with Laura Dabney, MD’s Relationship-Focused Team
Our work focuses on understanding the emotional and relational dynamics contributing to the situation so you can respond more thoughtfully and honestly moving forward. Sessions are practical, direct, and insight-driven — helping you better understand your emotions, relationship patterns, and the choices in front of you. Clients often begin feeling overwhelmed or emotionally divided and gradually become clearer, calmer, and more grounded in what they truly want.
Confused by your feelings
Carrying guilt or shame
Torn between relationships
Hiding emotions from people you care about
Scared of being discovered
Unsure what to do next
Wanting clarity before making major decisions
They often emerge from emotional conflicts, avoidance patterns, ineffective discussions, or parts of yourself that have gone unrecognized for a long time.
Until those dynamics are understood clearly, people often remain stuck between guilt, confusion, fear, and impulsive decision-making.
Infidelity therapy is not about assigning blame or forcing quick decisions.
Our work focuses on helping you understand what happened, what it means for you and your relationship, and what you want to do next.
Sessions are practical, direct, and insight-driven – helping you better understand your emotions, relationship patterns, and the choices in front of you.
Clients often begin feeling overwhelmed or emotionally divided and gradually become clearer, calmer, and more grounded in what they truly want.
For more than 26 years, Laura Dabney, MD has worked almost exclusively with individuals and couples navigating complicated relationship problems. A psychiatrist who has been board certified with extensive psychodynamic training, she brings a depth of understanding to the emotional patterns that can keep even highly capable people stuck and unhappy in their most important relationships. Dr. Dabney is the author of I Need You, Now Go Away! and a longtime contributor to national media on relationships and personality patterns and problems. She also teaches psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Chinese Lingyu School of Psychotherapy and consults for major institutions, including the Virginia Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Her approach is practical, direct, and insight-driven. Rather than offering surface-level advice, she helps clients understand what is happening beneath recurring conflict, distance, resentment, or confusion so they can make clearer decisions and create meaningful change.
Dr. Dabney works collaboratively with Certified Relationship Coach Joelle Brant, allowing clients to benefit from their complementary expertise when appropriate. This collaborative model can also provide flexibility in how the relationship work is structured while maintaining the privacy and discretion that have been central to Dr. Dabney’s practice throughout her career.
Joelle Brant, CPLC, works alongside Laura Dabney, MD as part of a collaborative, relationship-focused team.
She provides structured relationship coaching and ongoing support for individuals and couples working through communication problems, emotional disconnection, and recurring relationship patterns.
Clients may work with Dr. Dabney directly, with Mrs. Brant, or with both depending on their needs and goals.
We work with individuals and couples in person in Virginia Beach and via telehealth across Virginia.
Complete a brief confidential form so we can understand your situation and determine whether we're likely to be a good fit.
Schedule a 45-minute Relationship Direction Session with Laura Dabney, MD to understand what's keeping you stuck and clarify the best path forward.
You may choose to work with Dr. Dabney, with Mrs. Brant, use a collaborative approach, or simply leave with greater clarity about your next step.
A clear, non-stigmatizing look at the inherited patterns that quietly shape how we connect, and how to break free of them.
Beyond narcissism and borderline traits, Dr. Dabney maps seven personality dynamics and the path back to your own life.
In-person and virtual consultations available.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist (2000), Founder & Principal of Private Psychotherapy Practice 25+ years, Psychotherapy Instructor at Lingyu School of Psychotherapy, China.
Consultant, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-20+ years, Certified Life Coach.
