital
- Relationship Issues
- Conflict Resolution
- Intimacy
- Communication
- Sexless/Withdrawn
- Affair & Infidelity Recovery
- Family Systems & Life Changes
Trainings, Certifications, and Continuing Education
- The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy: Differentiation, Attachment, and Brain Science (Year Long Intensive, Couples Institute)
- The Marriage Check-Up: A Scientific Program for Sustaining and Strengthening Mental Health
- 2-Day Resolve Through Sharing: Perinatal loss bereavement training for counselors
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, 2024
- Motivational Interviewing, 2024
- Rolling with Resistance, 2023
- Burnout: Going Beyond Diet and Exercise, 2023
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, 2022
- Evidence Based Behavioral Treatments for Nightmares: IRT and ERRT, 2022
- Motivational Interviewing for the Treatment of Pain, 2021
- Behavioral Health Perspective, 2021
- Psychological Assessment and Care, 2020
- Motivational Interviewing and the Science of Behavior Change, 2020
Dr. Marc’s Approaches include the following:
- Gottman Method
- Imago Therapy
- Relational Life Therapy by Terry Real
- Emotionally Focused Therapy








