The first weeks with a new baby can bring joy, exhaustion and a lot of feelings you did not expect. Crying for no clear reason. Feeling short-tempered or overwhelmed. Wondering why you do not feel the way you thought you would.

Many new parents go through this, and for most, it passes on its own. But sometimes those feelings stay, or get heavier, and that can be a sign of postpartum depression.

This guide explains the difference, the signs to watch for and when it helps to reach out.

What are the baby blues?

The baby blues are very common. Most new mothers experience them in some form in the days after giving birth.

They usually:

• Start within the first two to three days after delivery

• Feel like mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, worry and trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)

• Ease up on their own within about two weeks

The baby blues are linked to the big hormonal shifts after birth, combined with lack of sleep and the huge adjustment of caring for a newborn. Rest, support and time usually help them pass.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than the baby blues. It is a mood condition that affects roughly 1 in 7 new mothers, and it can affect fathers and partners too.

Postpartum depression:

• Can start any time during pregnancy or in the first year after birth

• Lasts longer than two weeks

• Feels heavier, and makes it harder to get through the day or care for yourself and your baby

It is not a sign of weakness, and it does not mean you are a bad parent. It is a common health condition, and it is treatable.

Baby blues vs. postpartum depression at a glance

Signs it may be postpartum depression

Talk to someone if, for more than two weeks, you notice:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, empty or numb most of the day

• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

• Feeling disconnected from your baby, or not feeling the bond you expected

• Intense guilt, shame or feeling like you are failing

• Constant worry, panic or racing thoughts

• Trouble sleeping even when you have the chance, or sleeping far more than usual

• Big changes in appetite

• Pulling away from your partner, family or friends

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Postpartum anxiety is also common, and it can show up with or without depression. If worry or panic is taking over, that is worth talking about too. Read more in our guide to postpartum panic.

When to get help right away

Reach out for help immediately if you:

• Have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Feel unable to care for yourself or your baby

• See or hear things others do not, or feel confused or paranoid

These can be signs of a serious condition called postpartum psychosis, which is rare but needs urgent care. Call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

You can also call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), free and available 24/7.

Who is more at risk?

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone, but it is more likely if you have:

• A history of depression or anxiety, before or during pregnancy

• Had postpartum depression after a previous birth

• Limited support at home

• Major stress, such as money worries, relationship strain or a difficult birth

• A baby in the NICU or with health challenges

Having one of these does not mean you will develop postpartum depression. It just means it is worth keeping an eye on how you feel and having a plan for support.

Partners can be affected too

Postpartum depression is not limited to the person who gave birth. Fathers and partners can also experience depression after a new baby arrives, often while trying to hold everything together for the family. Learn more about paternal postpartum depression.

How postpartum depression is treated

The good news is that postpartum depression responds well to treatment. Support often includes:

• Therapy. Talking with a licensed therapist helps you make sense of what you are feeling, manage difficult thoughts and build practical coping skills. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are often used.

• Medication. For some parents, medication can help. A medical provider can talk through options, including what is safe while breastfeeding.

• Practical support. Help with feedings, sleep and household tasks can make a real difference.

• Connection. Talking with other parents who understand can ease the feeling of being alone.

Many parents start to feel better within a few months of getting support.

Small steps that help, whatever you are feeling

• Rest when you can, and accept help with the baby so you can sleep

• Eat regular meals and drink water

• Get outside for a few minutes each day if you are able

• Tell someone you trust how you are really feeling

• Lower the bar on everything that is not essential right now

These are not a replacement for treatment, but they support your recovery and your wellbeing either way.

Postpartum depression support in Maryland

At Lartey Wellness Group, our therapists support new and expecting parents through postpartum depression, anxiety and the big adjustment of life with a baby. Partners are welcome too.

You can meet with a therapist in person at our Laurel office or online anywhere in Maryland, so you do not have to arrange childcare or travel. We accept Maryland Medicaid and most insurance plans.

Learn more about postpartum depression therapy at Lartey Wellness Group, or reach out to get started.

Request an appointment or call (800) 994-5403

If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support, or visit our crisis resources page.

You have probably heard of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. It is one of the most widely used and well-researched forms of therapy in the world. But if you are thinking about starting therapy, you might still be wondering what it actually involves, and whether it would help you.

This guide explains CBT in plain language: what it is, what happens in sessions, what it can help with and how it compares to other approaches.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

CBT is built on a simple idea: your thoughts, feelings and actions are connected, and each one affects the others.

