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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
Happy couple on a date

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”

Stages of Healing After Infidelity

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Learn about the different ways affair recovery can look, including common stages that couples go through on their way to healing.

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.
Individual counseling

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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Marriage counseling questions allow you and your partner to dig deeply into issues, identify root causes, and remember why you fell in love in the first place. A couples therapist can guide…

Fun Relationship Exercises for Couples

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Have you hit a rocky patch in your romantic relationship? You’re not alone. Everyone who has ever been in a relationship knows that these are bound to happen occasionally. After all, you’re…
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Marriage Counseling Tips

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If you find yourself unable to communicate with your spouse, it can be difficult to make positive changes in your relationship. Whether it’s consistent arguments, minor disagreements,…

Success Stories: Karen and Peter

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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: Kevin and Paula

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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: 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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Before you decide to go to marriage counseling, it can seem a bit overwhelming. What are the right things to say? Is there anything you shouldn’t say? Of course, these fears can get in…
Happy couple on a date

Signs Marriage Counseling is Working

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Marriage counseling can help couples get to the root causes of issues before those challenges shake the foundation of their relationship. Yet, it’s often seen as a last resort. Questions…

Can Couples Therapy Help You Fall Back in Love?

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Most of us have heard of—and experienced—the honeymoon phase of a relationship. Sparks fly, and everything feels new, happy, and exciting. This stage of a relationship is truly wonderful,…

How Can I Make My Marriage Counseling More Effective?

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You and your partner have decided that marriage counseling is a good fit—you are taking a big step toward a stronger relationship! Once you’ve chosen couples therapy as a helpful option,…

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

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In relationships, like in life, there are great times and then there are tougher times. A long-term, committed relationship is one of the most fulfilling experiences a person can have, and…

What Is Talked About During Marriage Counseling?

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Nervous about your first marriage counseling session? You’re not alone. Marriage counseling is an extremely vulnerable experience, bound to unearth intense emotions for everyone involved.…

A Marriage that Heals

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Written by Glen Denlinger There are numerous functions and purposes for marital love. One our society doesn’t talk about enough is the healing function of marriage. As children we all…

Support for Anxiety and Depression in Relationships

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by Sharon Hamilton, LPC I often work with couples that struggle to understand each other when one person suffers from anxiety or depression. This has become even more common since the COVID-19…

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 because of what you don’t

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

Coronavirus Update

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Dear current (and future) clients: Well Marriage Center has thoughtfully considered options for how to best serve our clients and communities during the unprecedented events we are witnessing…

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.
A happy couple walking

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.
happy older couple in winter

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…

Happy New Year (Hope)

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Just twelve days ago we posted about the end of the world…and the apocalypse indicators of our marriages.  It was a longer posting than we normally write (just in case the world did end). …

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…
A happy couple walking

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…

Welcome Mary Baker!

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“I was next door to Mary her first night at the office and I heard laughter coming through the wall.  I think we hired the right person!” For a young company and small business it’s…

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…
A happy couple walking

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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