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1,598 people sought couples therapy help at Chapel Hill 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

Our Chapel Hill providers are currently booked, however we have 85 online providers available right now in North Carolina.
Cornelius
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Bipolar Disorder, +2 more

As an individual navigating a constantly changing world, I understand the value and necessity of having a safe space to be yourself.

Charlotte
JP Farley Corporation, Multi Plan PHCS
Military / Veteran, Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +12 more

As an African American woman, I recognize and navigate the daily challenges life presents.

Raleigh
JP Farley Corporation, Multi Plan PHCS, Oscar Health, +2 more
Military / Veteran, Medical / Health Issues, Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Anger, +19 more

I am a trauma survivor as well as a military veteran, and I am dedicated to being the best therapist I can be, which means providing individualized ca... I am a trauma survivor as well as a military veteran, and I am dedicated to being the best therapist I can be, which means providing individualized case management and staying up-to-date on cutting-edge trends and interventions. Read more

Charlotte
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +6 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, +9 more

I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and free to be your authentic self.

Charlotte
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +19 more
Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, +2 more

As a woman of color, I am familiar with identity, cultural diversity, inclusion/exclusion, and integration issues.

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?

Couples Therapy in Chapel Hill, NC—Relationship Help from a Couples Therapist

Many times, giving your all to the relationship looks like asking a therapist or counselor to guide you and your partner through rough waters. Couples therapy can be a safe place for partners to grow personally and within the relationship. It may also be a place where couples can transition their relationship to a friendship in a peaceable and amicable way.

The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Chapel Hill work hard to make couples therapy a safe place for each partner. Many couples have found our staff an invaluable aid as they explored their relationship. No one can predict the future, but the professionals at Thriveworks have helped many couples grow stronger as individuals and as partners. Reach out today for help.

Couples Therapy and Common Relationship Problems

Psychologist Dr. John Gottman famously studied couples and whether their relationships would persist. In his decades of research, he identified four relationship problems that are particularly toxic. The called these The Four Horsemen, and they are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. When these are present in a relationship, the couple will often end their relationship. Here is what they look like in a relationship:

  • Criticism — Partners can voice a complaint or a critique in a respectful way, but criticism attacks the person. For example, a respectful complaint would be, “I felt nervous when I saw money had been withdrawn from our account, and I did not know what the money was used for.” A criticism looks like, “you are so irresponsible with our finances. Do you want to ruin us?” Can you hear the difference? It is the difference between partners solving a problem together, and partners being on opposite sides of a conflict.
  • Defensiveness — When a partner uses excuses to answer a respectful criticism, then this is defensiveness. Instead of accepting responsibility for one’s actions like an adult, defensiveness puts responsibility upon circumstances and other people. For example, when one partner asks another whether they have scheduled an oil change for the car, the partner responds with defensiveness when they say, “This day has been terrible. How can you expect me to take care of that now?” Instead, a humble response would say, “I told you I would take care of that errand, and I did not. I’m sorry. It will be my priority tomorrow.”
  • Contempt — Being mean and disrespectful to a partner is acting with contempt. When one partner communications that they are smarter or better or richer or anything more than their partner, this is contempt because it also communicates that the partner is less than. In real life, contempt looks like sarcasm, eye-rolls, put-downs, mocking, and more. Dr. Gottman identifies contempt as the most dangerous horseman to any relationship.
  • Stonewalling — Denial, minimization, and withdrawal are all signs of stonewalling. When partners remove themselves from conflict instead of working together, this is stonewalling. Partners may not respond to each other, honoring each other’s needs and requests.

If you recognize any of these horsemen in your relationship, know that couples can change. They can learn new, healthier ways to relate. How?

Why Start Couples Therapy?

Skilled therapists can help couples identify the toxic patterns in their relationship and teach them coping and conflict skills they need to relate to each other in a healthy way. Here are a few of the ways that counselors may help couples:

  • Building Appreciation — Couples can learn to see their partner for who they are and appreciate their strengths.
  • Accepting Personal Responsibility — Strong couples are made of strong individuals. Each person needs to accept responsibility for their own choices, actions, and attitudes.
  • Self-Care — When each partner learns when they need breaks and how to care for their unique emotional and physical needs, the couple often flourishes.
  • Use “I” Statements — Instead of attacking a partner, explain one’s own experiences with “I” statements. For example, “I was scared… I was disappointed… I was frustrated.”

Scheduling Couples Counseling at Thriveworks in Chapel Hill, NC

If your relationship is going through a challenging time, know that you are not alone. Many couples face difficult seasons, and many couples come through those seasons stronger as individuals and as partners. Many partners lean upon a couples therapist during that time. The counselors at Thriveworks offer couples therapy, and they have appointments available. When you call our office, you and your partner may have your first appointment within the week. We also offer evening and weekend appointments, and we accept many forms of insurance.

Let’s work for a healthier relationship. Call our office today.

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 Chapel Hill therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Chapel Hill
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 like someone who will listen even when I interrupt. I can't think of anything that can improve the experience.
Alfred Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
So far everyone has been patient and pleasant. I can tell they are actively listening as well.
Kineshia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ashley always listens and does not judge. She always makes me feel welcome and well cared for. It's not easy for me to talk one on one, but--somehow--she makes it easy. So very thankful.
Marie Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alex is incredibly respectful, insightful, and kind. I've made a lot of progress since coming to her.
Nicole Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist has a way of explaining things to me that I haven't noticed. She gives me assignments and resources to help me through this difficult period. I truly appreciate her immensely!!
Natalie Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
When I started seeing Ashley, I felt emotionally broken. Now almost 1 1/2 years later, I'm able to handle the challenges in my life and use our sessions as touchstones. I'm extremely grateful!
Melissa Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Brooks is amazing. Great listener and definitely gives great advice and guidance.
Michael Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alex bounds has been a beneficial asset to me for the past year and is phenomenal at what she does. . Honestly the best therapist I have ever worked with.
Adam Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill is located near the corner of Franklin Street and Estes Drive. We currently share a building with Select Physical Therapy, Child Trends, and Grupo Gransolar, among other businesses. When you turn off of Franklin Street, to get to our office, you will pass Avance Care Chapel Hill.

Phone number

(919) 642-1031

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
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
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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