When you are stressed or struggling, those connections can form a loop that keeps you stuck. An unhelpful thought leads to a difficult feeling, which leads to an action that makes the thought feel even more true.

CBT helps you notice that loop and change it. When you shift one part, like a thought or a habit, the others start to shift too.

What it looks like in real life

Imagine you have a big meeting at work tomorrow.

• Thought: "I'm going to say something wrong and everyone will think I'm incompetent."

• Feeling: Anxiety, a tight chest, trouble sleeping.

• Action: You avoid preparing because thinking about it feels overwhelming, or you call in sick.

The next time a meeting comes up, the anxiety feels even bigger, because avoiding it the first time made it seem more dangerous.

In CBT, you would work with your therapist to:

• Notice the thought and see it as a thought, not a fact.

• Question it. What is the evidence? Have past meetings really gone that badly? What would you tell a friend in the same situation?

• Find a more balanced thought, such as "I might feel nervous, but I've prepared and I know this material."

• Try a different action, like preparing in small steps or going to the meeting even though it feels uncomfortable.

Over time, these small changes break the loop and the anxiety loosens its grip.

Common thinking traps CBT helps you spot

CBT gives names to patterns of thinking that many people fall into, especially when they are anxious or low:

• All-or-nothing thinking: "If it's not perfect, it's a failure."

• Catastrophizing: Jumping straight to the worst possible outcome.

• Mind reading: Assuming you know what others think of you.

• Overgeneralizing: "This always happens to me."

• Should statements: Holding yourself to rigid rules that leave no room for being human.

Just being able to recognize these patterns can make them feel less powerful.

What happens in CBT sessions?

CBT is practical and structured. A typical course looks something like this:

• Setting goals. In your first sessions, you and your therapist talk about what brings you in and what you want to feel or do differently.

• Learning the patterns. You start to notice the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that keep you stuck.

• Practicing new skills. Sessions often include tools like thought records, problem-solving, relaxation techniques or gradually facing situations you have been avoiding.

• Practice between sessions. CBT works best when you use the skills in everyday life, so your therapist may suggest small exercises to try during the week.

• Checking progress. You and your therapist regularly look at what is working and adjust the plan.

Sessions usually last about 50 to 60 minutes. CBT is often shorter-term than some other therapies, and many people work through a course of treatment over a few months, though everyone's pace is different.

What can CBT help with?

CBT has strong research support for many common concerns, including:

• Anxiety, worry and panic attacks

• Depression and low mood

• Stress and burnout

• Phobias and fears

• Insomnia and sleep problems

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Low self-esteem

• Anger and irritability

It is used with adults, teens and children, and it can be adapted for individual, couples and family therapy.

CBT vs. other types of therapy

CBT is one of several evidence-based approaches. Your therapist may use it on its own or alongside others.

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) grew out of CBT. It adds skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, staying present and navigating relationships. It is often helpful for people whose emotions feel overwhelming or hard to control.

• EMDR therapy focuses on processing traumatic or distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. It is often used for trauma and PTSD. Learn more about EMDR therapy.

• Talk therapy in a broader sense may focus more on exploring your history, relationships and feelings, with less structure than CBT.

You do not need to know which approach you want before you start. Your therapist will help you figure out what fits your needs and goals.

Is CBT right for me?

CBT may be a good fit if:

• You want a practical, goal-focused approach

• You find yourself stuck in the same worries or negative thoughts

• You want tools you can use on your own, between sessions and after therapy ends

• You are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress or a specific fear

• You like the idea of seeing measurable progress over time

If you are not sure, that is completely normal. A first appointment is a chance to talk it through.

CBT at Lartey Wellness Group

Our licensed therapists use CBT and other evidence-based approaches with individuals, couples, teens and families. You can meet with a therapist in person at our Laurel office or online anywhere in Maryland.

We accept Maryland Medicaid and most insurance plans, and many clients pay little or nothing for sessions. You can meet our clinicians or reach out to get started.

Request an appointment or call (800) 994-5403

If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support, or visit our crisis resources page.

Many couples who could benefit from counseling never start because they assume it will cost too much. Without insurance, a single session can cost $100 or more, and that can feel impossible when money is already a source of stress.

The good news is that couples counseling in Maryland can be much more affordable than many people expect. This guide walks through the most common ways to lower the cost, including Maryland Medicaid, private insurance and free support options.

How much does couples counseling usually cost?

Costs vary by provider, location and session length. Without insurance, many couples therapists charge between $100 and $250 per session. Since most couples meet weekly or every other week for several months, the total can add up quickly.

