If you are considering therapy, it likely means you are recognizing a need, confronting personal challenges, taking action, and proactively seeking change.  Some people want to address long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Often people reach out because they have experienced unexpected changes or stressors that seem overwhelming. Many seek the support of a therapist to pursue their exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, feel supported, and develop new strategies and behaviors for all types of goals and challenges in life. Therapy is for anyone interested in getting the most they can out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.   

People who come to see me often feel stuck or are tired of feeling like they are spinning their wheels, and just not living up to what they want out of life and looking to find solutions. If this resonates with you, you may want to try therapy.  Ultimately, if you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your concerns and determine the best course of action for your mental health and well-being.

Our office is conveniently located on the corner of 21st and P Street NW in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood. When you arrive, you'll be greeted with a cozy, comfortable, and private waiting room where you can help yourself to a refreshing cup of coffee, tea, or a selection of soft beverages while you wait for your session.

While in-person sessions are preferred, we understand that virtual therapy has become essential for many clients due to its convenience and effectiveness. Our secure video Zoom sessions offer a caring and supportive environment, allowing you to connect with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.

The ability to offer a caring working relationship virtually has been surprisingly effective when it makes sense for a variety of reasons whether it’s a matter of convenience, time, or distance. While virtual therapy is different from being in the same physical space, working with clients while in their own space at home or office can be profoundly effective.

Office hours are available from 7 am – 7 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

The fee  ranges from $250.00 to $325.00 per session.  It is my philosophy and practice that $$$ is not the only restraining force preventing someone who is motivated, wanting, and willing to take this important step in their lives so don’t be shy to ask if I have space in any of my sliding fee slots.

As an out-of-network provider, your privacy and confidentiality are a priority.  While providing you with the flexibility to choose the methods and duration of your therapy, this means I am working privately for you.  Often insurance companies seem to focus on controlling their costs. There is no sharing of your personal information and history with the insurance companies, we are not limited to the number of sessions or other protocols that are determined. We decide together on the methods we will use and the length of time we will work together, rather than having these decisions made by an insurance company.

We provide weekly or monthly statements with the necessary information to submit to your insurance company.  

After you’ve met your annual deductible your insurance company will reimburse you for the amount they cover.

Understanding insurance reimbursement can feel overwhelming, but we're here to guide you through the process every step of the way. Simply follow these easy steps to check your eligibility for insurance reimbursement and determine the out-of-pocket costs for your therapy sessions.  

Contact Your Insurance Company – Find their phone number on your insurance card.  

See If You Have Out-Of-Network Benefits – Ask if your plan includes out-of-network benefits for mental health care.  

Ask If You Have a Deductible Before Coverage Starts – Ask what your out-of-network mental health services deductible is and what amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your policy starts to reimburse you.  

Find Out How Much Your Plan Will Reimburse – Ask about your policy’s maximum allowed amount for the mental health service code 90834 and what percentage your policy pays.   

Use This Information To Understand What Therapy Will Cost You – The percent of the maximum allowed is what you’d receive as a reimbursement after you have met your deductible for the year.  

HMO plans, TRICARE, Medicare, and Medicaid do not reimburse for out-of-network mental health costs.

If you're ready to take the next step towards transformative therapy, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can email me directly at Robert@roberthartford.com or give me a call at (202) 412-0253, and I'll be happy to discuss my availability and answer any questions you may have.

I usually work with individuals and couples once a week, particularly in the beginning.  It is possible we will decide together on more or less frequency depending on the individual circumstances and needs.

Therapy offers a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a compassionate and non-judgmental professional. Here's how therapy can help: 

Imagine a cozy room filled with soft lighting and comfort, where you're greeted by a caring therapist who listens attentively to your every word. In this space, you're free to express yourself openly, without fear of judgment or criticism.  

Therapy is like having a trusted guide by your side as you navigate life's ups and downs. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth, where you can explore the deepest parts of yourself and uncover hidden strengths and resources you never knew you had.  

