Couples Therapy in Washington, DC
Our past comes out in our relationships
Experiences with our families and previous partnerships deeply influence how we communicate, the way we handle conflict, and what triggers us.
In couples therapy, I help you both become more aware of your ingrained and unconscious relationship patterns, so you can shift the dynamic and make new choices that feel better.
Available in-person in Dupont Circle, online in DC, VA, and MD.
What might be bringing you into couples therapy…
“We’re working through infidelity.”
“We keep having the same fight.”
“I’m feeling unheard in my relationship no matter how hard I try.”
“The division of labor feels unfair.”
“My sexual trauma impacts our intimacy.”
“We disagree about how to parent, or things are just worse since having a child.”
… is likely fueled by your different histories.
Even if it’s not the “cause” of the issue, your past shows up in your present.
Growing up as "the responsible one" or having to take care of parents
An emotionally distant household, even if things were stable
Past infidelity, in your family of origin or a previous relationship
Parents who walked out, exploded, or shut down during conflicts
Instability like poverty, abuse, abandonment, or divorce
Impossibly high expectations or frequent criticism from parents
My couples therapy approach explores these deep-rooted issues, without blame.
The goal is for you to understand each other and yourself with compassion and clarity.
With understanding comes…
✔ Calmer, more regulated interactions
✔ More trust and safety in each other, and felt sense of love again
✔ Alignment in decision-making about parenting, marriage, or money
✔ Breaking conflict cycles (no more of the same fight)
✔ Mutual clarity about next steps for your relationship
Who I often work with as a DC couples therapist
This list doesn’t encompass every single couple I see. If you resonate with my approach, reach out.
Government, nonprofit, political, and international development professionals and their partners
Couples seeking premarital counseling
Couples considering divorce or separation
LGBTQIA couples of all genders and orientations
Throuples, poly relationships, and nontraditional couples
Partners navigating infidelity or trauma
“Claire is an empathic listener who works hard to help clients achieve their therapy goals. A skilled clinician, Claire guides clients toward a greater understanding of themselves and others resulting in improvement in their lives.”
Debra Caplowe, lcsw
Unravelling what’s beneath the conflict is the first step toward healing the relationship
I'll be a steady, safe presence as you do this, helping you both see what's really going on, and find a new way through it together.
I'd love to meet you.
“In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh