
Relationship Counseling in Washington, DC
Relationship Counseling in Washington, DC That Truly Supports You
Relationships can be our greatest source of joy—and sometimes, our deepest pain. Whether you're navigating challenges with a partner, recovering from a breakup, or trying to make sense of a toxic dynamic, you're in the right place. As a trauma-informed, culturally responsive relationship therapist in Washington DC, I help individuals and couples get to the root of the pain and begin the work of repair, clarity, and healing.
I know it’s not just about “communication skills” or surface-level fixes. The work we do together is deeper—it's about safety, insight, and the courage to grow. Therapy with me is collaborative, warm, and rooted in your lived experience. Whether you're coming alone or with a partner, we’ll work together to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and move toward meaningful change.
I offer several specialized services under the relationship therapy umbrella, each tailored to the stage and nature of the relationship you’re navigating:
Healing Relationships with Compassion, Skill, and Cultural Sensitivity
Whether you're navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or trying to reconnect with yourself in the context of a relationship, you're not alone. Through relationship counseling in Washington DC, I help individuals and couples uncover the roots of their challenges—so you can feel more connected, supported, and emotionally grounded.
Specialized Counseling for Couples, Individuals, and Diverse Partnerships
I offer several specialized services under the relationship therapy umbrella, each tailored to the stage and nature of the relationship you’re navigating. Check the relationship issue you are more interested on, to get additional details:
Couples Counseling – for partners trying to reconnect, rebuild trust, or strengthen communication
Divorce Counseling – for those navigating separation or recovering after a divorce
Breakup Counseling – for individuals healing from the emotional fallout of a relationship
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery – for survivors of toxic, controlling, or antagonistic partnerships
Co-Parenting Support – for parents seeking healthier dynamics and shared parenting tools (even after separation or divorce).
Each page will give you a deeper look at how I support people in these unique relational experiences. And if you’re not sure where you fit—that’s okay. You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out.
You may find some answers in the Frequently asked questions section.
🌿 Ready to begin? Schedule your free 30-minute consultation and take the first step toward deeper, more fulfilling relationships—starting now.
Maria Alfonso, LPC, LMHC Counselor in DC, VA and FL Specializing in Relationships, Sexual Health and Trauma Resolution
I help adults who are tired of repetitive cycles of relationship struggles find closure and reinvent themselves after a breakup, separation, or divorce; or improve the quality of their current relationships. My clients experience post-traumatic growth around their relationship traumas as we move through the therapeutic process. I provide a safe space to address painful memories, including experiences of antagonistic or narcissistic relationships, as well as concerns related to sexual health and wellness.
I bring multicultural sensitivity and competence, especially in working with individuals from minority backgrounds. My practice is inclusive of people from diverse ethnicities, lifestyles, and backgrounds, including Latinx, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Recently, I’ve increased the focus on working with women.
To learn more about my credentials and experience, you can consult the About page.
Contact me for a free virtual consultation for counseling or therapy.
I know it can feel like a big step to contact a counselor, but I’ll make it easy. I provide an initial 30-minute virtual consultation free of charge. Schedule it directly here or send a text to 202-716-9409.
We’ll spend 30-minutes discussing what you are looking for, and I will let you know how or if I can help. If we are not the right match, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.
Contact me for your free consultation for online counseling if you live in DC, Virginia or Florida. At times, I have in person availability in my DC office in the friendship heights area. My specialties include relationships, breakups, divorce counseling, narcissistic abuse recovery, sexuality, sexual health, living with HIV/AIDS, trauma and PTSD.
Add me to your calendar
Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Counseling in Washington DC with Maria Alfonso
-
I work with individuals and couples of all genders, orientations, and cultural backgrounds. Whether you’re dating, married, separated, or in a non-traditional partnership, you’re welcome here. I also support people in navigating relationship transitions such as breakups, divorce, or co-parenting.
-
Not at all. Many clients come to me as individuals wanting to understand patterns, heal from past relationships, or explore their role in current dynamics. Whether you're partnered or not, relationship counseling can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
-
Yes. Rebuilding trust after a rupture is one of the most courageous things a couple can do. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore what happened, what each of you needs, and whether reconciliation is possible. Couples Counseling can help you navigate this process with care and clarity.
-
Yes. I specialize in working with clients who are recovering from narcissistic or antagonistic relationships. If your relationship left you doubting your reality, struggling with boundaries, or feeling emotionally drained, narcissistic abuse recovery therapy may be a better fit than traditional couples work.
-
It’s common for one partner to feel more ready than the other. If your partner isn’t open to couples work, individual sessions can still help you gain insight and support. Sometimes, a shift in one person’s awareness and communication opens space for broader change.
-
Absolutely. I offer co-parenting counseling to help separated parents reduce conflict, communicate more effectively, and prioritize their child’s emotional wellbeing.
-
Yes. I’m a bilingual therapist offering services in both English and Spanish. You’re welcome to express yourself in whichever language feels most natural and authentic to you.
-
Yes—wholeheartedly. My practice is inclusive of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. You deserve to be supported in a space where your love and identity are honored.
