If you’re in a long-distance relationship, you know firsthand how difficult it can be. If all relationships take work, then long-distance relationships are doubly so.
You’ve got to face all the same challenges as any other couple – communication, dealing with conflict, relationships with family members – and then on top of that, you’ve got the stress and strain of being apart for long stretches at a time.
This can be a big drag on your ability and desire to communicate about difficult topics, on your emotional connection, and on your general satisfaction with the relationship, not to mention the havoc it wreaks on your sex life.
Couples Counseling for Long-Distance Relationships
So now you think you may want to seek couples counseling to iron out some problems between the two of you or perhaps to see if it’s even something you want to continue with at all.
But of course, it seems awfully tough to find time for counseling during the short periods when the two of you are in the same city.
Once again, the realities of the long-distance relationship prove to be more challenging than you had hoped. Fortunately, we can help you through this difficult situation.
We offer online counseling so that we can meet you wherever you are. Commonly one partner will be located here in Baltimore, and the other is stationed somewhere else, so we can have one of you in the office, and the other can join in via videoconference to take part in the session. We can also meet with both of you online, whether you are in the same location outside of Baltimore or in two different locations.
What Will You Gain From Counseling?
Communication can be a particular challenge in long-distance relationships. We are experts at helping couples improve their communication and learn to talk about important issues in their relationships. The skills you’ll gain are no different from the ones you need in a typical, co-located relationship – but in a long-distance situation, they are all the more necessary.
You’ll also get a chance to talk about the issues that are particular to the challenges faced by long-distance couples. Here are some you may be familiar with that we can help you work out:
- How to maintain a sense of connection across the distance. Are you satisfied with video chats? Phone calls? Text messages? What works for you and your partner to feel like you are a couple, not just pen pals?
- How to handle your sex life, including questions of exclusivity, jealousy, and sexual frustration. Are you both able to maintain sexual fidelity in these circumstances? Is that an important value for you, or are you both more interested in keeping a non-exclusive relationship for the time being?
- How to discuss the financial aspects of a long-distance relationship. Travel is just one aspect of it, albeit a potentially pricy one. What about rents and mortgages? Joint and separate bank accounts? Budgeting discussions? All these are questions to address.
- How to manage to travel back and forth. Who goes to who and when? How often? How does the travel impact your energy levels, your desire to spend time together, and your wallet?
What Will You Gain From Counseling?
Communication can be a particular challenge in long-distance relationships. We are experts at helping couples improve their communication and learn to talk about important issues in their relationships. The skills you’ll gain are no different from the ones you need in a typical, co-located relationship – but in a long-distance situation, they are all the more necessary.
You’ll also get a chance to talk about the issues that are particular to the challenges faced by long-distance couples. Here are some you may be familiar with that we can help you work out:
- How to maintain a sense of connection across the distance. Are you satisfied with video chats? Phone calls? Text messages? What works for you and your partner to feel like you are a couple, not just pen pals?
- How to handle your sex life, including questions of exclusivity, jealousy, and sexual frustration. Are you both able to maintain sexual fidelity in these circumstances? Is that an important value for you, or are you both more interested in keeping a non-exclusive relationship for the time being?
- How to discuss the financial aspects of a long-distance relationship. Travel is just one aspect of it, albeit a potentially pricy one. What about rents and mortgages? Joint and separate bank accounts? Budgeting discussions? All these are questions to address.
- How to manage to travel back and forth. Who goes to who and when? How often? How does the travel impact your energy levels, your desire to spend time together, and your wallet?
What You Can Expect?
You should expect to be treated with empathy and understanding by your therapist. We take our responsibility seriously to help you get the most out of your relationship, whatever form it takes.
You should expect to get help for the problems you’re trying to solve, not the ones you aren’t. We won’t try to convince you to get out of a long-distance relationship if that’s not what you’re looking for. We’re here to support you in making what you think are the best decisions for you.
You should expect to work hard. Any relationship comes along with certain challenges and struggles; relationships that carry the extra challenge of making it work over the distance all the more so. If you are looking for a quick and easy answer to this conundrum, we probably don’t have it.
You should expect some technological difficulties! Even in the best technological environments, nobody can guarantee that all systems on both sides will work according to plan. So let’s all remain patient and make the best of whatever the internet allows us to do on any given day!
What You Can Expect?
You should expect to be treated with empathy and understanding by your therapist. We take our responsibility seriously to help you get the most out of your relationship, whatever form it takes.
You should expect to get help for the problems you’re trying to solve, not the ones you aren’t. We won’t try to convince you to get out of a long-distance relationship if that’s not what you’re looking for. We’re here to support you in making what you think are the best decisions for you.
You should expect to work hard. Any relationship comes along with certain challenges and struggles; relationships that carry the extra challenge of making it work over the distance all the more so. If you are looking for a quick and easy answer to this conundrum, we probably don’t have it.
You should expect some technological difficulties! Even in the best technological environments, nobody can guarantee that all systems on both sides will work according to plan. So let’s all remain patient and make the best of whatever the internet allows us to do on any given day!
What Next?
