Work toward a relationship dynamic characterized by empathy, acceptance, and mutual effort.
Couples Therapy in Arlington, VA
In-person and online therapy for residents of Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and most other states.
Love begins as a feeling. To endure, it must evolve into choice and action.
Whether you and your partner are currently at a crossroads, or you just want to make sure you’re staying on track, couples therapy can help. Every relationship hits rough patches - what matters is how you work through them.
Is Couples Therapy the Next Step for You?
Couples therapy may be a helpful next step if you and your partner are:
Having the same arguments without resolution or repair
Wanting to learn tools to better communicate and keep your love alive
Fighting over seemingly small or petty issues that aren’t worth fighting about
Struggling to communicate without shutting down or escalating
Feeling distant, disconnected, or more like roommates than partners
Recognizing your sex life isn’t what it was or what you would like it to be
Recovering from a rupture or breach of trust
Noticing that you’ve haven’t had those uncomfy topics (think, Sex! Finances! Health! Boundaries!) you know you need to have
Navigating a major life change, choice, or transition
I’m Dr. Victoria Bathe, a licensed psychologist with a passion for helping couples thrive.
Based in Arlington, VA, I specialize in relationship therapy and counseling for both couples and individuals.
My style is warm, collaborative, humorous at times, and grounded in evidence-based approaches like:
Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT)
Schema-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Couples
Relationship Life Therapy (RLT)
The Gottman Method
I’m not a therapist who only listens or asks how things make you feel. I will provide tools, give my perspective when I think it will be helpful, and strive to ask thoughtful questions to help you challenge yourself.
I recognize that couples therapy can be anxiety-provoking, and I work hard to create a constructive and safe environment where both parters are respected and have space to share their concerns, feelings, and ideas.
I work with couples of all ages, genders, and belief systems. I welcome all, including 2SLGBTQIA+ couples.
WHO THIS IS FOR
In my Arlington, VA practice, I work with
Partners in committed relationships
Dating couples
Engaged couples
Married couples
Newly married couples
Couples contemplating or navigating major life changes or transitions
Would you like to work together?
Booking starts with an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your relationship and start creating a personalized plan for you!
WHAT WE’LL DO TOGETHER
Couples therapy topics can include
Improve communication
Reduce conflict
Build trust
Break cycles of negative interaction
Restore or deepen emotional and sexual intimacy
Find the right balance between being an I and being a we
What to Expect
When I meet with a couple initially, I focus on understanding their relationship concerns, establishing goals for therapy, and assessing whether there is a good therapist-client fit. We’ll begin with a comprehensive assessment of your relationship, followed by a structured therapy plan.
Comprehensive Relationship Assessment
Initial Conjoint Session
Understand the dynamics of your relationship and identify key areas for improvement.
Individual Assessment Sessions
Gain insights into each partner’s experiences and perspectives.
Detailed Feedback
Receive a thorough analysis of your relationship’s strengths and challenges.
Customized Interventions
Empathic Joining
Gain a deeper understanding of emotional responses, creating a foundation of trust and empathy.
Communication Skill-Building
Learn to express feelings and needs clearly while also actively listening to each other without judgment.
Conflict Management
Replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and learn effective repair techniques.
Shared Meaning Creation
Develop shared goals and values, enhancing your sense of partnership
NOW OFFERING
Couples Therapy Intensives
For couples ready to make progress quickly, Couple Therapy Intensives offer a powerful alternative to traditional weekly therapy.
Sessions are customized to your needs and are available in half-day and multi-day formats. Whether you’re navigating communication issues, rebuilding after a rupture, or simply seeking to reconnect on a deeper level, intensives offer the space and time to do meaningful, targeted work—without the start and stop of weekly sessions.
Located in Arlington, VA, Core Wellness Psychology offers in-person and virtual options for couples across Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and other PSYPACT participating states. Each intensive includes a pre-session assessment and post-intensive follow-up to support your progress.
I also offer Pre-Marital and Pre-commitment Therapy where couples can explore important topics, hopes, and challenges using a semi-structured approach designed to promote foundational communication, connection, conflict management skills, and collaborative envisioning.