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Helpful Links
15 Best Apps for Couples to Improve Relationships
“Relationships require effort and a lot of work from both partners. The work doesn’t end after asking out someone on a date, or after saying “I do.” That is actually when the real work begins.”
International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Learn more about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). “ICEEFT serves as a centre of excellence for the promotion of secure, resilient individuals and successful relationships between partners and within families. “
Myers Briggs Self Assessment
In the Myers Briggs descriptions you’ll learn what really drives, inspires, and worries different personality types, helping you build more meaningful relationships.
Start Your Recovery
Start Your Recovery has recently developed a comprehensive directory of local substance use disorder treatment and support resources in Virginia. This new directory combines data from multiple government and non-profit directories and presents it in a single, easy-to-navigate interface. It also lets you filter to find treatment options for youth.
Recommended Books/Documents
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief
Erotic Orientation: Helping Couples and Individuals Understand Their Sexual Lives
A Resource for Parents in Divorce: 17 things your child wants you to know
The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity
Relationship Center therapist, Tammie Taylor (left), with acclaimed couples’ therapist, author, and speaker, Esther Perel (right)
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Relationship Center therapist, Aishwarya Nambiar, with author Steven Hayes (right)
Blog Posts
Managing Those Big Emotions That Come With Caregiving
For many, the stages of grief have long been considered the way that anyone encounters the loss of a loved one. There is often an unexpected crash in caregiving, specifically in how the caregiver views self and the world. By allowing themselves to grieve, the...
You’re always on your phone: 3 powerful tips for when devices come between us
It had to be more than a decade ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Reading an article on a lazy Sunday about the future of smartphone technology and how researchers predicted it would impact us all. The image embedded depicted a couple sitting up in bed,...
You Are Extraordinarily Brave
"There’s a common misunderstanding among all the human beings who have ever been born on the earth that the best way to live is to try to avoid pain and just try to get comfortable.” Pema Chodron For most of my life, I’ve had a fear of flying. I’m talking white...
Take the “Are You There for Me?” Quiz
I'm excited to introduce you to the "Are you there for me?" quiz. I've heard of many couples, myself included, who spend several years in this space of "relationship limbo." It can be a slow torture to neither be moving forward and yet, not fully "in" the relationship...
Developing a 9-Step Roadmap for Therapy
Sometimes the couples I work with want to know, “where are we in the therapy process?” The following description breaks down the roadmap for therapy. The work is not strictly linear. For ease of explanation, however, the process follows three stages. Within these...
What to Expect from Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling: 3 Stages of the Process
Couples counseling of any type--and especially emotionally focused couples counseling--is a journey. We all want to know where we are going and what is going to happen. As in any journey there are flat tires, detours, and unexpected exits. Table of ContentsStage 1 of...
6 Effective Ways to Regulate Emotions
Wondering how to regulate emotions in a roller coaster world? Feeling sad because of a recent news story? Angry at a coworker or friend? Frustrated, nervous, overwhelmed at the thought of COVID-19 and just trying to make it day-by-day? Maybe we're inexplicably joyful...
9 Components for a Successful Marriage Meeting
The root cause of most problems in any relationship, whether professional or personal, can be put down to misunderstandings that result from lack of communication. So call it a family meeting or a marriage meeting or any name you like…just do it!
Why don’t we take insurance for Couples Therapy?
I often have couples tell me that they want to use their insurance for couples therapy or have been to a couple’s therapist before and that therapist billed their insurance. So why don’t we as a practice? Stick with me here as I explain.
What to do when your Spouse has a Spending Problem
My heart rate went up just thinking about this situation. I have sat with many couples who have been there. I can talk about some of the “research” you have already heard such as half of US couples argue over finances (the latest statistic is 48%), 60% do not like...
The Relationship Center’s Diversity Statement from Committee for Cultural Awareness
We recognize that historically marginalized identities have faced systemic barriers and discrimination that can create additional challenges in seeking support and connection. Therefore, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels valued, heard, and understood. Our approach to therapy is grounded in cultural competence and sensitivity, acknowledging the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape our clients’ lives.
Embracing diversity means actively challenging inequities and advocating for those who have been silenced or overlooked. We are committed to continuously educating ourselves and our team on the complexities of privilege and oppression, ensuring that we approach each therapeutic relationship with humility, empathy, and respect. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and understand that healing can take many forms, influenced by one’s cultural and social context.
At The Relationship Center, we welcome clients from all walks of life. We honor your stories, your struggles, and your strengths, recognizing that the path to wellness is as varied as the people we serve. Together, we will work to dismantle the barriers that hinder growth and empowerment, embracing an ethos of acceptance and solidarity. In doing so, we commit to not only enhancing individual lives but also contributing to the wider journey toward equity and justice for all.