That is why it helps to explore coverage options before deciding counseling is out of reach.

Option 1: Maryland Medicaid

Maryland Medicaid covers outpatient mental health care, and at many practices, including Lartey Wellness Group, it can be used for couples sessions as part of treatment. For many Medicaid members, sessions cost little or nothing.

A few things to know:

• Coverage is tied to care. Couples sessions are often covered when they are part of treatment for a mental health concern, such as anxiety, depression or stress affecting the relationship.

• Not every provider accepts Medicaid. Many private couples therapists do not, so it is worth asking before you book.

• Your provider can check for you. A good practice will verify your coverage before your first session.

Learn more about seeing a therapist with Maryland Medicaid.

Option 2: Private insurance

Some private insurance plans cover couples therapy, and some do not. Coverage often depends on whether sessions are part of treatment for a diagnosed mental health concern.

Questions to ask your insurance company:

• Is couples or family therapy covered under my mental health benefits?

• Does it need to be tied to a diagnosis?

• What is my copay or coinsurance per session?

• Do I need to see an in-network provider?

If your plan does not cover couples therapy, you may be able to use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) when sessions are part of medical treatment. Check with your plan administrator.

Option 3: Employee assistance programs (EAPs)

Many employers offer an employee assistance program that includes a small number of free counseling sessions each year. Some EAPs cover couples sessions. Check your benefits portal or ask your HR team. Even a few free sessions can be a helpful start.

Option 4: Military and veteran resources

If you or your spouse serves in the military, Military OneSource offers free, confidential non-medical counseling, which can include couples sessions. Veterans may also have access to couples and family support through the VA.

Option 5: Free and low-cost community support

While these are not a replacement for therapy, some couples find extra support through:

• Faith communities. Many churches and mosques offer marriage ministries, mentoring or workshops.

• Relationship workshops. Community centers and nonprofits sometimes host free or low-cost classes on communication and conflict.

• Books and online courses. Research-based resources from approaches like the Gottman Method can give couples shared tools to practice.

These can be a good starting point, especially alongside professional counseling.

Signs it is worth investing in couples counseling now

It can be tempting to wait until things feel worse, but couples often get the most out of counseling when they start earlier. Consider reaching out if:

• The same arguments keep happening without resolution

• You feel more like roommates than partners

• Trust has been broken, such as after an affair

• Stress about money, parenting or family is pulling you apart

• One or both of you are thinking about separating

If you are working through a betrayal, our guide to rebuilding trust after infidelity may also help.

Affordable couples counseling at Lartey Wellness Group

Lartey Wellness Group offers couples counseling in person at our Laurel office and online anywhere in Maryland. Here is what that means for cost:

• Maryland Medicaid accepted, with many clients paying little or nothing for sessions

• Most major insurance plans accepted

• Benefits checked before your first visit, so there are no surprises

• Online sessions statewide, which can save time and travel costs

Our couples therapists include clinicians certified in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). For couples who want faith included, we also offer Christian counseling and Islam-based counseling

Learn more about couples counseling in Laurel and online.

Request an appointment or call (800) 994-5403

For many Christians, faith is part of how they make sense of hard seasons. So when anxiety, grief, depression or relationship struggles show up, it is natural to want support that leaves room for prayer, scripture and the beliefs that matter most.

That is what Christian counseling offers. But the term can mean different things depending on who is offering it, and it is not always clear what to expect. This guide explains what Christian counseling is, how it compares to other kinds of support, and how to know if it is the right fit for you.

What is Christian counseling?

Christian counseling is mental health support that includes the Christian faith when the client wants it included. In its strongest form, it is professional, evidence-based therapy with a licensed counselor who understands and respects your faith and can bring it into your sessions.

Faith might show up through:

• Prayer at the start or end of a session

• Scripture that speaks to what you are facing

• Conversations about purpose, identity, forgiveness and grace

• Connecting your goals in therapy with your values

• Space for spiritual questions, doubt or feeling distant from God

You decide how much faith is part of your sessions. Some people want it woven throughout. Others simply want a counselor who shares their worldview and will not dismiss it.

Christian counselor vs. therapist: what is the difference?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the person's training. You will usually come across three kinds of faith-based support:

Pastoral counseling is offered by pastors or church leaders. It can be a real source of spiritual guidance and care, but most pastors are not trained or licensed to treat mental health conditions.

Biblical counseling draws mainly on scripture as the basis for guidance. Counselors may have church or ministry training, but many are not licensed mental health professionals.

