Marriage Counseling in Alexandria VA

When Your Husband Puts His Mother First: Setting Boundaries That Actually Work

When a husband consistently puts his mother first, the emotional strain on a marriage can feel overwhelming. Many wives describe feeling sidelined, unheard, or quietly competing for priority in their own relationship. This situation is more common than many people realize, especially in families where loyalty, obligation, or cultural expectations strongly shape behavior. While love for a parent is natural and healthy, problems arise when that bond interferes with marital trust, decision-making, or emotional closeness. […]

Is Your Marriage Taking Second Place? Signs You’re Not Truly “Cleaving” (Yet)

“Cleaving” is an old word that still describes a modern marriage skill: choosing your spouse as your closest partner and primary household teammate. It doesn’t mean cutting off people you love. It means creating a new “we” that guides decisions, time, money, and loyalties. Many couples assume cleaving happens automatically after the wedding. In practice, it’s a set of daily choices, especially under pressure from work, kids, extended family, friendships, and technology. […]

Marriage and Submission: Is It About Control or Cooperation?

Marriage has always been a union that challenges two individuals to grow together. Yet, few topics within marriage spark more debate than submission. For some, the word feels outdated or even oppressive. For others, it represents respect, trust, and partnership. The real question is: Is submission in marriage about control or cooperation? Understanding the meaning behind it can reshape how couples view their relationship, helping them build a foundation rooted in love and mutual respect. […]

Why Cleaving to Your Spouse Is the Secret to a Strong Relationship

Marriage is built on love, but it thrives on a deeper level of commitment known as cleaving. The word “cleave” comes from an old expression meaning to hold fast or remain united. In a healthy relationship, cleaving is not just about staying together physically but about choosing your spouse emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. […]

Resentment is Killing Your Relationship and Here’s How Therapy Can Save It

Resentment is one of the most corrosive forces in a relationship. It creeps in quietly, often starting with small disappointments, unspoken frustrations, or unmet needs. Over time, what might have been minor irritations can grow into deeply rooted anger, creating distance and hostility between partners. When left unaddressed, resentment doesn’t just cause arguments; it can completely erode the foundation of trust and intimacy. […]

10 Ways to Build a Deep Emotional Connection in Your Marriage

Marriage isn’t just about sharing a home or raising a family. It’s about feeling seen, understood, and emotionally connected. Over time, life’s demands can stretch even the strongest relationships, leaving couples feeling distant or emotionally out of sync. But building a strong emotional connection isn’t out of reach. It begins with daily choices that promote trust, respect, and intimacy. […]

Is Communication Hurting Your Marriage? Here’s How to Heal It

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any strong marriage. When partners fail to communicate well, feelings of frustration, resentment, and distance can quickly build up. In many cases, couples who struggle with their relationship don’t realize that poor communication is at the root of their problems. If you’re facing issues in your marriage, communication may be the barrier standing in the way of harmony and understanding. […]

Honoring the Fathers in Our Lives: A Celebration of Love & Appreciation

This Father’s Day, we invite wives to celebrate the incredible fathers in their lives, their husbands. Behind every great dad is often a partner who supports, encourages, and shares in the beautiful chaos of parenting. Whether it’s through late-night feedings, coaching Little League, or simply being a steady presence, fathers play a vital role in their children’s lives, and they deserve to feel seen and cherished for it. […]

Can You Still Save Your Marriage? These Signs Say Yes

When you’re in the middle of a rough patch, it’s easy to feel like your marriage is beyond saving. Arguments become routine, silence grows louder than words, and emotional distance seems insurmountable. Yet even in moments of deep hurt and disconnect, there are signs that your relationship may still have a strong foundation worth rebuilding. Not every troubled marriage is destined for divorce. Many couples who once believed they were at the end of the road found healing, growth, and deeper connection by recognizing the positive signs still present between them. […]