Together with your therapist, you'll unravel the complexities of your thoughts and emotions, gaining clarity and insight into your struggles and challenges. With gentle guidance and support, you'll learn new coping skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficulties that may arise.  

But therapy is more than just problem-solving; it's a process of healing and transformation. Through genuine connection and understanding, you'll experience profound moments of self-discovery and self-acceptance, paving the way for deeper connections with yourself and others.  

In therapy, you'll find validation and affirmation for who you are, exactly as you are. You'll learn to embrace your vulnerabilities and imperfections, recognizing them as valuable parts of your unique journey.  

Ultimately, therapy is a journey of self-compassion and empowerment, where you'll discover your inner resilience and capacity for growth. It's a testament to your courage and strength to seek support and embark on this journey of healing and self-discovery. And in the warmth of the therapeutic relationship, you'll find comfort, guidance, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Deciding on Couples counseling can be a challenge. If you both recognize the need for help and are open to the process, are willing to actively participate in therapy, and commit to making changes to improve your relationship, couples therapy can be beneficial.  

Here are some specific challenges that couples often experience:  

1. Communication breakdown: If you find yourselves arguing frequently, having difficulty resolving conflicts, or feeling misunderstood by each other, couples therapy can help improve communication skills.  

2. Lack of intimacy: A significant decrease in physical or emotional intimacy, or feelings of distance and disconnect in the relationship, may indicate underlying issues that could be addressed in therapy.  

3. Repeated patterns of conflict: If you notice that you and your partner are stuck in repetitive arguments or cycles of behavior that lead to frustration and resentment, couples therapy can help break these patterns.  

4. Trust issues: Trust is essential in any relationship, and if there are trust issues stemming from infidelity, betrayal, or past hurts, couples therapy can provide a safe space to rebuild trust and work through the underlying issues.  

5. Life transitions or major stressors: Significant life changes such as moving, starting a family, or career changes can strain a relationship. Couples therapy can help navigate these transitions and strengthen the bond between partners.  

6. Different expectations or goals: If you and your partner have conflicting values, goals, or expectations for the relationship, couples therapy can facilitate discussions and help find common ground.  

7. Pre-marital counseling: If you're engaged or planning to get married, pre-marital counseling can help you identify potential areas of conflict and develop skills to build a strong foundation for your future together.  

8. Parenting challenges: Parenting can bring unique stressors to a relationship, including disagreements on parenting styles or struggles to find the right balance between parental responsibilities and the relationship. Couples therapy can offer support and guidance in navigating these challenges.  

9. Feeling stuck or unhappy: If you or your partner feel unsatisfied or unhappy in the relationship but are unsure how to address it, couples therapy can provide a space to explore your feelings and work towards positive change.  

Ultimately, couples therapy can be valuable for any relationship seeking to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the connection between partners. If you're unsure whether couples therapy is right for you, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your concerns and explore your options.

When seeking couples therapy, it's essential to find a therapist who has specialized training and experience in working with couples. While any licensed therapist can technically work with couples, couples therapy is a unique and specialized field that requires specific skills and techniques to be effective.  

Think of it like finding the right tool for the job. While a generalist therapist may have a broad range of skills, a therapist with specialized training in couples therapy will have in-depth knowledge and expertise in addressing the unique dynamics and challenges that arise in romantic relationships.  

Here are a few reasons why specialized training in couples therapy is important:  

1. Understanding Relationship Dynamics: Couples therapy involves navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, communication patterns, and relational issues. A therapist with specialized training understands these dynamics and can tailor their approach to address the specific needs of each couple.  

2. Effective Intervention Strategies: Specialized couples therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches to couples therapy, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, or Imago Relationship Therapy. These approaches have been extensively researched and proven effective in helping couples improve their relationships.  

3. Navigating Conflict: Couples often seek therapy to address conflict and improve communication. A specialized couples therapist can provide tools and techniques to help couples navigate conflict constructively, resolve differences, and strengthen their bond.  

