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1,420 people sought marriage counseling help at Chattanooga in the last year

Discover how starting marriage 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, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS, +15 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +9 more

I offer deep listening, thoughtful collaboration, tools and techniques to help you bring clarity and insight to the things in your life that you would... I offer deep listening, thoughtful collaboration, tools and techniques to help you bring clarity and insight to the things in your life that you would like to change. Read more

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Starting Marriage counseling

What is Marriage counseling?

Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy and relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Thriveworks marriage counseling in Chattanooga, TN 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 Marriage counseling include:

  • Jealousy
  • Trust issues
  • Infidelity
  • Opposing values
  • Different visions for the future
  • Disagreements in parenting
  • Lack of trust
  • Financial distress
  • Sex issues

How does Marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling 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 marriage counseling 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 Marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Marriage 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.

How long does Marriage counseling last?

On average, couples attend marriage counseling for 12 weeks. However, 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. Marriage counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Chattanooga, TN work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.

Need more help deciding?

Marriage is the end of all the strain and stress of dating and relationships, right? It marks the beginning of happily-ever-after and love and joy and peace with our soulmates, right? If life were like a movie or sitcom, maybe, but most of us know that life is never that simple. The idea of being one-big-happy family is sweet and great, but the reality is often much harder. That is why many marriage vows include at least one line about sticking together “for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” Most marriages run into times of worse, poorer, and sickness, and spouses may or may not be equipped to handle the harder times. Many spouses are reaching out for help and going to marriage counseling to work on their relationship.

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times,
always with the same person.” —Mignon McLaughlin

Thriveworks Chattanooga understands what it takes to build a long-term marriage or to end a marriage amicably. Our therapists and counselors have worked with many spouses who are struggling and helped them find the right path forward.

Should We Go to Marriage Therapy?

Many spouses wonder if or when the right time to pursue marriage therapy is. There is no right time to start therapy, and there is no wrong time to start it either. Marriage therapy can be what spouses need it to be, so they may even benefit from therapy when they are in a season of “better,” even though people pursue marriage therapy when they are in a season of “worse.” Many couples go to therapy when they are experiencing things like…

1) Constant Arguing. There are disagreements and debates and differences within every marriage. Spouses are distinct, unique individuals so they will have distinct opinions, but when every conversation escalates into an argument, it may be time for help. There should be give and take within a healthy marriage where spouses know when to back off an argument in order to respect each other’s capacities and limits. When the arguing and constant, even when both spouses clearly need a break, it may be time to pursue marriage therapy.

2) Never arguing (or talking). Again, arguing is a normal sign of healthy individuality within a marriage, but when all communication or arguing has ceased, that is a sign each spouse is struggling. In some cases, spouses may have iced each other out. The arguing may have grown too much, so each spouse stonewalls the other and has cut off communication. In other cases, a spouse may have lost all sense of their own individuality within the relationship. There is no reason to argue because one spouse’s opinions and ideas dominate while the other spouse’s thoughts and feelings are pushed aside. In either case, it may be time to go to marriage counseling.

3) A spouse who has cheated. When a spouse has had an affair, the marriage is in trouble. Cheating decimates trust and if the marriage is to survive, both spouses have a lot of healing and work to do. Some marriages recover from an affair. Others do not. Whatever the final outcome may be, a marriage counselor may be able to help each spouse face the problems directly and find healing. The key is that both spouses are willing and open naming the problems in the marriage and addressing them to the best of their abilities.

4) Spouses who are trying to change each other. One of the most important principles of life is that people can only control themselves. Of course, people constantly try to control others or change others, but this is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. When spouses are trying to change each other, they are introducing tension, disappointment, and shame into the relationship. If change is needed, each spouse needs to take responsibility for adjustments they want to make within their own lives. Within the marriage, spouses should work on relating to each other and valuing each other for who they are—not who they are not. Marriage therapists can often teach spouses how to do this.

