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Relationship Insights

What a Marriage Counselor Should Not Say

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While some reports show that marriage counseling has a positive impact on 70% of couples, the journey to healing your relationship is not always easy. Even if you and your partner agree that therapy

What Are Common Goals In Couples Therapy?

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The idea of going to marriage counseling can feel like the first domino falling for a failing relationship, but this is a tired and untrue sentiment associated with the practice. Deciding that therapy
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50 Marriage Counseling Questions for Before and During Marriage

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Marriage counseling—to some, it indicates failure. To others, it’s a sign of hope. And to many, it’s new and unknown territory, one that might have you Googling “marriage counseling tips”

The Evolution of Marriage Counseling – Does It Work?

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Over the past few decades, couples therapy has evolved significantly, adapting to changing societal norms, advancements in research, and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Why is there so much Conflict (and What to do About It)

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Conflict happens between people for different, yet similar reasons. Here are some tips for working through common negative conflict patterns, and the explanations behind them.

Can a Marriage Survive Lack of Communication?

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What really causes communication problems in a relationship? Can a marriage survive without resolving those issues? Read more here.

How Can I Improve Communication with My Husband or Wife?

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Explore ways to communicate better with your partner, whether they’re withdrawn, aggressive, or somewhere in between.

Why Do Men Struggle to Communicate?

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There are some common stereotypes about why some men struggle to communicate. We explore them and offer tips on better communication.

Solution to Lack of Communication in Marriage

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From lack of listening to accusatory statements, resolving relationship communication issues is essential for couples to respect one another. Many couples list communication as a major problem…

How Can I Improve Communication in My Marriage?

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Discover what causes communication to break down in a marriage and how you and your partner can reignite positive conversations.

What Is Healthy Communication in a Marriage?

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Healthy communication in marriage: 5 tips for more healthy relationships.

What Causes Lack of Communication in a Relationship?

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Couples sometimes struggle with communication, but what do you do when it’s a pattern? The answer depends on what’s causing the communication breakdown.

Signs of Bad Communication in a Relationship (And What To Do About It)

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While communication sometimes feels impossible as a couple, good communication is completely attainable. All you need is a little bit of teamwork.

Can a Relationship Last Without Communication?

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Lack of communication can take a toll on any relationship. Learn how to improve communication and grow stronger relationships.

How Does Couples Therapy Improve Communication?

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Do you struggle with communication with your partner? The good news is couples therapy can help! Learn more about how therapy can benefit your marriage.

What Are Some Communication Exercises for Couples?

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There are several exercises you can do to help strengthen the communication between you and your partner. Which ones will you try? Read more here.

Couples Therapy Communication Questions

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Communication is just one aspect of marriage counseling, but it’s an important piece to the puzzle. What should you expect in your counseling journey? We explain it here.

How Can Couples Improve Their Communication?

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Communication can make or break a relationship. The sooner you improve it, the sooner your romantic bonds can grow.

What Are Healthy Communication Styles for Couples?

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We all know communication is key for a great relationship, but practicing good communication isn’t quite so simple. Let Well Marriage help you get started.

What Is Good Communication in a Relationship?

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Good communication can form a healthy foundation for your relationship. Learn the signs of poor communication and what skills it takes to improve.

Can You Ever Fully Recover from an Affair?

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Learn how deeply an affair can affect a relationship and find hope that recovery is possible with couples therapy and the right support.

How Long Does the Shock of Infidelity Last?

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That initial shock after discovering infidelity can feel earth-shattering. Now you’re left wondering—how long am I going to feel like this? How do I recover?

Does Affair Pain Ever Go Away?

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20-40% of marriages face infidelity. It’s still possible to rebuild trust and companionship. Here’s how.

What Should You Not Do After Infidelity?

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Moving too fast and holding onto resentment both negatively impact the affair recovery process. Discover what not to do after infidelity here...

What Boundaries Should Be Set After Infidelity?

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Setting healthy boundaries is a vital component of every marriage or long-term relationship. Learn about the types of boundaries you should set after infidelity.

What Are the Stages of Affair Recovery?

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A guide to navigating the 5 stages of affair recovery: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Can Marriage Be Saved After Infidelity?

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The pain of being cheated on is gut-wrenching, but does it mean your marriage is over? Or can a marriage be saved after infidelity? It can—find out how here.

What To Expect in Couples Therapy After Infidelity

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If you’ve found this article, you’re likely in a difficult place with your romantic partner. Infidelity can be a staggering blow to any relationship, and the resulting pain can make…

Is Marriage Counseling Worth It After Infidelity?

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While recovery from infidelity will be a challenging process, with the right therapist by your side, the process of healing wounds is more than possible.

Can Therapy Help with Cheating?

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Marriage counseling, especially affair recovery therapy, can provide an effective framework for surviving infidelity.

How to Heal from Infidelity Trauma

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It’s possible to heal from infidelity trauma and grow your relationship with your partner after an affair.

What Are Triggers After Infidelity?

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After an affair, you may experience triggers that remind you of your partner’s infidelity. There’s a way to work through these triggers. Learn how here.

How Do You Mentally Recover From an Affair?

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With time and dedication, it is possible to fully recover from the trauma of infidelity. Learn about the affair recovery process here.

How Long Does It Take To Forgive an Affair?

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The timelines for affair recovery look different for every couple, but forgiveness and reconciliation are always possible. Discover how you can begin again here.

Forgiveness in Relationships

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It’s been said that in forgiving others we give ourselves permission to move forward with our own lives, and there’s some truth to that. Hitting the same road block, going back emotionally…
Happy couple in kitchen

What Are the Different Kinds of Couples Therapy?

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Just like there are many kinds of couples, there are many kinds of couples therapy. Each approach to couples therapy is rooted in its own specific theories about relationships, emotions, and human...

What Techniques Do Marriage Counselors Use?

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Let’s talk a bit about marriage & couples counseling, some things you can expect in a session, and how we believe it can help any relationship—including yours!

What Is the Most Effective Form of Couples Therapy?

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Your therapist will draw from and combine these techniques (plus others!) in a customized plan that targets your relationship's unique needs and goals. Let’s review some of the techniques.

Couples Therapy Techniques

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We know the most up to date practices and proven scientific approaches that help all interpersonal relationships, including how to handle vulnerability, complex pasts...
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How Do You Know if Your Marriage Needs Counseling?

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If your relationship feels tense, stale, or disconnected, it doesn’t mean it’s time to call it quits. Instead, consider working with a couples therapist to find ways to heal and rekindle...

7 Marriage Counseling Questions to Strengthen Your Relationship

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If you haven’t been to couples therapy before, it’s helpful to know what to expect. A great place to start is this list of the seven most popular marriage counseling questions.

Fun Relationship Exercises for Couples

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Find out what activities to do to improve communication, build trust, and rekindle the flame in your romantic relationship.
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Marriage Counseling Tips

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Are you wondering how to make the most out of marriage counseling? We have tips to help!

Success Stories: Karen and Peter

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Meet Karen and Peter, who decided to go to couples counseling after an affair.

Success Stories: Kevin and Paula

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Sometimes couples wish to share their marriage counseling success stories. We're collecting and celebrating their happiness here! Meet Sydney and Andrew.

Success Stories: Sydney and Andrew

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On the vulnerability of sharing success stories: Sometimes a couple wants to share their story. We’re really appreciative of the vulnerability and trust such a feat takes, and we hope…

Success Stories: James and Susan

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On the vulnerability of sharing success stories: Sometimes a couple wants to share their story. We’re really appreciative of the vulnerability and trust such a feat takes, and we hope…

Success Stories: Nadia and Liam

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On the vulnerability of sharing success stories: Sometimes a couple wants to share their story. We're really appreciative of the vulnerability and trust such a feat takes, and we hope you…

What Not To Say During Couples Counseling

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Is there anything you shouldn’t say to your partner in couples counseling? We explain what to avoid.
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Signs Marriage Counseling is Working

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Discover how to know when your relationship is benefitting from marriage counseling and what you can do to get the best results.

Can Couples Therapy Help You Fall Back in Love?

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Couples therapy can help you and your partner rekindle your love for one another, even if it feels like those feelings have faded. Find out how.

How Can I Make My Marriage Counseling More Effective?

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Learn what you can do to make your marriage counseling more effective, including coming in with the right mindset and being ready to put in the work

How Do You Know When Marriage Counseling Isn’t Working?

