Therapist in Bethesda MD

When couples call a therapist in Bethesda, MD from Lindsey Hoskins & Associates to request information about our therapists offering help, many of them are in despair and are concerned their relationship is beyond improvement or help. The communication between them may have broken down, their trust with one another may be fractured, and intimacy may be non-existent. At the same time, our therapists have also received inquiries from, what we consider to be, fundamentally strong couples who are dealing with a very specific, often unexpected, crisis and need professional help.

At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, the couples we help come to us with a broad range of concerns that need to be addressed. The most common ones include communication issues, intimacy issues, anger problems, past traumas, health conditions, infidelity, infertility, jealousy, parenting, financial issues, family struggles, in-law issues, step-family issues, adoption, gender roles, and more. 

How Our Therapists in Bethesda MD Approach the Issues 

Our therapists view this type of therapy as collaborative, taking a team approach to get effective results. Your therapist will be actively involved in the session and will be honest and unbiased about what is noticeable, observed, and thought. Bear in mind that this approach is carefully taken and ensures no arguing arises, leading to productivity and results. 

The clinical setting provided by our therapists in Bethesda, MD, is meant to be a safe haven, where each party can discuss their ideas and feelings without fear of retribution or pain. Together, we can explore different tools, strategies, and techniques. These can be used to stop destructive patterns, negative habits and create a meaningful connection. 

• What Do We Expect From You?
• 6 Questions to Ask Your Potential Therapist
• Managing Relationship Issues with Couples Therapy
• Reasons to Call a Therapist for Help
• Ways to Change Your Relationship Dynamic
• Recognizing How Change Impacts Mental Health
• Common Myths of Couples Therapy
• How Common Are Fights About Money in Marriages?
• How to Discuss Finances with Your Spouse
• Urge To Flee

What Do We Expect From You?

As your therapist serving Bethesda, MD couples, we expect some level of commitment towards the work and progress of each session. We also encourage each party to be honest and open, even if that means discussing negative traits. Defensiveness is discouraged; thus, your therapist may guide you away from this behavior if it begins to take place. When couples can meet these things, there is a high chance of improving the relationship and even taking it to a stronger level of commitment. Even if, at this time, you believe this isn’t possible, our therapists serving Bethesda, Maryland, believe it may be. In fact, we’ve seen it happen time and time again. 

How Therapy Can Help

Communication has a crucial role in relationships. Successful couples generally understand how to communicate respectfully with one another and are honest. Often, when couples are struggling with any issue, communication will have a role in it. Therefore, your therapist will observe how you communicate and help both of you understand how this is being done. If there is room for improvement, and there will likely be, new skills, techniques, and solutions will be taught. In addition to this, your therapist will guide you to:

• Identify negative patterns
• Learn how to stop blaming one another
• Recognize cause and effect patterns
• Improve communication
• Overcome daily stressors
• Improve intimacy
• Reconnect with each other

If you would like to explore couples therapy with our Bethesda MD therapists, please call Lindsey Hoskins & Associates today. 

6 Questions to Ask Your Potential Therapist

No two therapists are alike, just as no two patients are alike. Therefore, you must take time to interview therapists before choosing which one will best help you on your journey. Here are a few questions you should ask when deciding which therapist is right for you.

What Are Your Areas of Interest?

Therapists often specialize in a variety of areas. When choosing your therapist in Bethesda, MD, take a look at the interests therapists have so you can be confident you’ve found one that suits your needs. The clinical interests of the therapists at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates vary greatly, from depression and anxiety to identity development and everything in between. 

What Licenses Do You Have?

Although many therapists share the same degree, not all have the same licenses. If you’d like to find a therapist who has been trained in a particular area, find out what areas your potential therapists are licensed in. For example, if you’d like to begin family therapy, a licensed marriage and family therapist will have the training and background to help you.

What Are Your Hours?

If your schedule tends to be jam-packed, finding a therapist in Bethesda, MD, who has flexible hours will make therapy less stressful. For example, some offer weekend and evening hours, and others may also offer virtual visits if you’re sick or unable to get to the office.

Have You Worked With Clients With Similar Circumstances?

A therapist who has worked with clients who’ve faced struggles similar to yours will be able to draw on that experience to help you. As a result, your therapy sessions may be much more productive, and you’ll feel better understood by your therapist because you’ll know they’ve dealt with things like your concerns before.

How Long Have You Been Practicing?

Therapists who have an extensive history will have years of experience to draw on. Not only will those therapists have a better idea of what techniques will or won’t work with certain patients, but they’ll also be able to differentiate and adapt their methods to best suit your needs. The therapists at Lindsey Hoskins & Associates have extensive experience helping patients with a wide variety of needs.

There are many questions you can ask a potential therapist to find out whether or not they’ll be a good fit for you. The ones listed here are just a few. Finding the right therapist isn’t something that should be rushed, but asking the right questions will make it easier to find the one who fits you best.