4. Addressing Intimacy Issues: Intimacy is a vital component of any romantic relationship, but it can be challenging to maintain over time. Couples therapists with specialized training understand the complexities of intimacy issues and can help couples reconnect emotionally and physically.  

5. Navigating Transitions: Couples may seek therapy during significant life transitions such as marriage, parenthood, or retirement. A specialized couples therapist can provide support and guidance as couples navigate these transitions and adjust to new roles and responsibilities.  

Ultimately, choosing a therapist with specialized training in couples therapy increases the likelihood of a positive therapeutic outcome. Look for therapists who are certified in couples therapy or have completed advanced training programs in couples counseling. By investing in specialized couples therapy, you're investing in the health and longevity of your relationship.  

In addition to my extensive training as a licensed SCT* Systems-Centered Therapist, I am also trained and ICEEFT Certified as an Emotionally Focused EFT Couples Therapist. One of the most satisfying parts of my work and practice is the passion I have for helping couples to transcend their challenges and negative cycles to build more satisfying loving and secure relationships.  At Solutions & Results LLC, we practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the most researched and effective approach for distressed couples. Robert is one of the few Certified EFT therapists in DC. Research shows that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and 90% show significant improvements in an average of 20 sessions using this model developed by Dr. Sue Johnson.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples is a structured approach designed to help partners understand and reshape the emotional responses that influence their interactions. Here's what you can typically expect from EFT:  

1. Assessment: The therapist will work with you and your partner to understand the patterns of interaction and underlying emotions that contribute to relationship distress. This may involve exploring each partner's attachment history and current relational dynamics.  

2. Identifying negative cycles: EFT focuses on identifying the negative interaction patterns or "dance" that couples get stuck in, such as pursuit-withdraw or criticize-defend cycles. The therapist helps couples recognize these patterns and understand the underlying emotions driving them.  

3. Accessing emotions: EFT aims to help partners identify and express their underlying emotions, such as fear, sadness, or longing, which are often masked by defensive behaviors or negative interactions. By accessing and validating these emotions, couples can deepen their emotional connection.  

4. Promoting bonding behaviors: Through EFT, couples learn to engage in new, more constructive ways of interacting that foster emotional connection and intimacy. This may involve expressing needs and vulnerabilities, offering reassurance and support, and practicing empathy and understanding.  

5. Restructuring interactions: EFT helps couples restructure their interactions to create a more secure and responsive emotional bond. This involves shifting away from destructive patterns towards more positive and affirming ways of relating.  

6. Creating a secure attachment: Ultimately, the goal of EFT is to create a secure attachment between partners, characterized by trust, emotional responsiveness, and a sense of safety and connection. Couples learn to rely on each other for support and comfort, fostering a deeper and more fulfilling relationship.  

7. Integration and maintenance: As therapy progresses, couples integrate their newfound skills and insights into their daily lives, practicing communication techniques and relational strategies to sustain positive changes over time. The therapist provides ongoing support and guidance as needed.  

Overall, EFT offers a structured and collaborative approach to couples therapy, focusing on deepening emotional bonds and fostering a secure attachment between partners. By understanding and addressing the underlying emotions that drive relationship distress, couples can cultivate greater intimacy, resilience, and satisfaction in their relationship.

We will begin to develop a safe, trusting relationship starting right where you are and exploring what you want.  We will begin to identify and weaken the things we discover that are getting in the way of you reaching your potential.  

Systems-Centered Therapy* (SCT) recognizes that we are always a part of a system, whether it is the context of ourselves as a person, a couple, a family, a work team, or even a whole organization. Learning to be a member of the system we are in right in the here and now, rather than ones from our past, is often challenging.  

We have all developed ways of coping ‒ defenses ‒ that get in the way of our growth and manifest as emotional pain, such as anxiety, tension, and depression. In SCT, we work with you to identify and reduce these painful symptoms, so you are freer to use your energy in pursuit of your goals.  

SCT values normalizing human experience, de-pathologizing the client, and seeing problems in the context from which they arise.  For more information visit www.systemscentered.com