Couples Counseling

Starting couples therapy can be a significant step in nurturing your relationship. Here’s what you can expect with us at Tender Hearts Counseling:

1. Safe and Supportive Environment: Our first goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental space where both you and your partner can feel heard and understood.

2. Individual and Joint Sessions: Depending on your therapist, you may each have a private session first and then come together (that is how Aubrey works), or start together from the first session (that is how Alisa works). Either way, you will have room to say what’s really going on, and we work on things as a team.

3. Open Communication: A key focus of our therapy is on enhancing communication. You’ll learn how to express your needs and listen to your partner effectively, fostering a healthier and more open dialogue.

4. Conflict Resolution: We’ll work on conflict management techniques, helping you to understand and navigate disagreements in a constructive way.

5. Building a Stronger Relationship: Throughout the process, you’ll gain tools and insights to strengthen your bond, understand each other better, and decide together what comes next.

Couples therapy is a process of growth and discovery for your relationship. It’s about working together, in person, with a therapist who doesn’t take sides.

Consider couples or marriage counseling if you’re facing persistent communication issues, unresolved conflicts, feeling disconnected, or undergoing major life transitions. It’s a proactive step to strengthen or repair your relationship, or to decide together what comes next.

Our couples therapists are trained in the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and other evidence-based approaches. We tailor the work to the two of you and to what is actually happening in your week, rather than following a script.

Yes. Nearly all of our couples come to our office at 6010 Executive Blvd, Suite 503, North Bethesda, next to Pike & Rose, with free parking in front. Video sessions are available if you prefer.

Same-week appointments are usually available, including evenings and limited Saturdays. We answer inquiries 7 days a week.

Start anyway. Aubrey meets with each of you one-on-one first, so you can begin on your own and your partner can join when they’re ready. That private first session is a low-stakes way for a reluctant partner to find out what this is actually like, and we don’t take sides.

Yes. What you share with your therapist is confidential. We do not discuss your care with anyone without your written permission, apart from the narrow situations where the law requires it, which your therapist will explain at your first appointment.

We are “out of network” providers, which means we do not directly take insurance. We collect payment at the time of service and provide you with a statement of services that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many of our clients have a substantial portion of their services reimbursed, and most use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Please contact your insurer for details on reimbursement procedures and the types of services covered. The codes we use are 90791 for intake appointments and 90837 or 90847 for follow-up appointments.

Our appointments range between $180 and $260 per 55-minute session. There is a one-time intake fee of $60. Please contact the office at hello@tenderheartscounseling.com for more information on fees and services.