Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

4,032 people sought couples therapy help at Pittsburgh in the last year

Discover how starting couples therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Carelon, Geisinger Health Plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | BCBS, +7 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Career, Divorce / Breakup, +5 more

As a seasoned professional with 30+ years of experience in the counseling and child welfare fields, I am committed to providing a safe emotional and p... As a seasoned professional with 30+ years of experience in the counseling and child welfare fields, I am committed to providing a safe emotional and psychological space that is conducive to change in leading a meaningful and fulfilled life. Read more

84 more therapist available in Pennsylvania

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Molly Maureen Alvord

Hear from Molly Maureen Alvord, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Molly Maureen Alvord's profile

What is your go-to approach for couples/marriage counseling?

My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is to start where they are, meaning what prompted them to come to therapy and what is weighing on them the most. My style is eclectic, so I prefer to adapt my methods to meet the needs of the couple, but I always include education on communication and listening skills.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

These are some of the tools or coping skills that I teach in couples counseling:

  • Communication skills - Learning to express your thoughts and emotions appropriately to yourself and others. This includes listening skills, something vital to improving a relationship.
  • Problem-solving - Looking at your situation to identify what you CAN do for yourself, your partner, and the relationship instead of only seeing the problems.
  • Strengths - What are your strengths? What are your partner's strengths? Identifying the positive traits in the relationship and each other helps to identify what we can build on while navigating the issues.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling?

I know clients are making meaningful progress in couples counseling when they report using skills that they learned in therapy successfully. Anytime someone reports that therapy is helping them feel better, that is progress. When couples incorporate new skills into daily life and feel more connected that is meaningful. Even small positive changes to your perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact in your life.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement couples/marriage counseling?

Clients can supplement their time in couples counseling by reading articles or books to increase their knowledge and understanding. When working with couples, I frequently send handouts/worksheets related to their needs. I often make suggestions or send links to articles that are specific to their needs or concerns. If you find information on your own, it is always a good idea to ask your therapist to confirm that the information is accurate, especially for information found on social media or online videos.

What should someone do to prepare for starting couples/marriage counseling?

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can make a list of questions and/or concerns. During the first session, I need to ask about background information as well as the current issues. Have a list of prior mental health treatments with dates and names if possible. But most of all, be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be open to the idea of exploring the status of the relationship and learning new communication/listening skills.

Starting Couples therapy

What is Couples therapy?

Thriveworks Couples therapy helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. It is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy include:

  • Jealousy
  • Trust issues
  • Infidelity
  • Opposing values
  • Different visions for the future
  • Disagreements in parenting
  • Lack of trust
  • Financial distress
  • Sex issues

How does Couples therapy work?

Couples therapy works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular couples therapy sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.

Is Couples therapy conducted in person or online?

Couples therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.

How long does Couples therapy last?

On average, couples attend couples therapy for 12 weeks. However, couples therapy may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples' needs, the challenges they'd like to work through, and the pace of their progress.

Need more help deciding?

Some of the most mentally challenging and emotionally challenging events in our lives involve our partners. In fact, these events often stem from our relationships. For example, experiencing and healing from infidelity, working through financial strain or unemployment, stepping into new roles as parents, or even deciding to separate. During these challenges, a couples therapist or marriage counselor can assist. These professionals are relationship experts—they can equip you with tools and techniques for working through your relationship’s specific challenges. And they can even help guide and support you through divorce or separation.

“In the end, there doesn’t have to be anyone who understands you.

There just has to be someone who wants to.”

–Robert Brault

If you and your partner or spouse are in a particularly challenging stage in your relationship, consider working with a couples therapist or marriage counselor at Thriveworks Pittsburgh, PA. Our relationship experts can provide you with the personalized guidance and support you are looking for.

The professionals at Thriveworks are interested in helping you live a happy, successful life—and they understand the major role that our relationships serve in our greater happiness and success. To schedule your couples therapy session, just give our office a call. We’ll be here when you need us.

