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2 therapists available in Richmond
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space....
About
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space.
Sharon Looney is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience in in-home, outpatient, and clinical care. They specialize in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, neurodivergence (including OCD, ADHD, and ASD), and PTSD/trauma. Sharon also provides care for major life stressors including domestic and relationship issues, gender dysphoria/transition, and grief. Sharon has experience with behavioral interventions, crisis stabilization, case management, and individual psychotherapy.
Sharon received their Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. They utilize strategies from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience.
Beginning therapy may not be an instant fix for life’s challenges, but it is the last step you’ll have to take alone. Sharon is ready to walk with you in this next stage of your recovery. Schedule your initial appointment today!
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Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I...
Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I have become passionate about helping others struggling at various ages and stages of life.
Annette Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and seniors navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in supporting those facing grief, end-of-life issues, chronic medical conditions, and mental health concerns. With decades of professional and personal experience, Annette offers compassionate guidance and a safe space for growth, healing, and hope.
Annette earned her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. She integrates her clinical expertise with empathy, focusing on client-centered approaches that foster resilience, reflection, and meaningful connections. Her background equips her to guide clients through change with clarity and care.
Annette believes every person deserves support during life’s transitions. Her passion lies in helping clients find strength through struggle and rediscover purpose. Whether you are coping with pain, seeking clarity, or ready to fine-tune your life and relationships, Annette is here to walk alongside you on your journey.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Rhiannon: I mainly use the Gottman process and some EFT interventions. I prefer this method because it teaches communication and non-defensive techniques for each client to express their feelings appropriately.
Christin: One of my go-to approaches for working with couples in marriage or couples counseling is integrating somatic intervention. This can help with repairing and healing their relationship. I use the Gottman approach, which is a go-to for couples. I see couples improve when we discuss how to incorporate body feelings into what is happening or not happening in their relationships.
Rhiannon: I teach the following tools in couples/marriage counseling: communication skills, conflict resolution skills, using “I feel” statements, identifying patterns of conflict and what is really beneath the conflict, triggers for outbursts, and skills to improve intimacy.
Christin: I teach the following tools:
Rhiannon: I know a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when the client reports fewer conflicts, is able to express their feelings more freely with less defensive reactiveness, and able to identify higher satisfaction in their relationship.
Christin: I know a couple is making progress when they come in and say, “We don't have a lot to say, but we did the homework.”
Rhiannon: Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling with dates that are focused on building intimacy, engaging in activities together, and building on communication skills through homework assigned.
Christin: I encourage my clients to always use time-outs when upset and to participate in making a list to help between therapy.
Rhiannon: To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can take courses and read books by the Gottmans, develop a treatment plan for strong communication skills, and work on building skills around conflict resolution.
Christin: Before your first marriage or couples counseling session, take a deep breath; it is a brave thing to come into therapy. Remember there is no judgment and the first session will involve a lot of questions. Don't be afraid, we want to help you!
Couples therapy and marriage counseling, also known as relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy and marriage counseling include:
The types of therapy used in couples and marriage counseling include:
At Thriveworks, Couples/marriage therapy is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples.
The Gottman Method of couples therapy is a research-supported approach designed to enhance relationships by bolstering the bond between partners, resolving conflicts, and fostering shared meaning in their relationship through comprehensive assessments and tailored interventions that improve communication, trust, and the overall health of the partnership.
If you’re facing persistent relationship problems, communication breakdowns, or unresolved conflicts that are impacting your emotional well-being and happiness, Couples/marriage therapy may be beneficial for you.
While marriage and couple’s counseling is typically recommended for couples who are experiencing persistent or severe relationship issues, any relationship can benefit from attending these sessions.
Marriage and couples counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.
On average, couples attend marriage and couples counseling for 12 weeks. However, couples & marriage counseling may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Whether you’ve been together 5 months or 50 years, marriage problems aren’t uncommon. However, just because many couples experience challenges doesn’t mean dealing with conflict is easy or should be taken lightly.
If you’re struggling to move past a disagreement or overcome other differences in your marriage, Richmond couples counseling is a great idea. Think of it as a great investment in the future happiness of both you and your spouse. Reach out to us today to schedule.
Of course, it’s normal for relationships to have their ups and downs as time goes on. Some days you’ll be reminded of why you fell in love with your partner, while at other times you may feel like you’re just two people living under the same roof without any “spark.”
Are you experiencing more lows than highs lately? These can often creep up, especially when a relationship has previously been quite happy. Whether the frustrations have accumulated over time or are caused by a specific issue, Richmond, VA marriage therapists and psychologists can offer the support you need to bring positivity back into your relationship.
Our experts can often help partners achieve resolutions on common matters such as:
In fact, more than 97% of people recently surveyed by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists reported they were successful in receiving the help they needed from a trained counselor. 93% of those people shared that seeing a therapist equipped them with more effective tools for addressing potential future issues.
If you and your partner are dealing with a unique situation, Richmond, VA marital therapists can still offer you the sensitive, non-judgmental insight and support you seek. Whether you’re frustrated over a spouse’s video game addiction, feeling lonely because your partner prefers to travel frequently with his or her friends or are unsure of how to respond to a sexual request, the professionals at Richmond, VA can apply their insight and expertise to help address what’s at the heart of your concerns.
Are you still feeling unsure about whether seeing a couples’ counselor can honestly help you and your partner? Here are a few specific benefits of investing in marriage therapy:
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you and your partner are considering Richmond, VA marriage therapy. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of circumstances and are keen to help. Plus, Thriveworks provides same-week appointments, offers evening and weekend sessions, and accepts most major insurances. Reach out today to schedule.
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