Managing Relationship Issues with Couples Therapy

It can sometimes be difficult for two people in a relationship to live harmoniously, and working with a therapist should be your first consideration. Our experienced team can assist with providing a safe space to open the lines of communication. There are several reasons to call a therapist and common myths people have that may get in the way of seeking treatment. It can be challenging to recognize the signs that you and your partner need help. However, it’s crucial to know that Lindsey Hoskins & Associates can assist with helping you and your partner make gains so that you can make decisions about your future together. 

Reasons to Call a Therapist for Help

When people experience problems within their relationships, the impact can be substantial. At times, people can be experiencing serious issues that impact their ability to be intimate, honest, and supportive. Breakdowns in communication can cause severe damage, and it may seem as though finding your way back to one another is nearly impossible. Sometimes, it can be difficult for couples to identify that there is a problem. Common signs that may call for help from a therapist include: 

• You and your partner are keeping secrets from each other
• You are having difficulty communicating with one another
• Simple conversations lead to severe arguments
• Issues of infidelity are present
• You both entirely avoid each other 
• You are finding that the same problems keep surfacing with no resolve
• You feel as though your paths are divergent

Engaging in couples therapy with a therapist in Bethesda, Maryland, can benefit both parties. Therapy can offer a safe and productive space to have an open dialogue aimed at strengthening the relationship. Assistance from a therapist can offer the best opportunity to find your way back to one another. 

Ways to Change Your Relationship Dynamic

Your therapist can have an impactful influence on how you communicate with and work through disagreements with your partner. In a relationship, if you feel like your other half is not treating you as he or she should, you may be wondering whether it’s even possible to go back to the dynamic before, when you felt appreciated and heard. In many instances, as long as you are both willing to put forth the work, change can happen. Here are a few ways that you can continue to work on positive change in your relationship:

1. Let your partner know about your thoughts and feelings. If you want the issues to change, you have to get them out in the open and discuss them. Problems don’t get solved by putting them away and ignoring them, in fact, this will probably cause them to fester and get worse. 
2. Consider your contribution to the problem. Not being treataed the way you deserve to is never your fault. Sometimes, if the situation applies, it can be helpful to see how you may have unhealthy habits that could improve things if you worked on them too. 
3. Use “I” statements to avoid defensiveness. People often shut down when you point and blame them, even if it’s true what you’re accusing them of doing. The intention is to set up the conversation so the other person can be vulnerable too. State the emotion you are feeling and the behavior your partner did that has caused you to feel this way. 
4. Be clear about what you say. Don’t forget, your partner does not have the ability to read your mind, even if you think they should already know certain things. They are just people too. Providing clarity on what you need helps your partner understand what they should do and how to meet you in the middle. 
5. Spend quality time together. Many couples yearn for that period when they had the initial spark, as from time and challenges this excitement may feel lost or withering. Quality time is essential in continuing to create a healthy dynamic with your partner. Couples may get caught up in the stress of daily adult duties, and quality time doing things you enjoy reminds you of why you were attracted in the first place.

Recognizing How Change Impacts Mental Health

In life, change is inevitable. Sometimes we are faced with change that can be overwhelming to process on our own. There are a few questions you can reflect upon if you’re unsure about your need to contact Lindsey Hoskins & Associates. 

Do I Feel Successful in the Workplace? 

One example of change that might prompt you to contact a therapist is new alterations in your work life. Losing a job can be devastating in many cases. When your income is disrupted, you may find yourself worrying about how you will support your family. This type of worry can take a major toll on your mental health. A good way to overcome this situation is to make a list of obtainable goals and resources to help you organize your thoughts.

In addition to job loss, general changes in your position and responsibilities at your workplace may be a source of stress. If you find that the demands of your job are piling up, speak to a therapist about your challenges. 

Do I Have a Healthy Family Life? 

Another example of change might involve your family dynamics. For example, if your parents get a divorce, this may impact you in a profound way. Loss of a loved one can also contribute to depression and may cloud your optimism. Lindsey Hoskins & Associates may be able to help you work through your emotions during this adjustment period. Even positive developments, such as welcoming a new child into your family, may present you with unexpected emotional challenges. Contact a therapist to discuss any family changes you’re experiencing. 

Do I Have Positive Relationships? 

An indication that you may benefit from speaking with a therapist might be your relationships with others. This could include your partner, friends, or co-workers. All relationships have their ups and downs, but people in healthy relationships do not engage in constant conflict. If you have noticed that certain relationships in your life are not thriving as they once were, Lindsey Hoskins & Associates may be able to help you work through the cause of relationship struggles. 

Common Myths of Couples Therapy

Despite how beneficial couples therapy is, many still don’t buy into how critical it can be for distressed couples. The disparity is primarily due to the many misconceptions people have about couples therapy, for example:

Myth #1: The Therapist Will Take Sides

Many people are concerned that a therapist will take sides during sessions. This is a primary reason to take the time to find a therapist who has experience in working with couples. When you find a good couples therapist, know that they are trained to provide unbiased support by ensuring that you both feel heard in the process. 

Myth #2: A Therapist Can’t Fix the Issue

Therapy can only help if both parties are committed and invested in treatment. If you walk in believing that treatment won’t help, it probably won’t. When committing the time to therapy, it’s imperative that you also take the time to invest in treatment recommendations made by your provider fully.  

