927 people sought couples therapy help at Anchorage in the last year

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

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Cecilie Cody

Hear from Cecilie Cody, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Cecilie Cody's profile

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

My favorite approach to couples/marriage counseling comes from John and Julie Gottman, referred to as a Sound Marital House. I enjoy using his Love Maps and the idea of Turning Toward versus Turning Away. Gottman refers to a particularly important issue in relationships called The Four Horsemen and their Antidotes, simply because most couples who are in conflict are seen in at least one of these “Horsemen.”

I like to approach couples/marriage therapy with a lot of curiosity and empathy to better develop an understanding of each person's experience and how it has impacted them to the extent that they are asking for help.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I often use Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy because it gets the couple talking “to” each other rather than “at” each other. When one or the other begins talking to me in the room, I often tell them to look at their spouse or partner and talk to them rather than me. Another rather easy tool is to help each member of the couple understand their partner's Love Language, a concept taught by Gary Chapman.

I introduce “fair fighting rules” to establish healthy and respectful communication in the session, and encourage this practice outside of the session. Clients learn to recognize defensive and counterattack statements, as well as when a person's bias and expectations intrude on other people's feelings. We also practice taking personal responsibility and how to listen to feedback.

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

I can tell a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when they show signs of really understanding each other in conversation — not just hearing each other, but comprehending what their partner is meaning as well as feeling.

Progress is occurring when clients can identify the strengths and values of each other, accept feedback, practice healthy boundaries, and feel comfortable bringing up difficult topics.

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

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by making sure their time together has both “quality” and “quantity.” I typically give homework and things to practice during the week, and each session begins with asking how their practice went.

The couple can use the time outside of sessions to practice new routines, use fair fighting rules during communication, and take time to enjoy each others' company.

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

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, I would encourage you to jot down some notes, in writing so you are prepared, of what specific things you feel the need for in your relationship, i.e. when and what you argue the most about, what you do when upset, and what works as well as what doesn't work in resolving conflict. Quite often, you have the answer and simply haven't figured it out yet. I have been known to say, “There is an expert in this room and I am not it,” meaning I will do the best I can to help you discover the answer that may be within you already.

Clients need to be present and agree to attend therapy. Having a comfortable and private space is important, as well as making sure the online platform works on your device. Be prepared to answer a wide variety of questions for the assessment, which might not have a lot to do with the primary problem. Also, knowing any medications and their dosage is really helpful. But overall, just take a deep breath and be open and honest about the problems you are experiencing.

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?

Relationship counseling provides couples with a safe place to discuss their problems, learn healthy habits, and build a stronger connection. If your relationship has hit a snag and you’d like support, consider relationship counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK. Call our office or use our simple online scheduling tool to get started today.

When to Pursue Relationship Counseling

Dealing with friction and arguments is a normal part of any relationship. For that reason, many people often wait to bring their issues to a couples counselor or therapist. However, many professionals encourage people to reach out for help before things seem like they’re on the brink of disaster.

Some common reasons that couples want to start working with a counselor include:

  • Frequent conflicts
  • Trouble communicating
  • Trust and commitment issues
  • Attachment insecurities
  • Mental health and substance abuse issues
  • Intimacy issues
  • Differences in parenting styles
  • Financial strain
  • Emotional distance
  • Grief or loss of a loved one

Couples can deal with these issues at all stages of their relationships, whether they’re dating, engaged, or married. Wherever you are in your relationship, clients who bring these kinds of issues can see how working through them with a professional improves their relationships and makes them more confident in who they are as a partner.

You also don’t need to be facing a specific issue to go into therapy or counseling. Some couples start sessions to get a “check-up” or to work on strengthening one part of a relationship where they otherwise feel strong. Other times, couples come in with the sense that something is “off,” though they can’t pinpoint a specific reason.

How Does Couples Counseling Help?

Deciding to go to couples counseling or therapy is an important first step that shows both you and your partner are willing to put in the work for your relationship. What that work looks like in your sessions can depend on a few components, most notably, the issue you are experiencing. Though the methods of treatment can differ slightly, these forms of counseling all emphasize the importance of skills and practices such as:

  • Setting healthy boundaries
  • Active listening and open communication
  • Identification and acceptance of personal responsibility
  • Emotional vulnerability
  • Conflict solving strategies

Attending therapy or counseling means you and your partner will have a professional to help you develop clear and actionable goals to build and reinforce these skills. No matter where you’re at in your relationship, working with a counselor or therapist from Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, can help you solve your problems and grow closer as a couple.