Licensed Christian counseling is therapy with a licensed mental health professional who integrates faith into proven clinical approaches. This is the kind of Christian counseling we offer at Lartey Wellness Group.

The key question to ask any counselor is simple: are you licensed? A licensed counselor has clinical training, follows professional standards, can recognize and treat conditions like anxiety, depression and trauma, and can usually bill your insurance.

What Christian counseling can help with

Christian counseling can support you through the same concerns as any other therapy, with your faith as part of the conversation.

For individuals:

• Anxiety, worry and panic

• Depression and low mood

• Grief and loss

• Trauma and painful memories, including through EMDR therapy

• Stress, burnout and big life changes

• Spiritual struggles, doubt or church hurt

For couples: communication, conflict, rebuilding trust and Christian premarital counseling. Learn more about couples counseling.

For families: parent and teen conflict, blended family stress and communication breakdowns.

What happens in a Christian counseling session?

Your first session is a chance to get to know your counselor. They will ask about what brings you in, your history and your goals. They will also ask how you would like faith to be part of your sessions, so you can set the pace from the start.

Ongoing sessions usually last about 50 to 60 minutes. Your counselor will use proven approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you understand what you are going through and build practical skills. Faith comes in where it helps, whether that is a verse that speaks to your situation, a prayer, or a conversation about where God fits into a hard season.

Over time, your counselor will check in on your progress and adjust the plan as you grow.

When faith itself feels complicated

Not everyone who looks for Christian counseling feels settled in their faith. Some people are walking through doubt, feel far from God, or have been hurt by a church community. A good Christian counselor makes room for all of that without judgment. You do not need to have it figured out to ask for support.

Does insurance cover Christian counseling?

When Christian counseling is provided by a licensed mental health professional, it is billed like any other therapy session. That means many insurance plans cover it, including Maryland Medicaid at practices that accept it.

Counseling from unlicensed providers, such as some pastoral or biblical counselors, is usually not covered by insurance. If cost matters to you, it is worth asking about licensing and insurance before your first appointment.

Is Christian counseling right for you?

Christian counseling may be a good fit if:

• Your faith is an important part of your life and you want it included in therapy

• You have felt hesitant about therapy because you worried your beliefs would be dismissed

• You want proven mental health care, not only spiritual guidance

• You are working through spiritual questions alongside other struggles

Questions to ask a potential counselor:

• Are you licensed in Maryland?

• How do you include faith in sessions?

• What approaches do you use?

• Do you accept my insurance or Medicaid?

• Do you offer online sessions?

Christian counseling in Laurel and online across Maryland

At Lartey Wellness Group, our licensed Christian counselors work with individuals, couples and families in person at our Laurel office and online anywhere in Maryland. We accept Maryland Medicaid and most insurance plans, and many clients pay little or nothing for sessions.

Learn more about Christian counseling at Lartey Wellness Group, or reach out to get started.

Request an appointment or call (800) 994-5403

If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support, or visit our crisis resources page.

Frequently asked questions

If you are thinking about EMDR therapy, you probably have questions. What actually happens in a session? Will I have to relive my worst memories? How long until I feel better? And is it normal to feel worse before I feel better?

These are common questions, and knowing the answers can make starting EMDR feel a lot less intimidating. This guide walks through what EMDR sessions look like, how long treatment usually takes, and the side effects some people notice along the way.

A quick refresher: what is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing experiences.

When something painful happens, the memory can get "stuck" with the same emotions and body sensations you felt at the time. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping or tones, while you briefly focus on the memory. Over time, the memory becomes less intense and less tied to the present.

For a full overview of how EMDR works and who it helps, visit our EMDR therapy page.

Before reprocessing: getting ready

Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR does not start with difficult memories. The first sessions focus on getting to know you and making sure you feel steady.

History and goals. Your therapist will ask about your background, what brings you to therapy and what you would like to feel different. You do not need to share every detail of what happened. Together you will identify a few target memories or situations to work on.

Building coping skills. Before any reprocessing begins, your therapist will teach you grounding and calming techniques. A common one is the "calm place" exercise, where you picture a place that feels peaceful and safe. Another is the "container" exercise, where you imagine putting distressing thoughts away until your next session. You will use these skills during sessions and in between them.

This preparation stage can take one session or several. For people with complex or long-term trauma, it often takes longer, and that is a normal part of doing EMDR safely.