Get in touch with us with any questions you have – we’ll get back to you ASAP. We can also schedule you for a free 20-minute consultation where you can meet with a therapist, online or in person, to get a feel for who you might want to work with and what the road ahead looks like.
Working on Long-Distance Relationships
Arun and Patricia were struggling with a long-distance relationship that was on and off for years. They couldn’t seem to get it to work but missed each other too much every time they broke it off. Arun called the Baltimore Therapy Center for a free consultation, and they decided to give counseling a try. Online sessions were greatly helpful, and they were able to move forward with their relationship in a way that worked for them.
Elaine and Gary met online and almost never got to see each other in person, but they felt very connected and were torn about whether to continue with the relationship. Online sessions from their respective locations on different continents helped them clarify their needs and desires.
Shawn and Monica were very much in love, but the stress of the long-distance relationship was weighing on their engagement plans. They weren’t sure how to deal with the issue until they found the Baltimore Therapy Center, which offered them sessions in person and online while Monica traveled in and out of Baltimore.
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Our Testimonials
Raffi made me enjoy going to therapy. I have learned to talk through issues that seemed impossible and I feel so much better about the communication in my relationship now.
Tyson V.
Highly professional but down to earth. Both my husband and I felt completely understood and valued; something couples often fear simply cannot be achieved. I’m sure we’ll return we need a “tune-up”!
TA
I will always be grateful to Raffi for helping me through a very challenging time in my life. Within a few minutes of our first meeting, I was comfortable talking to him. I would highly recommend Raffi to anyone.
Andrew K. Stein
I met Caitlin about a year and a half ago. I automatically felt comfortable with her. She has a warm disposition and so friendly. She really made an effort to get to know me.
Chavi Shpilsky
Raffi is insightful, intuitive, experienced, and has a sense of humor. I would recommend Raffi to a friend or relative without qualm.
Channah C.
Caitlin is very professional–I found her organized, attentive and thorough. She made herself available when I had to reschedule sessions and she would follow up with me on her own time if she knew I was going through a challenging experience. She is one of the most top-quality people I have ever met.
Amanda Rosner
In such a short time, you worked wonders! One or both of us may return in the future but please know we’re both indebted to you. We’re back to cherishing our time with one another and back to looking forward to a long life as husband and wife.
Lisa & Tim
Raffi is extremely intelligent, insightful, trustworthy and pragmatic. I recommend Raffi without hesitation or reservation. He has a serious goal-focus balanced with a great sense of humor. Raffi is a tremendous, vital person to turn to.
Chanan Siris
I’ve known the people behind the Baltimore Therapy Center for over six years. I’ve found them to be kind, honest, and truly cared about what’s best for me. I’d come in just to visit if I lived nearby.
Yakov Okshtein
Raffi is a great person to help you get through your challenges in life. He is attentive, listens, and genuinely cares about his patients. Since I have been going to see him I have become less stressed.
COA
Raffi was very welcoming and easy to talk to. My boyfriend and I saw him for several months and found that he was able to relate to each of us and help us to work together. I would definitely recommend him to any of my friends or family
Rachel
Raffi was extremely helpful. I can’t believe how many problems he helped me solve – even ones that l have been dealing with for years!
Dan
I’ve worked with Raffi for six years, and from the beginning, he’s been VERY understanding of my unique situation and has been unbelievable helpful in guiding me to where I’ve gotten to, going above and beyond any expectations I had. I honestly can’t thank him enough.
YO
Raffi is so easy to talk to. He makes you see things clearly. Almost immediately I was able to change things that were bothering me. He keeps conversations light and sometimes funny. He’s a great guy and I recommend him to EVERYONE!
JMP
Raffi Bilek is a phenomenal resource. He provides meaningful feedback and direction that clearly reflects my unique situation. His comments are wise, productive, and well thought-out. His humor also helps me feel comfortable and makes him relatable.
Jeremy R.
Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance, especially tonight. Both my wife and I were impressed and grateful for your willingness to work with us despite running a significant amount of time over. You are genuine in your demeanor and sincere with your advice.
John S.
I cannot speak highly enough of Raffi. In just a couple of sessions, Raffi has already began to successfully impact our marriage. Both my wife and I continue to be impressed with him and our progress each week.
Mark M.
Caitlin has been a mentor and guiding force for me over the past 10 years. Despite her very busy schedule, she has always made herself available to help when needed. Caitlin is a very genuine, very caring person, and has a tremendous amount to offer her clients.
Naomi S.
I am so thankful to have found Raffi. I feel so comfortable and confident when speaking with him. From small issues to major life decisions I have benefitted from his warmth and genuine care. I can assure you that Raffi will be an invaluable asset to your life.
Danielle Kippur
Raffi is a wonderful therapist. He’s understanding, warm, and thoughtful. He does not shy away from difficult or sensitive topics. I highly recommend his practice.
Kim Wise
My boyfriend and I see Raffi and it was the best decision we ever made. It is hard to gather the right words to describe him and how much he has helped us and our relationship.
Summer H.
Raffi, was professional, insightful, and helped us.
Harry S.
Caitlin is so special. She is an excellent listener and offers valuable and practical advice for improving life circumstances. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to grow and improve their life situation. Thank you!