Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

4,426 people sought couples/marriage therapy help at Chesapeake 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 62 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Ife Milligan

Hear from Ife Milligan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Ife Milligan's profile

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

My focus for helping individuals in couples and marriage counseling is to provide opportunities for improved communication, the resolution of challenges, and a better understanding of one another. I find benefit in this approach because it establishes trust, understanding, and a more secure sense of attachment and connection.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I teach DBT tools that focus on emotional self-regulation, as well as conflict management and communication skills. I also provide tools based on emotionally focused therapy to improve an understanding of emotions, communication patterns, attachment styles, and consequent connections to one another.

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

I know clients are making progress when they develop insight and recognize ways in which they are better able to understand and respond to one another through improved connection and communication. They also demonstrate progress when they are able to implement the skills into daily practice.

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

I encourage my clients to increase individual holistic self-care and provide opportunities for quality time with one another. They are also encouraged to practice techniques presented in sessions.

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

Couples can discuss what goals they would like to attain, as well as explore ways in which they can prepare to be more transparent and open with one another.

Starting Couples/marriage therapy

Need more help deciding?

Chesapeake, VA Therapists—Couples and Marriage Counseling

Four couples head off to a week of vacation—with a catch. In the movie, Couples Retreat, a wife and husband are considering separation, and they persuade their friends to join them in paradise for a couples retreat. If they go together, they can qualify for a group rate, and they have no intention of going to the therapeutic activities. They arrive, ready for a week of beach time, yoga classes, and massages, but they are told that the 6 AM couples skill building class is not optional. Neither is any of the other therapy. “I think there is a misunderstanding here. We signed up for the fun stuff,” Vince Vaughn’s character says. “So we have to give a little bit of our day up to talk about feelings. How bad couple it be?” The couples learn quickly that improving their marriage takes a lot of work, but it is worth their efforts, even if it means missing beach time.

The counselors, psychologists, and therapists at Thriveworks Chesapeake offer marriage and couples therapy because we know that how easily a marriage can get off course, but we also know how to get it back on track. Every relationship has issues, and every marriage needs help at some point or another. Thriveworks Chesapeake is here to help. Reach out today to get scheduled.

Common Relationship Issues

When couples are in the midst of a more difficult season, it is easy to think, no one else is struggling like this. It is an understandable thought, but it is also usually an untrue thought. The reality is that many of the issues that plague a relationship are very common. Here are a few examples:

  • Differing Goals – Couples do not always agree about where the relationship is going. When each partner is pulling in a different direction, then there can be stress and tension.
  • Problems with Intimacy – Emotional and physical intimate are foundational for a relationship’s health. When these are not priorities, the overall health of the relationship may suffer.
  • Distrust – If trust has been breached, it can be restored but only with consistent, trustworthy actions. Trust does not rebuild itself.
  • Communication Difficulties – Good communication involves sharing, empathy, vulnerability and empathy, but these are difficult relational skills. It is easy for couples to get away from these fundamentals.
  • Disagreements about Family – Issues like how to relate to in-laws, which housing options to pursue, and how to parent may be some of the most tense and sensitive issues that can trip up couples.

Most likely, you can resonate with something on this list. You are not alone in the struggle, and you are not alone in the solution. Many couples are going to marriage therapy to work through these issues because they can be worked through.

What Might Marriage Therapy Offer?

Many of the difficulties that couples face are also opportunities to improve their marriage. Marriage therapy can often facilitate that process of growth. A few of the ways skilled counselors can do is include…

  • Providing neutral space for dialogue. When couples are passionate about a discussion, it can escalate. What is needed, however, is often a neutral discussion so that the issue itself can take priority.
  • Setting expectations and timelines for change. Some issues are more urgent than others. Some change needs to happen now. Others can wait. How do people know the difference? Counselors can guide the change process.
  • Identifying toxic patterns. In his famous study on marriage longevity, John Gottman used four indicators to determine whether a marriage was headed for divorce. They are contempt, stonewalling, defensiveness, and criticism. These are toxic patterns of relating that can be identified and replaced with healthier patterns.
  • Developing conflict resolution skills. If toxic patterns have infiltrated a relationship, each partner may need to learn new ways of relating. Experienced counselors can lead couples through exercises that teach them how to attack the issue, not each other.