What happens during a reprocessing session

Once you feel ready, you will start working on your first target memory. A typical reprocessing session looks something like this:

• Setting up the memory. Your therapist asks you to bring up an image from the memory, the negative belief connected to it (such as "I am not safe" or "It was my fault"), and where you feel it in your body. You will rate how distressing it feels on a scale from 0 to 10.

• Bilateral stimulation. You hold the memory in mind while following your therapist's fingers or a light with your eyes, or while noticing tapping or tones. This happens in short sets of about 20 to 30 seconds.

• Noticing what comes up. After each set, your therapist will ask, "What do you notice now?" You might notice a thought, image, feeling or body sensation. You do not need to explain it in detail. You simply notice and continue.

• Strengthening a positive belief. As the memory becomes less upsetting, your therapist helps you connect it to a healthier belief, such as "I survived" or "I am safe now."

• Closing the session. Every session ends with time to settle. If a memory is not fully processed, your therapist will use your coping skills to help you leave feeling grounded.

Sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes. Many people describe the experience as watching the memory from a distance, or like scenery passing by a train window. You stay awake and in control the whole time, and you can pause whenever you need to.

Do you have to relive your trauma?

No. This is one of the biggest differences between EMDR and many other approaches. You bring the memory to mind briefly, but you do not have to describe every detail out loud or stay in it for long stretches. Your therapist focuses on what you notice in the moment, not on retelling the full story.

That said, reprocessing can bring up strong emotions. Feeling sad, angry or shaky during a set is common, and your therapist is trained to help you move through it at a pace that feels manageable.

How long does EMDR take to work?

There is no single answer, because it depends on your history and goals. In general:

• Single events, such as a car accident or one frightening experience, may need fewer reprocessing sessions. Some people notice a change within a few sessions.

• Complex or long-term trauma, such as childhood trauma or repeated experiences over many years, usually takes longer. Preparation may take more time, and there may be more memories to work through.

• Most people meet weekly, which helps keep momentum between sessions.

Your therapist will check in with you regularly about progress. One useful sign is when a memory that once felt like a 9 or 10 now feels closer to a 0 or 1, and the negative belief you started with no longer feels true.

If you are carrying memories from childhood, our post on facing repressed memories of childhood trauma may also be helpful.

Common side effects of EMDR

Because EMDR helps your brain process difficult material, it can stir things up for a while. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, and they are often a sign that processing is still happening. Some people notice:

• Vivid dreams or more dreams than usual

• New memories, thoughts or feelings coming up between sessions

• Feeling tired or drained after a session

• A temporary increase in distress before things start to ease

• Headaches or lightheadedness, especially after eye movement sets

• Feeling emotionally raw for a day or two

These effects tend to fade as treatment continues. Using the grounding skills you learned, getting good rest and keeping a few notes about what comes up can all help. Bring anything you notice to your next session, since it often gives your therapist useful information.

If side effects feel overwhelming, tell your therapist. They can slow the pace, spend more time on coping skills or adjust your plan.

Can you do EMDR on yourself?

You may see videos or apps that claim to offer "self EMDR." While some calming techniques, like the butterfly hug, can be helpful for grounding, full EMDR reprocessing is best done with a trained therapist. Working on traumatic memories without support can leave you feeling flooded and without a safe way to close the session.

A trained EMDR therapist provides structure, keeps an eye on your stress level and makes sure you leave each session feeling steady.

Is online EMDR as effective?

Online EMDR follows the same structured approach as in-person sessions. Instead of following your therapist's hand, you may follow a moving dot on the screen or use self-tapping, such as alternating taps on your knees or shoulders. Many clients find it comfortable to do this work from a familiar, private space at home.

At Lartey Wellness Group, you can do EMDR in person at our Laurel office or online from anywhere in Maryland, including Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring and Annapolis.

Getting started with EMDR in Maryland

If past experiences still affect how you feel, think or react today, EMDR may be worth exploring. It can help with trauma and PTSD, and it is also used for anxiety, panic, phobias and distressing memories. Many clients combine EMDR with support for depression or other concerns.

Our trained EMDR therapists see clients in person in Laurel and online across Maryland. We accept Maryland Medicaid and most insurance plans, and our team will check your benefits before your first session. You can meet our clinicians or learn more about EMDR therapy in Laurel and online.

Request an appointment or call (800) 994-5403

If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support, or visit our crisis resources page.

Frequently asked questions

Discovering that a partner has been unfaithful can turn your world upside down. Many people describe it as losing the ground beneath their feet. The relationship you thought you knew suddenly feels uncertain, and questions about the past, present, and future can feel overwhelming.

