Every relationship goes through moments of stress or distance. Family and couples therapy gives people a place to slow down, talk honestly, and rebuild trust where it’s been lost. At Columbia Mental Health, our therapists work with families and partners in Annapolis to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen connection.

What is family therapy?

Family therapy looks at how people relate to each other and how those relationships affect emotions and behavior. Instead of focusing on one person as the cause of problems, it helps families see how everyone’s actions and reactions connect.

In therapy, each person has time to share what they’re feeling and learn new ways to listen and respond. Families practice empathy, notice patterns, and try out small changes that make home life calmer. Some sessions include everyone, while others focus on the people most involved in a concern.

Family therapy can help with:

• Talking more openly and calmly at home
• Managing parenting disagreements
• Adjusting to family changes
• Supporting a loved one’s mental health needs

What is couples therapy?

In most relationships, stress or poor communication can lead to distance. Couples therapy helps partners talk more clearly, rebuild trust, and feel closer again.

At Columbia Mental Health, couples therapy is based on teamwork and honesty. Therapists use proven methods like cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused therapy to help couples understand each other and handle challenges with more care and patience.

When family therapy is most helpful

Communication issues

When families learn to slow down and listen with more patience, conversations become easier and more respectful. Therapy helps people express themselves without blame or criticism.

Parenting challenges

Finding common ground between parents and children around discipline or routines brings more stability to family life. Therapy gives parents space to work together and find approaches that fit their values.

Conflict resolution

When the same arguments keep coming up, therapy helps families see what’s behind the tension and find better ways to solve problems.

Mental health support

If one family member is struggling with anxiety, depression, or another concern, therapy helps others learn how to be supportive while also taking care of themselves.

When couples therapy is most useful

Couples often find therapy helpful when they face:

• Repeated arguments or growing distance
• Big life changes like marriage, parenting, or loss
• Trouble with communication or intimacy
• The desire to prepare for marriage or long-term commitment

In therapy, partners have time to talk without interruption and to really hear each other. With the therapist’s guidance, they can rebuild trust and find new ways to connect.

Benefits of family and couples therapy

• Better communication and understanding
• Healthier ways to manage conflict
• A safe space to share feelings
• Stronger emotional connection and trust
• Support that fits each family or couple’s needs

What to expect during therapy sessions

At your first session, your therapist will ask about your goals and what brought you to therapy. Together, you’ll set priorities and create a plan that feels doable.

You can expect:

• A supportive space where everyone can speak freely
• Clear goals and check-ins along the way
• Helpful feedback and tools to try at home
• Time to reflect on what’s working
• Options for in-person or virtual visits

Finding the right therapist

Our licensed marriage and family therapists have experience with a wide range of relationship concerns. We match each family or couple with a therapist whose approach fits their goals. Building comfort and trust is an important part of the process, and our team helps make that connection from the start.

Insurance, financing, and accessibility

Columbia Mental Health accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare at many locations. Our team can help you understand your coverage and find care that works for you. We offer family and couples therapy in Annapolis and across the Washington, DC Metro area, along with convenient telehealth options.

Finding support for your family or relationship

Family and couples therapy can make a real difference in how people communicate, solve problems, and care for one another. Columbia Mental Health has supported families across Virginia and Maryland for more than 30 years, providing compassionate, accessible care close to home.

For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.