Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 37 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.
Kayla Pena

Hear from Kayla Pena, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Kayla Pena's profile

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

I have limited experience with couples work, but I have worked with couples here at Thriveworks and I have seven years of experience in a previous job engaging in family therapy. My go-to approaches focus on communication-building skills/activities and positive psychology techniques. I found it helpful because it was a positive way to rebuild communication and strengthen relationships.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I teach “fair fighting” rules, which consist of psychoeducation on how best to engage in conflict resolution in a relationship. The Fair Fighting Rules handout I provide describes the “rules of engagement” when it comes to disagreements. Instead of telling people they can't argue, fair fighting rules tell them how to do it safely and productively while exploring topics such as boundaries, warning signs, and techniques for handling disagreements.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when they are reporting progress in sessions, as well as when I observe changes in their communication styles when bringing in difficult topics during sessions.

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

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by completing/reviewing the five love languages activity I provide, engaging in fair fighting rules, and having monthly check-ins about how they feel their relationship goals are/or are not progressing.

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

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can create a list, either separately or together (preferred), about important topics that would be helpful to process in future sessions.

Starting Couples/marriage therapy

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 Boston therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Boston
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 have two providers - one for Rx and one for counseling. Both are good. You to watch for emails and stage engaged and the help is there! Thank you, Anne
Read more I have two providers - one for Rx and one for counseling. Both are good. You to watch for emails and stage engaged and the help is there! Thank you, Anne
Anne Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I saw counseling and therapy from your remote staff both have been very beneficial to me. Thank you very much.
Read more I saw counseling and therapy from your remote staff both have been very beneficial to me. Thank you very much.
Anne Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Thriveworks is full of amazing employees. Even the person that answered my first call was incredible, compassionate and sought out the best possible options for my situation. I've been going weekly 3 months and will likely continue for years!
Read more Thriveworks is full of amazing employees. Even the person that answered my first call was incredible, compassionate and sought out the best possible options for my situation. I've been going weekly 3 months and will likely continue for years!
Sonja Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston is located on Water St. We share a building with The Boston Barbor Exchange, Vaanga Boston, PanIQ Escape Room Boston, and other businesses. We’re just a few blocks away from the waterfront.

Phone number

(617) 882-7447

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Japanese
  • Farsi
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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