If you are going through this right now, you are not alone. Infidelity is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy, and many couples do find a way to rebuild. Recovery takes time, honesty and effort from both partners, but it is possible.

Why trust breaks down after an affair

Trust is the belief that your partner will be honest with you and act with your well-being in mind. An affair breaks that belief, and the hurt often goes beyond the affair itself.

Many people find that the secrecy hurts as much as the act. Learning that a partner kept something important hidden can lead to questions like "What else don't I know?" or "Can I trust my own judgment?"

Common reactions after discovering infidelity include:

• Shock, anger and deep sadness

• Trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating

• Replaying details or searching for more information

• Feeling on edge or constantly checking a partner's phone or whereabouts

• Questioning your own worth or the entire history of the relationship

These reactions are a normal response to a painful betrayal. They do not mean something is wrong with you.

Is it possible to rebuild trust?

Yes, for many couples it is. Rebuilding trust does not mean pretending the affair never happened or forgetting the pain. It means creating a new foundation built on honesty, accountability and consistent actions over time.

Recovery tends to be more likely when:

• The affair has ended completely

• The partner who was unfaithful takes full responsibility without blaming

• Both partners are willing to have difficult, honest conversations

• Both partners want to understand what happened and build something different

Every relationship is different, and some couples decide that separating is the healthiest choice. Therapy can help with that decision too, so that whatever you choose, you choose it with clarity.

What the first weeks usually look like

The early weeks after discovery are often the hardest. Emotions can shift quickly, from anger to grief to hope and back again. Some days may feel like progress, and others may feel like starting over.

During this time, it can help to:

• Slow down big decisions. Give yourselves time before deciding the future of the relationship.

• Set boundaries around conversations. Agree on times to talk about the affair so it does not take over every moment.

• Take care of your basic needs. Sleep, food and support from trusted friends or family matter more than ever.

• Avoid going through it alone. A therapist can help you both process what happened in a safe, structured space.

How couples therapy helps

Couples therapy gives both partners a place to talk openly with a trained professional who is on the side of the relationship, not one person. A couples therapist can help you:

• Understand what happened. Explore the circumstances that led to the affair without excusing it.

• Communicate without escalating. Learn ways to talk about painful topics without shutting down or starting the same argument again.

• Process hurt and anger. Give the hurt partner space to be heard, and help the other partner respond with empathy.

• Rebuild trust step by step. Agree on clear, realistic actions that show commitment over time.

• Reconnect. Rediscover friendship, intimacy and shared goals as healing progresses.

The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Lartey Wellness Group has clinicians certified in two of the most widely used approaches to couples therapy.

The Gottman Method is based on decades of research into what helps relationships last. For couples recovering from an affair, it offers a structured path that moves through three phases: atonement, where the unfaithful partner takes responsibility and answers questions honestly; attunement, where partners rebuild emotional connection and learn to understand each other's needs; and attachment, where the couple rebuilds closeness and a shared vision for the future.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at the emotional bond between partners. It helps couples recognize the negative cycles they fall into, such as one partner pursuing while the other withdraws, and understand the fears and needs underneath those patterns. After infidelity, EFT can help the hurt partner express their pain safely and help both partners rebuild a sense of security with each other.

Your therapist will talk with you about which approach, or combination of approaches, fits your relationship best.

Many people also benefit from individual therapy alongside couples sessions, especially if the betrayal has brought up anxiety, depression or past hurts.

Signs it may be time to get support

You may want to reach out to a couples therapist if:

• Conversations about the affair keep turning into fights

• One or both of you feel stuck, numb or hopeless

• You want to stay together but do not know where to start

• You are unsure whether to stay or separate and want help deciding

• The stress is affecting your sleep, work, parenting or health

There is no "right time" to start. Some couples begin therapy within days of discovery, and others come in months or even years later.

If there is any physical danger, threats or controlling behavior in the relationship, couples therapy may not be the right first step. Individual support is safer in these situations, and our team can help you find the right resources.

Couples therapy in Laurel and online across Maryland

At Lartey Wellness Group, our licensed therapists work with couples at every stage, including those healing after infidelity. We offer in-person sessions at our Laurel office and virtual sessions anywhere in Maryland, so you can get support in the way that works best for you.

We accept Maryland Medicaid and most insurance plans, and many clients pay little or nothing for sessions. Learn more about couples counseling in Laurel or online, meet our couples therapists, or call us at (800) 994-5403 to get started.