Myth #3: I Can’t Afford Therapy

Therapy comes at an expense; however, it doesn’t mean that you can’t afford it. Many insurances offer coverage for couples therapy. However, know that often committing the time to treatment can be far less costly than the impact of leaving issues left without resolution. 

Myth #4: We Will Be Judged for Going to Therapy

Many couples considering therapy are concerned with optics. What will people think of your relationship if they know you are experiencing problems? It’s important to know that therapy is a confidential service, meaning no one will know that you are engaged in services unless you tell them. Keep in mind that concern over what others will think shouldn’t be a deterrent to seeking counseling. Leaving problems to fester will only make them worse. 

Our Maryland therapist in Bethesda is here to support you when you need it the most, so contact Lindsey Hoskins & Associates today for more information and to book a therapy session.

Number One Reason for Marriage Issues

Financial issues are something that almost everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. It can be difficult enough to tackle money problems when you are single, but when you are married and dealing with strained finances, it is not uncommon for the relationship to become strained, as well. In fact, financial problems are the number one reason that divorced couples point to as the main reason why their marriage ended. But, before you call that divorce lawyer, consider calling a therapist in Bethesda MD first.

How Common Are Fights About Money in Marriages?

It is no surprise that the stress of dealing with money problems can seep into other areas of a couple’s relationship, causing a division between the two. Multiple studies have found that money is the one of the top reasons why married couples argue.

But this doesn’t mean the marriage has to end. In fact, there are steps that the couple can take to learn how to effectively deal with the issues and also learn healthy ways to resolve them. Just like in many other areas of a marriage, communication about financial concerns is crucial to avoid resentments and anger from building up. A Bethesda MD therapist understands that this also includes sharing your financial goals with your spouse, as well. It is important for both spouses to be on the same page in order to work together.

For example, if one spouse is focused on saving money for a long-term goal, such as purchasing a home, but the other spouse is not as concerned with that goal or even aware of it, this lack of sharing and communication can be a recipe for lots of arguing and misunderstandings.

How to Discuss Finances with Your Spouse

When one or both spouses are feeling emotional about a certain topic, it is not uncommon for calmness to go out the window during a discussion. However, it is very important to your relationship to remain calm during these talks and avoid yelling. Both spouses need to respect each other, avoid getting angry or criticizing and listen to each other without interrupting. Unfortunately, by the time a couple gets to this point where these issues exist, they are not always able to effectively communicate with each other and this is when the relationship begins to erode. But working with a therapist will enable both spouses to learn to communicate, decide on their goals, and work together to come up with a plan to reach those goals.

Staying Peaceful Between Sessions

Couples therapy sessions can get intense. The information we are informed of during therapy can feel overwhelming, so when the session is over we may want to withdraw from our partner. You may fear that if you continue the conversation, it will only get worse. When it comes to emotionally-charged issues, it can be difficult to keep up daily interactions without tensions or arguing. We may feel disheartened, frustrated, and not sure what to do.

Vulnerability

In couples therapy, each partner explores aspects of their relationship that are not working and talks about issues they don’t agree on. By being open and verbalizing our thoughts and feelings, this intimacy may make us feel uncomfortable and want to put up a protective shield. For couples that are conflict-avoidant, facing problems directly during therapy can feel unfamiliar and heavy.

Urge To Flee

When we are dealing with emotional challenges, our bodies may register that as a threat, especially when it has to do with a partner. The nervous system may cause us to want to flee, because we feel that we are in danger, even if that isn’t literally true. Whether it is you or your partner who needs time to reset, remember this is normal and not necessarily a sign that the relationship is in turmoil. Sometimes people need extra time to calm down and wait for the emotional panic to subside.

Gratitude Journal

While the last thing you may feel like doing is writing about what you are grateful for, it can help balance out your emotions and perspective. When we are in a fight with our partner, we may be focused on all the negative things about them or what they have done. Redirecting our attention to what is good in our lives can give us the energy to handle the harder moments when they do arise.

Take Some Alone Time

It’s okay to want to be alone and process, especially if a therapy session was tough. You and your partner should not feel obligated to spend more time together immediately after a therapy session. However, be sure to communicate that you just need time to process, as eluding your partner can make matters much worse. It may help to agree to take a few hours or a day to yourselves, engage in hobbies you like, go for a walk, or indulge in a good meal. Taking time to reflect and care for yourself can give you the ability to continue difficult conversations later.

Contact Our Office Today

If you and your spouse are having a hard time working through issues, no matter what those issues may be, a Bethesda MD therapist can help. Call Lindsey Hoskins & Associates to schedule a consultation.

Bethesda Therapist Statistics

In 2020 the CDC shared that 20.3% of adults in the United States sought mental health services. If you are going through an alteration or disruption in your everyday life, then there’s a good chance you may need to reach out to a therapist to help process your living situations. At times, it may be difficult to recognize the stressors in your life. Contact a therapist today.

Client Review

“Lindsey and her team are warm, welcoming, and accommodating. From setting up my first consult, to booking ongoing sessions two years later, I’ve found that (with the help of her empathy, support, and skill building) my sessions only get better and better.”
Paul Rabil