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If you’re still wondering about the effectiveness of marriage counseling, the fact that the overwhelming majority of couples have a successful experience might help ease your mind. 

What Is Talked About During Marriage Counseling?

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Fortunately, if you and your partner know what to expect before you begin, it can feel a lot less scary—and you'll likely get more out of the experience.

A Marriage that Heals

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As children we all experience woundedness, some more so than others. In addition to struggles from childhood, emotional pain is something we experience and accumulate all throughout life. 

Support for Anxiety and Depression in Relationships

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Often partners of someone struggling with anxiety will say things like, “there’s nothing to worry about” or “just stop thinking about it” or “it could be worse” or “just cheer up.” These things are ta

What Should I Not Tell a Marriage Counselor?

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All relationships go through phases. Sometimes, you’re perfectly in sync with your partner and your personalities just click. You are open when communicating with each other, and you are excited

Marriage Counseling: What Not To Say

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Beginning marriage counseling means you are committed to doing hard work to restore your relationship. That work includes speaking your truth about hopes, fears, hurts, and happiness. Reigniting joy

What Questions Does a Marriage Counselor Ask?

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So, you’re thinking about marriage counseling - that’s great! Marriage (or pre-marriage) counseling is a fantastic way to create or renew a healthy, happy relationship with your partner.
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How Long Is Too Long for Couples Therapy?

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It can be intimidating and scary to join the 49% of couples who attend marriage counseling (or to be part of the 52% who are interested in trying it). Whether you’re currently going to sessions

Average Length of Marriage Counseling

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There’s no sugar-coating it—successful relationships sometimes require genuinely hard work. In some cases, adding the pressures of married life (not to mention kids, a lost job, family tragedy, and so

What is the Difference Between Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy?

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The adage that tells everyone, “50% of marriages end in divorce,” does not have to be your reality if you find the right couples specialist. It all depends on what you do when your relationship feels
Successful couple holding hands

How Long Do Couples Usually Go to Counseling?

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Challenging issues  in a relationship can be tough to work through on your own. And research tells us that it takes over two and a half years before couples attempt to address their concerns through

How Long Does Marriage Counseling Take?

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How much time would you be willing to spend a week to get a happier, healthier, more enriching relationship with your spouse or partner? Marriage counseling sessions typically take around 50 minutes

What Percentage of Marriages Survive After Counseling?

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If you’re struggling in your relationship, you might be considering marriage counseling—also known as couples therapy. But marriage counseling can be daunting to consider for some.

Is Marriage Counseling Really Worth It?

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Yes—marriage counseling is worth it. It’s an opportunity to come together with your partner, away from the hustle and bustle of life, and solely focus on each other. Many couples find their

Our Angry Marriage

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Carl and Jessica live right here in Wilmington and have been married for 13 years. They came to see me for marriage counseling because of physical intimacy problems and ...

Culturally Diverse Marriage

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Jorge and Kim* came to see me a short while ago here in our Herndon office for marriage counseling. Jorge was from Colombia and Kim was also from Columbia: the one in South Carolina.

Surviving an Affair

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The most common question we get at Well Marriage Center is some form of: “Can my marriage really survive an affair?” The answer is Yes.
Successful couple holding hands

A Thank You Letter

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Time and again we are inspired by the couples we work with. The email Dr. Steve Brown received recently represents the best of what our mission and hope is for our Northern Virginia communities. Good marriage counseling is more than just helping couples deal with an immediate problem.
Couple isolates each other by looking at their phones

Coming in Second

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One of my recent couples, I will call them Jim and Diana, came to me with a very familiar struggle. Diana had a difficult time accepting that Jim would work late. When he did come home, he quickly turned on the computer or the TV. Even though she would often suggest they have a date night or watch a show together, Jim would find reasons to isolate himself.

Communication Problems

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Jeff and Cindy came to their first marriage counseling session anxious to repair their 15 year relationship. The session started like most, me getting to know them and learning a bit more about their story. As we explored their marital strengths it was clear they deeply loved each other, but that love was now being questioned by each of them.
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A Happy Couples Blog Post

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We wanted to pass along a popular blog post in case you haven’t read it. In 2009 Dr. Mark Goulston authored one of the most-read couples related blog posts on the widely popular “Psychology Today” website.
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Long Winter of Marriage

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The wind is blowing here at the Well Marriage Center office again and Mary Baker tells me the high tomorrow is not expected to even hit 30 degrees. I caught myself referring to this season as “Old Man Winter,” the personification my own father used to use when winter stayed too long. It has been too long. We all feel it.

