Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

With over 30 years of counseling experience, I look forward to assisting you in working through your issues to achieve positive outcomes.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Bipolar Disorder, +6 more

As a human being, it's hard to navigate the ups and downs of life alone. I can understand how difficult this can be.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +17 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +17 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Stress, Divorce / Breakup, Addiction, +1 more

As an experienced clinician, I can identify with the uniqueness and isolation associated with substance abuse.

Starting Premarital counseling

What is Premarital counseling?

Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for and build a happy, successful marriage. Premarital therapists at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA can help couples develop essential communication skills, identify potential conflict areas, and learn how to manage their specific relationship issues.

How does Premarital counseling work?

When you and your partner begin premarital counseling, your counselor will want to get to know you both as well as your relationship. In order to accomplish this, they will ask questions around the following:

  • Common interests and activities
  • Marital expectations
  • Budget and Finance
  • Children and parenting
  • Intimacy

If there is a particular area that they feel needs to be explored further (for example, you note that you and your partner have very different spending habits and views on money), they’ll guide the conversation in the given direction.

Is Premarital counseling conducted in person or online?

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

How long does Premarital counseling last?

Generally speaking, Thriveworks premarital counseling in Alexandria typically lasts for 8-10 weeks. This, however, can vary depending on the counselor’s approach as well as the clients’ preferences and needs. For example, some couples might request additional sessions to work through problem areas that they’ve identified in their relationship, pre-wedding.

Need more help deciding?

Some couples, especially those who have been together for 5+ years, don’t question the next step: marriage. Others, of course, have their reservations about the whole marriage thing—they question whether it’s right for them and their relationship.

Believe it or not, both instances above can necessitate premarital counseling. In other words, both couples that are sure about marriage and those who are still contemplating this life-long commitment can benefit from meeting with a premarital counselor.

“Make it your goal to create a marriage that feels like the safest place on earth.”

–Greg Smalley

Premarital counseling is designed to help couples understand whether marriage is right for them (now or ever), as well as build a solid foundation for their relationship moving forward. The premarital counselors at Thriveworks Alexandria are experts on marriage and are trained to assist engaged couples as well as those who are still contemplating marriage. If you and your partner are talking about taking this next step, consider working with a Thriveworks Alexandria premarital counselor. You can call today to schedule an appointment.

What Is Accomplished in Premarital Counseling?

Again, premarital counseling can help any couple that is, at the very least, considering marriage. Regardless of where you are in terms of making this commitment, a premarital counselor can help you and your significant other decide if your relationship is ready for marriage—and if it isn’t ready right now, whether it might be in the future! Additionally, a premarital counselor can help you and your partner explore how your relationship dynamic might change when you make the commitment of marriage and how you can properly address issues that might arise.

The Thriveworks Alexandria premarital counselors want to help you and your partner build a solid foundation for your relationship. If you’re worried about taking this next step or there’s a challenge that you and your partner need to resolve before marriage is viable, you can find the help you need in premarital counseling. Here are some common challenges that are commonly talked about:

  • Lack of intimacy
  • Career plans
  • Parenting roles
  • Relationship dynamic
  • Visions for the future

For example, say your relationship has been lacking intimacy and you aren’t sure why or how to address this problem. A premarital counselor can help you understand what’s getting the way of maintaining this crucial component of your relationship as well as how you can continue to do so in marriage. Regardless of the problem that’s plaguing your relationship, a premarital counselor at Thriveworks Alexandria can step in and make a meaningful difference.

See a Premarital Counselor at Thriveworks Alexandria

We want you to be excited and confident about taking this big step in your relationship. We also want to help you ensure it will be a successful next step in your relationship. If you and your partner are thinking about getting married, consider working with a premarital counselor at Thriveworks Alexandria. These professionals have unique training, expertise, and experience that will help them help you. The end result will hopefully be a happy, healthy marriage.

If you’re ready to schedule, give us a call at (703) 348-3059. A scheduling specialist will help you get all set up and answer any questions you may have about how Thriveworks differs from other counseling practices. For example, we offer flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend availability. Additionally, we accept many different major insurance plans.

We look forward to beginning this journey with you and helping you to create a happy, healthy marriage. We hope to hear from you soon so we can get started!

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 Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Alexandria
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 was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off Colvin St between Sweeley St and Roth St. We are located next door to the Alexandria Police Association and across the street from NACCAS (National Accrediting Commision of Career Arts and Sciences).

Phone number

(703) 936-6214

Languages spoken by VA providers

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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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