with Laura Dabney, MD’s Relationship-Focused Team
Many couples arrive feeling stuck in the same conversations, carrying resentment, disconnection, or uncertainty about whether things can truly improve. Often, the problem is not a lack of effort. It’s that both people are reacting to patterns neither fully understands yet. Our work focuses on helping you identify those patterns clearly so you can stop repeating them, and begin understanding what needs to change.
Having the same arguments repeatedly
Feeling more like roommates than partners
Walking on eggshells around conflict
Emotionally disconnected despite trying
Exhausted by resentment or tension
Unsure whether the relationship can improve
Wanting clarity before making major decisions
Marriage problems are rarely caused by a single disagreement or communication issue alone.
Sessions are practical, direct, and insight-driven – focused not just on talking about problems, but understanding what is actually driving them.
As the underlying dynamics become clearer, many couples find that communication improves naturally – along with emotional connection, trust, and confidence about what comes next.
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.