Marriage Bonding Analogy

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I want to pass along a wonderful email from one of our clients after their very first visit with us. He wrote it himself and gave us permission to share it. Marriage analogies are hit and miss but this one seems like a home run.
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Our Marriage Had To Change

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Several of our couples have sent us the link to "The Third Metric," a feature story from the The Huffington Post about 4 couples who are prioritizing well-being and fun ahead of wealth, status, and being constantly "on."

Welcome Dr. Shani Glaudè

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  Once again we’re excited to announce that an outstanding couple’s counselor is joining Well Marriage Center to help provide the highest quality of marriage counseling in Northern…

Men’s Support Group

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As a staff we're always paying attention to the greatest needs of our couples. We're constantly evaluating what is working and what isn't.  Are there other supports that are needed?  Lately…

Hopeful Spouse Counseling

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Karen called me last week with a familiar refrain: "Glen, we're sinking...our marriage is falling apart. BUT, my husband doesn't want to come in for counseling. Can you help us?" The Truth…

Communication 101 Coaching!

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Well Marriage Center is launching a new marital wellness program! Our Communication 101 Coaching program actually emerged from a powerful statement and moment during one of our Communication…

Good Marriage Counselor

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6 months ago Roger and Dianne called me to discuss some difficulties they’ve been experiencing during their 12 year marriage.  At the end of our conversation Roger told me, “Glen, we’ve…

On Predicting Divorce

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The Four Horsemen of the Relationship Apocalypse  With the news always sounding like it's the end of the world, I thought it would be a fitting time to address the difficult reality of…
happy older couple in winter

The Longest Married Couple

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"Honey, I still love you" The honoring of one's life is a sacred ritual, a celebration of legacy and achievement and a life well lived.  We at Well Marriage Center tip our hats and acknowledge/celebrate…
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Communication 101

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Yes, it might be a bit cliche to emphasize healthy communication for a healthy marriage, but that doesn't make it wrong.  It just means you aren't alone if you're struggling with it.  Every…

Take Back Your Marriage!

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We at Well Marriage Center are unabashed fans of Dr. William (Bill) Doherty. His book, Take Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World that Pulls us Apart, is often something we recommend…

Healthy TEAM Parenting

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A couple came to us last week with this challenge: “We can’t agree on parenting. We were raised very differently. Many of our arguments center around different ways of raising our…

You CAN Save Your Marriage

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My granddaughter, age 3, encountered a see-saw (teeter-totter) for the first time last weekend. She literally giggled out loud with how easily she could move up and down with her 2 year…

Ninja Marriage Counseling!

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How do you choose a counselor for your relationship? You want to know a secret? Actually, it’s pretty much an open secret these days: most therapists don’t enjoy couples counseling. (See…

Marriage Counseling Alexandria VA

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Welcome to Well Marriage Center!  We understand it can be intimidating to consider couples counseling when your relationship runs into difficulty.  Plenty of questions run through people’s…
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Marriage Counseling McLean VA

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Welcome to Well Marriage Center!  We understand it can be intimidating to consider couples counseling when your relationship runs into difficulty.  Plenty of questions run through people’s…

Marriage Counseling in Northern VA

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Welcome to Well Marriage Center!  We understand it can be intimidating to consider couples counseling when your relationship runs into difficulty.  Plenty of questions run through people’s…

Marriage Counseling in Leesburg, VA

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Welcome to Well Marriage Center! We understand it can be intimidating to consider couples counseling when your relationship runs into difficulty.  Plenty of questions run through people’s…

Marriage Counseling in Fairfax, VA

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Welcome to Well Marriage Center!  We understand it can be intimidating to consider couples counseling when your relationship runs into difficulty.  Plenty of questions run through people’s…

Well Marriage Center Launches!

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For years I've heard Glen Denlinger dream about how to best help couples.  For 25+ years he has specialized in helping people save and repair their marriage relationships.  Back from the…

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