Couples & Family Therapy
Because the relationships that matter most deserve real support.
Every relationship has seasons.
Some are easy. Full of connection, laughter, and the quiet comfort of knowing someone deeply. Others are harder. Communication breaks down. The same arguments circle back. Distance grows in ways that are difficult to name, let alone fix.
If you’ve found yourself wondering whether things can get better, whether the closeness you once had is still possible, you’re in the right place. Reaching out for couples or family therapy isn’t a sign that something is broken beyond repair. It’s a sign that you care enough to try.
Who is this for
Couples and family therapy at Mindful Living is for anyone navigating the complexity of being in relationship with another person. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. You don’t have to have tried everything else first.
We work with:
Couples working through communication patterns that keep leading to the same place
Partners navigating a major life transition together (a new baby, a career change, a loss, a move)
Couples rebuilding trust after infidelity or betrayal
Families adjusting to blended dynamics, parenting disagreements, or estrangement
Partners who feel more like roommates than lovers and want to find their way back to each other
LGBTQIA+ couples and families looking for an affirming, nonjudgmental space
Couples who are doing okay and want to invest in their relationship before things get harder
The common thread isn’t the problem. It’s the willingness to show up and try. If you have that, we can work with anything else.
What couples and family therapy looks like
Therapy looks different for every couple and every family, because no two relationships are the same. What stays consistent is the space we create: warm, structured, and genuinely safe for every person in the room.
In couples therapy, both partners have a voice. Sessions aren’t about taking sides or deciding who’s right. They’re about slowing down the patterns that keep you stuck, understanding what’s happening beneath the surface of your conflicts, and building new ways of reaching each other. Some sessions will feel productive and hopeful. Others will be harder. Both kinds matter.
In family therapy, the focus shifts to the system as a whole. The roles people play, the dynamics that have developed over time, and the ways each person’s experience shapes the whole. Whether you’re coming in as a family of two or ten, our therapists are trained to hold space for every perspective in the room without anyone feeling unheard.
Our therapists draw from evidence-based approaches including the Gottman Method, Family Systems Therapy, and trauma-informed practices, tailored to what your relationship actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Sessions are typically 50 to 55 minutes and can be held in person at our Towson or Bel Air offices, or virtually throughout Maryland.
A note on insurance for couples and family therapy
We want to be upfront about something important before you reach out: couples and family therapy is not billed through insurance at Mindful Living Therapy, and we want to explain why.
Insurance companies require a formal mental health diagnosis assigned to one identified individual in order to process a claim. In couples and family therapy, that model doesn’t fit. Relationship struggles, communication patterns, and family dynamics aren’t a diagnosis that belongs to one person. They belong to the system as a whole. Assigning a diagnosis to one partner or family member in order to access insurance coverage raises real ethical concerns about accuracy, fairness, and the long-term impact on that person’s medical record.
Because of this, couples and family therapy at Mindful Living is offered on a private pay basis. Each therapist sets their own fee, and we encourage you to ask about rates during your free 15-minute consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
We recognize that cost is a real consideration, and we don’t take that lightly. If you have questions about affordability or want to explore your options before reaching out, visit our Insurance & Rates page for more information.
We know this isn’t an easy decision
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This is one of the most common things we hear, and it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Sometimes one partner starting individual therapy can create enough positive change that the other becomes more open over time. Other times, a single joint session to just meet the therapist and ask questions can feel less intimidating than committing to ongoing work. We’re happy to talk through what might work best for your specific situation during your free 15-minute consultation.
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It’s natural to fear that opening things up will create more conflict. What we can tell you is that the conflicts you’re avoiding don’t go away on their own. They tend to grow quieter and heavier over time. A skilled therapist doesn’t create conflict. They help you have the conversations you’ve been unable to have on your own, in a way that feels safer and more productive than trying to navigate them alone.
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We understand this concern completely, and we want to be as transparent as possible. Each of our therapists sets their own fee for couples and family work. We encourage you to ask about rates during your free 15-minute consultation before making any commitment. We’d rather you have all the information upfront than feel surprised later.
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We hear this often, and it’s a valid concern. Life is busy, and adding a weekly commitment can feel overwhelming when you’re already stretched thin. A few things worth knowing: sessions are typically 50 to 55 minutes, and we offer flexible scheduling including evenings and virtual appointments to make it easier to fit into your week. Some couples also find that biweekly sessions work well, especially at the start. The most important thing is finding a rhythm that’s sustainable for you, not one that adds more stress to your life. We’re happy to talk through scheduling options during your free 15-minute consultation.
Your relationship is worth showing up for.
Taking the first step toward couples or family therapy is an act of courage. It means you’re choosing your relationship over the comfort of avoiding hard conversations. We’re glad you’re here.
We invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, no pressure, just a simple conversation to see if we might be the right fit. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you call. That’s what we’re here for.
Couples and Family Therapists
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Amy Waldron LCPC (She/Her)
Towson Office and Telehealth
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Eileen Gillette LCMFT (She/Her)
Telehealth Office