5) One or both spouses are abusive. The marriage relationship should be a safe space, but all too often, spouses are perpetrators of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Abuse is always wrong. Always. Abuse is never the victim’s fault. Never. If abuse is occurring, your safety is of utmost importance. Seek help right away. Marriage counseling may be the right next step.

Set Up Marriage Therapy at Thriveworks Chattanooga

This list of reasons to pursue marriage counseling is by no means exhaustive. You may have recognized something on the list. You may be struggling with something that is not on the list. You may be not struggling at all—you may simply want to improve your marriage in a certain way. If you think your marriage would benefit from a relationship professional’s guidance, the marriage counselors at Thriveworks Chattanooga are ready to help. We have worked with many spouses.

When you contact our office for marriage counseling, here are a few things to know that may be helpful. A scheduling specialist (that is, a person) will answer your call (we do not have a voicemail) and help you make an appointment. Weekend and evening sessions are available (because life is busy). New clients often meet with their therapist within 24 hours of their first call (why wait?). We also accept many forms of insurance. Call Thriveworks Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga therapists and counselors accept 19 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • JP Farley Corporation

  • Medicare TN

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Self-pay costs at Chattanooga
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've been seeing Caitlin since the end of 2023 and she has been great. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
Read more I've been seeing Caitlin since the end of 2023 and she has been great. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
Sydney Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I would recommend Heidi to anyone who is even contemplating this service. She has an innate way of making you feel comfortable in what could be an uncomfortable situation. She is a fantastic listener and extremely intuitive and professional when formatting her questions and offering feedback. She both challenges and affirms your efforts and offers strategies for progressive and documentable progress. Thanks Heidi,
Read more I would recommend Heidi to anyone who is even contemplating this service. She has an innate way of making you feel comfortable in what could be an uncomfortable situation. She is a fantastic listener and extremely intuitive and professional when formatting her questions and offering feedback. She both challenges and affirms your efforts and offers strategies for progressive and documentable progress. Thanks Heidi,
Chattanooga May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I supervised Austin as a therapist for the last 3 years and can't say enough about talents as a therapist. He is knowledgeable, fosters a great rapport, and caters his approach to the needs of his clients. He is professional and ethical and holds himself to a high standard. It was a joy and honor to have him on my team and I believe he will continue to do exceptional work in the mental health field!
Read more I supervised Austin as a therapist for the last 3 years and can't say enough about talents as a therapist. He is knowledgeable, fosters a great rapport, and caters his approach to the needs of his clients. He is professional and ethical and holds himself to a high standard. It was a joy and honor to have him on my team and I believe he will continue to do exceptional work in the mental health field!
Chattanooga Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am eternally grateful for Nona Kelly! She has helped my family and I navigate through some of the most difficult phases of life. Her compassion, empathy and wisdom have given me clarity and fresh perspective. I have never felt as safe and comfortable with anyone else. Nona is not only a gifted therapist; she is a beautiful soul who truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Nona!
Read more I am eternally grateful for Nona Kelly! She has helped my family and I navigate through some of the most difficult phases of life. Her compassion, empathy and wisdom have given me clarity and fresh perspective. I have never felt as safe and comfortable with anyone else. Nona is not only a gifted therapist; she is a beautiful soul who truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Nona!
Chattanooga Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am so thankful that I met Nona. She has helped me navigate through some very difficult times. She has helped me develop plans and holds me accountable. Her kindness and acceptance makes it very easy to relate to her.
Read more I am so thankful that I met Nona. She has helped me navigate through some very difficult times. She has helped me develop plans and holds me accountable. Her kindness and acceptance makes it very easy to relate to her.
Chattanooga Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Chattanooga is located off E Main St between S Greenwood Ave and S Holtzclaw Ave. Next door to Rogers Quik Mart, we currently share the building with La Guatemalteca and Bill’s Uniform Shop. At the corner of our building is the Main and Greenwood bus stop for Line 9.

Phone number

(423) 403-3732

Languages spoken by TN providers

  • English
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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