Working Through Relationship Issues: Couples Therapy Tips

What do you do when your marriage or long-term relationship no longer feels right? What do you do when you feel sad, confused, resentful, or frustrated with your partner? The first step is to understand that these are normal feelings but if you want to move forward you must break that cycle of negative thinking. Here are five solutions, from Thriveworks Pittsburgh Couples Therapists, to help you work through these relationship issues:

  1. Create a safe space for open communication: If you can’t communicate with your partner you won’t get anywhere. Talk to your partner and create an open and honest place for sharing your feelings. Listen to them without judgment. You can’t move forward without making an effort to understand where they’re coming from – even if it’s painful at first.
  2. Prove that you’re serious: Talking about what’s going on is difficult, but the real work is not in talking – it’s in acting. Once you’ve identified the issues in your relationship you’ll need to come with a plan to take action on those issues.
  3. Be willing to wait: It takes time for a relationship to go south, and it takes time to get it back on track again. Don’t expect that things will change overnight. If your relationship starts to improve but ends up taking a step back, don’t be discouraged. It’s a process that will have both ups and downs.
  4. Be diligent: You’re working on a long-term plan to save your marriage or long-term relationship. It’s not enough to do the work today and sit back tomorrow. You must stick to your plan of action and continue moving forward.
  5. Save time for gratitude. As you work to uncover the things that aren’t working, be sure you’re also uncovering the things that are working. Tell your partner what they mean to you. Let them know how hard you’re willing to work to save your relationship. Finding common ground for gratitude is an important step in healing the wounds of the past.

You can’t control what’s already happened in your relationship but you can take steps to control the future. Consult with Thriveworks Pittsburgh couples therapists today to find out how you can get your relationship back to a place you’re proud of.

Work with a Couples Therapist, Marriage Counselor at Thriveworks Pittsburgh

Couples therapy is a great resource for those who are currently going through a tumultuous time in their relationship. That said, couples therapy is also a great resource and opportunity for those who want to strengthen or improve their relationship. Couples therapy can help all couples.

To schedule your couples therapy appointment at Thriveworks Pittsburgh, simply give our office a call. We’re here to help you, your partner, and your relationship. Keep in mind that we do have flexible appointment options including sessions in the evenings and on the weekends. We look forward to hearing from you!

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Pittsburgh therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | BCBS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am so very happy with my Therapist Monica Cwynar. She is everything I could hope for since I really never did this before and didn't know what to expect. She is very understanding and easy to talk to.
Read more I am so very happy with my Therapist Monica Cwynar. She is everything I could hope for since I really never did this before and didn't know what to expect. She is very understanding and easy to talk to.
Philip Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So I don't like doing this but have to say that I'm very happy with Monica and I think we are doing good work.
Read more So I don't like doing this but have to say that I'm very happy with Monica and I think we are doing good work.
Philip Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have learned so much about myself since i started therapy at thriveworks .. I’m doing CBT and I’m improving I love my Therapist and my NP that goes over medication. I would recommend anyone to use your services
Read more I have learned so much about myself since i started therapy at thriveworks .. I’m doing CBT and I’m improving I love my Therapist and my NP that goes over medication. I would recommend anyone to use your services
Rosanne Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kate is a warm, caring and trusting person who has a way of making me feel secure with opening up to her with whatever I need to talk about.
Read more Kate is a warm, caring and trusting person who has a way of making me feel secure with opening up to her with whatever I need to talk about.
Pittsburgh Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Barb is an amazing therapist. She is compassionate and very motivated. I highly recommend her.
Pittsburgh Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services!
Read more Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services!
Pittsburgh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Erica is a great person and a wonderful listener. You will be in great hands!
Pittsburgh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services.
Read more Erica Ploski is an exceptionally professional and compassionate counselor. I highly recommend her services.
Pittsburgh Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh is near Arriviste Coffee Bar, and across the street From Dark Matter Tattoo Collective. Between Ellsworth Avenue and Felix Way, we share an office building with Round Table Coffee.

Phone number

(412) 561-9950

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

0 photos