Meet With a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Thriveworks in Anchorage, AK

Couples therapy and marriage counseling can help you overcome the issues you’re facing as a couple. Your provider will help you understand your challenges and move forward as one.

We understand that finding time for mental health care can be difficult, especially when scheduling appointments for multiple people. At Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, we offer evening and weekend sessions to help you fit therapy into your busy schedule.

Some of our clients love our online appointment options –– you can work with a provider conveniently over a video chat. We won’t put you on a waitlist, and many of our new clients can see a professional within the same week as scheduling.

Couples therapy or marriage counseling can help you strengthen your relationship with your significant other. Call our office at Thriveworks Counseling in Anchorage, AK, to set up your first appointment.

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 Anchorage therapists and counselors accept 20 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Medicare AK

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Self-pay costs at Anchorage
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I had a wonderful experience with my practitioner. She was a real professional and helped me tremendously. I will recommend to friends and family.
Read more I had a wonderful experience with my practitioner. She was a real professional and helped me tremendously. I will recommend to friends and family.
Heather Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr. Sjofn Weisner gives skilled and compassionate service.
Anchorage Jun 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Noel is compassion and empathy for her clients situation, demonstrate her dedication to guiding them through their struggles so that they can find their way to a healthier situation. Provides a safe, welcoming environment that appreciates the differences and embraces culture that is important to grow and develop.
Read more Noel is compassion and empathy for her clients situation, demonstrate her dedication to guiding them through their struggles so that they can find their way to a healthier situation. Provides a safe, welcoming environment that appreciates the differences and embraces culture that is important to grow and develop.
Anchorage May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Highly recommend Jennifer Morton who works at Thrive Works! She is respectful and trustworthy.
Anchorage May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am former senior law enforcement officer in western Alaska. I found Behavioral Health Services could absolutely benefit people everywhere. Especially, in remote areas of Alaska. Jenifer Morton has experience and training to assist clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, chemical dependency, PTSD or Trauma related issues just as a few. Alaska needs more professionals with Jennifer Morton’s experience.
Read more I am former senior law enforcement officer in western Alaska. I found Behavioral Health Services could absolutely benefit people everywhere. Especially, in remote areas of Alaska. Jenifer Morton has experience and training to assist clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, chemical dependency, PTSD or Trauma related issues just as a few. Alaska needs more professionals with Jennifer Morton’s experience.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr.Sjofn Weisner is caring and professional. She is easy to talk to and listens whole heartedly.
Read more Dr.Sjofn Weisner is caring and professional. She is easy to talk to and listens whole heartedly.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Sjofn Weisner is a very kind and caring therapist. She helped me figure out my feelings of being stuck and helped me make decisions that have effectively directed my life in a more positive direction. I've lost weight, started running, I got out of a bad relationship and now am in a good and caring relationship. I'm understanding that i can make better choices in life. This has been thanks to her guidance and genuine understanding and support. She is fully committed to assisting me in achieving my goals with enthusiasm and optimism.
Read more Dr Sjofn Weisner is a very kind and caring therapist. She helped me figure out my feelings of being stuck and helped me make decisions that have effectively directed my life in a more positive direction. I've lost weight, started running, I got out of a bad relationship and now am in a good and caring relationship. I'm understanding that i can make better choices in life. This has been thanks to her guidance and genuine understanding and support. She is fully committed to assisting me in achieving my goals with enthusiasm and optimism.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Sjofn Weisner worked to help me reframe my perspective and access a deeper part of myself that I didn't realize was there. I completed two sessions with Sjofn and was amazed by my results. Sjofn has a very warm, caring, and personable demeanor that radiates through her services. I will definitely continue to see Sjofn for my future sessions.
Read more Dr. Sjofn Weisner worked to help me reframe my perspective and access a deeper part of myself that I didn't realize was there. I completed two sessions with Sjofn and was amazed by my results. Sjofn has a very warm, caring, and personable demeanor that radiates through her services. I will definitely continue to see Sjofn for my future sessions.
Anchorage Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Anchorage is located at 670 W Fireweed Ln Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503 — right across from where G Ct. intersects with Fireweed. Currently, we share a building with Easterseals Alaska and IDEA Homeschool Anchorage. And next door to the left (if you’re looking at our office) is Storio Specialty Car Storage, PHALANX Academy, and Alaska Textiles.

Phone number

(907) 885-6457

Languages spoken by AK providers

  • English
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in AKST

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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in AKST

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