Appointments at Thriveworks Chesapeake, VA for Couples and Marriage Counseling

You and your partner may be experiencing a more difficult season. If you are, consider reaching out for help. The counselors, psychologists, and therapists at Thriveworks Chesapeake are ready to provide guidance and support to your marriage. Difficulty is not the end. Often, better days are ahead.

When you reach out to Thriveworks Chesapeake, we know that you are ready to get started. New clients often meet with their therapist the day after their first call to our office. Weekend and evening sessions are offered, and we accept a variety of insurance plans. Let’s work on your relationship together. Contact Thriveworks Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Chesapeake
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
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I find the sessions to be quite beneficial. I feel that I am progressing alone nicely.
Eugene Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Andrea Stephen is a kind and compassionate counselor. She listens to her clients intently, because she genuinely cares. Her passion to help those who are hurting is what motivates her. She is an asset to the Mental Health industry.
Read more Andrea Stephen is a kind and compassionate counselor. She listens to her clients intently, because she genuinely cares. Her passion to help those who are hurting is what motivates her. She is an asset to the Mental Health industry.
Chesapeake Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would like to sing the praises of Andrea Stephen and give her a big shout-out for a job well done!!! I have had the pleasure of studying with her in multiple classes, as a fellow student in the counseling program. Later on, we serendipitously worked alongside each other in the field. Andrea is a genuine listener, faithful encourager, and a beacon of hope. She is a counselor who truly cares about her clients and wants to see them thrive.
Read more I would like to sing the praises of Andrea Stephen and give her a big shout-out for a job well done!!! I have had the pleasure of studying with her in multiple classes, as a fellow student in the counseling program. Later on, we serendipitously worked alongside each other in the field. Andrea is a genuine listener, faithful encourager, and a beacon of hope. She is a counselor who truly cares about her clients and wants to see them thrive.
Chesapeake Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've had the pleasure of working with Tammy Boone for about 5 months now and it has been a wonderful journey. She has challenged me to do the work and express myself in ways I never thought was possible. She provides ways to cope with difficult situations without being judgmental. I couldn't have asked for a better clinician!
Read more I've had the pleasure of working with Tammy Boone for about 5 months now and it has been a wonderful journey. She has challenged me to do the work and express myself in ways I never thought was possible. She provides ways to cope with difficult situations without being judgmental. I couldn't have asked for a better clinician!
Chesapeake Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. P. Jones, I can only say that she is simply the best!!! I found Dr. Jones in a rush, she had authentic concern for the situation, she went over and WELL ABOVE assisting us with our needs. She was our angel during this process!!!
Read more Dr. P. Jones, I can only say that she is simply the best!!! I found Dr. Jones in a rush, she had authentic concern for the situation, she went over and WELL ABOVE assisting us with our needs. She was our angel during this process!!!
Chesapeake Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jones for the past 9 months. She is incredibly genuine and easy to confide in, even over our online sessions. She was able to help me through a difficult time and I will truly miss my sessions with her. I highly recommend her services. Thank you Dr. Jones!
Read more I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jones for the past 9 months. She is incredibly genuine and easy to confide in, even over our online sessions. She was able to help me through a difficult time and I will truly miss my sessions with her. I highly recommend her services. Thank you Dr. Jones!
Chesapeake Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Close out review with Dr. Patricia Jones. Outstanding service and was extremely helpful in giving me several techniques that I can use. Having video sessions was very convenient and effective. Highly recommend Dr. Jones just for her listening skills and the ability to relate to what you are going through. Very passionate about her job and you will not be disappointed when selecting her as your counselor!
Read more Close out review with Dr. Patricia Jones. Outstanding service and was extremely helpful in giving me several techniques that I can use. Having video sessions was very convenient and effective. Highly recommend Dr. Jones just for her listening skills and the ability to relate to what you are going through. Very passionate about her job and you will not be disappointed when selecting her as your counselor!
Chesapeake Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chesapeake is near Zero’s Subs, and shares an office building with Pamela Smith MD. We off of Poplar Hill Road, and across from Bedei Compounding Pharmacy Services.

Phone number

(757) 210-9381

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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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