Spring Forward Together: April Relationship Boost

Move ahead with purpose.
Build momentum toward a more connected, supportive relationship.

Bret Rawlings, MS, LPC

Bret Rawlings

Sex and Relationship Therapist
EMDR Certified

Specialties: Conflict & Relationship Issues, Premarital, Sexual Intimacy, Men's Issues

Contact:ย bret@relationship-center.com, (757) 788-2800, ext. 618

Relationship Specialist & EMDR Therapist

Offices in Downtown Norfolk & East Beachย – Conveniently accessible from Virginia Beach & Chesapeake

The Approach

Letโ€™s be honest: life is lived through our relationships, and when those are off,ย everythingย feels off. Whether youโ€™re hitting a wall with your partner, feeling like an imposter at work, or just tired of feeling “stuck” in the same old patterns, Iโ€™m here to help you find a way out.

“Healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we reconnect, with ourselves and the people who matter most.”

My style is straightforward, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Iโ€™m not the kind of therapist who just nods and asks, “How does that make you feel?” Weโ€™re going to get into the driverโ€™s seat together. Weโ€™ll look at the “why” behind your struggles, but weโ€™ll focus heavily on theย howย of moving forward.

The Heavy Hitters

I use a mix of the most effective, evidence-based tools in therapy. Not because theyโ€™re fancy, but because they actually get results.

  • The Gottman Method & EFT:ย These are the gold standards for couples. Weโ€™ll stop the circular arguments and figure out how to actually talk so the other person hears you.
  • Advanced EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):ย Think of this as a “brain reset.” We use EMDR to take the sting out of old wounds or “trauma-lite” moments that keep you reactive today. It is incredibly effective for performance anxiety, burnout, and that nagging feeling of not being “good enough.”
  • Sex Therapy & Compulsive Behavior (AASECT Path):ย I am currently deep in the rigorous training process to become aย Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT. Beyond general intimacy, I have extensive experience working withย sexual compulsion and out-of-control sexual behaviors. I provide a shame-free space to help you regain control and align your actions with your values.

Who I Work With

  • Couples & Partners:ย From premarital and ENM/non-traditional structures to high-conflict resolution and betrayal recovery.
  • Menโ€™s Emotional Wellness:ย A grounded space to deal with the stress, anger, or disconnection that often goes unspoken.
  • Individuals:ย Helping you navigate anxiety, “imposter syndrome,” or the heavy weight of burnout.
  • Teams & Colleagues:ย Fixing the communication gaps that stall professional growth.

Groups

I believe some of the best work happens in the company of others who “get it.”

  • Menโ€™s Group:ย A dedicated space for men to cut through the isolation, challenge each other, and build the emotional tools needed for better lives and relationships.

The Essentials

  • Specialties:ย Sexual Compulsion, Infidelity & Betrayal, Menโ€™s Issues, Premarital, and Sex & Intimacy.
  • Credentials:ย Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
  • Advanced Training:ย EMDR Trained, EFT, Gottman Method, and AASECT Sex Therapy Candidate.
  • Where:ย In-person offices inย Downtown Norfolkย andย East Beach. Perfectly situated for easy commutes fromย Virginia Beachย andย Chesapeake. Telehealth is also available.

Working Together

I know starting therapy can feel like a big step. Letโ€™s make it easy:

  • 15-Min Consult:ย Free (Letโ€™s see if weโ€™re a good fit).
  • Standard Sessions:ย $175 (50 mins).
  • Insurance:ย I am an out-of-network provider. I provideย Superbillsย so you can seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

Therapy Intensives: Faster Results

Sometimes, one hour a week just isn’t enough to move the needle. For those who want to do deep work without the wait, I offer Therapy Intensives for Couples and Individuals. Intensives allow us to condense months of traditional therapy into a single weekend or a few consecutive days. Itโ€™s about getting more work done in a shorter amount of timeโ€”clearing the logs in the road so you can start living again. Whether you’re navigating a crisis or just ready for a breakthrough, our coordinator will help with the details and find a price point that works for you.

You don’t have to keep white-knuckling it. Reach out today and letโ€™s get to work.

Private Pay Counseling Services

New Client Consultation to discuss how Bret can help youFree for 15 minute session
Couples and Individual Therapy$175 for a 50 minute session
Late CancellationFull Session Fee for cancellation within 24 hours of appointment
No Show Appointment FeeFull Appointment Fee

Payment

Cash, check and credit or debit cards are accepted for payment.

Insurance

While insurance is not accepted at this time, Bret is happy to provide you with receipts and documentation, upon request, to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please review your coverage carefully, and consult with your insurance provider.


Brett’s Specialties

Specialties

This clinician offers the following specialties:

woman sitting on seashore representative of gray divorce

Gray Divorce

The decision to separate in midlife or beyond brings unique concerns about identity, stability, and the future. Our goal is to help you process emotions, navigate life changes, and build a fulfilling future with confidence.

two men smiling near trees, representing happiness in a non-monogamous relationship

Non-Monogamous Relationships

We provide affirming, judgment-free counseling for individuals, couples, and polycules navigating consensual non-monogamous relationships.

A couple and therapist engaged in a discussion during a divorce counseling session indoors.

Divorce & Separation

Whether you are considering separation, navigating the legal process, or adjusting to life after divorce, our expert therapists are here to help.

man and woman hanging artwork on the wall dealing with life transitions

Life Transitions

Our highly trained therapists specialize in helping individuals navigate life transitions with confidence and clarity.

A young man with his arm around a woman sitting on a couch. They seem sad due to experiencing grief and loss of some kind and seem to be in a therapist's office

Grief & Loss

We provide compassionate support to help you process your grief, honor your loss, and find a path toward healing.

body of water under cloudy sky

Discernment Counseling

Considering separation or divorce but not sure? Our skilled relationship therapists are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space to help.

person in orange long sleeve shirt sitting next to gray couch dealing with anxiety and depression

Anxiety & Depression

Our compassionate, evidence-based approach for anxiety and depression is designed to empower you with tools and strategies to reclaim your peace of mind and rediscover joy in your life.

brainspotting

Brainspotting & EMDR

Our clinicians are experts in the brain-based trauma treatments of Brainspotting and EMDR which bring about life-changing breakthroughs.

lgbt therapy

LGBTQIA+ Therapy

LGBTQIA+ therapy with our experienced therapists helps you understand how to make decisions that are authentic to your identity and protect your relationships.

individual therapy

Individual Counseling

Whatever life challenges you're facing, individual counseling with our expert clinicians provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals.

Trauma Therapy

Whether the trauma happened years ago or yesterday, we want to help you make healing changes and move forward with your life.

a therapist providing infidelity counseling to a couple

Infidelity Counseling

Whether youโ€™re seeking to rebuild the relationship or move on in separate directions, our expert therapists provide infidelity counseling to navigate the road ahead.

Premarital Counseling

Invest in your future with premarital counseling with our highly trained expert clinicians, because the wedding is one day, but your marriage is forever.

Family Counseling

Couples Counseling

This is what we do and who we are! Our experienced therapists specialize in couples therapy to help rebuild connection, trust, and understanding

woman sitting on seashore representative of gray divorce

Gray Divorce

The decision to separate in midlife or beyond brings unique concerns about identity, stability, and the future. Our goal is to help you process emotions, navigate life changes, and build a fulfilling future with confidence.

person in orange long sleeve shirt sitting next to gray couch dealing with anxiety and depression

Anxiety & Depression

Our compassionate, evidence-based approach for anxiety and depression is designed to empower you with tools and strategies to reclaim your peace of mind and rediscover joy in your life.

Family Counseling

Couples Counseling

This is what we do and who we are! Our experienced therapists specialize in couples therapy to help rebuild connection, trust, and understanding

brainspotting

Brainspotting & EMDR

Our clinicians are experts in the brain-based trauma treatments of Brainspotting and EMDR which bring about life-changing breakthroughs.

A couple and therapist engaged in a discussion during a divorce counseling session indoors.

Divorce & Separation

Whether you are considering separation, navigating the legal process, or adjusting to life after divorce, our expert therapists are here to help.

body of water under cloudy sky

Discernment Counseling

Considering separation or divorce but not sure? Our skilled relationship therapists are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space to help.

A young man with his arm around a woman sitting on a couch. They seem sad due to experiencing grief and loss of some kind and seem to be in a therapist's office

Grief & Loss

We provide compassionate support to help you process your grief, honor your loss, and find a path toward healing.

individual therapy

Individual Counseling

Whatever life challenges you're facing, individual counseling with our expert clinicians provides a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals.

a therapist providing infidelity counseling to a couple

Infidelity Counseling

Whether youโ€™re seeking to rebuild the relationship or move on in separate directions, our expert therapists provide infidelity counseling to navigate the road ahead.

lgbt therapy

LGBTQIA+ Therapy

LGBTQIA+ therapy with our experienced therapists helps you understand how to make decisions that are authentic to your identity and protect your relationships.

man and woman hanging artwork on the wall dealing with life transitions

Life Transitions

Our highly trained therapists specialize in helping individuals navigate life transitions with confidence and clarity.

two men smiling near trees, representing happiness in a non-monogamous relationship

Non-Monogamous Relationships

We provide affirming, judgment-free counseling for individuals, couples, and polycules navigating consensual non-monogamous relationships.

Premarital Counseling

Invest in your future with premarital counseling with our highly trained expert clinicians, because the wedding is one day, but your marriage is forever.

Trauma Therapy

Whether the trauma happened years ago or yesterday, we want to help you make healing changes and move forward with your life.

Break Through the Chaos

Ketamine Assisted Therapy

for Couples & Individuals

Experience transformative healing in an upscale, trusted environment with our team of certified KAP therapists dedicated to your comfort and well-being.

We are currently accepting names for our priority waitlist.

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