Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

626 people sought couples & marriage counseling help at Portage in the last year

Discover how starting couples & 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, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +24 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +15 more

I am a caring and supportive individual that will help guide children and adults to learn the skills they need, while supporting them through their th... I am a caring and supportive individual that will help guide children and adults to learn the skills they need, while supporting them through their therapeutic journey. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +22 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Anger, Behavioral Issues, +14 more

Who you are is beautifully and uniquely crafted by your experiences in life and I am here to help you discover ways to improve your quality of life an... Who you are is beautifully and uniquely crafted by your experiences in life and I am here to help you discover ways to improve your quality of life and relationships. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +19 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +13 more

As a counselor, I realize that people enter counseling with a myriad of troubles. I rely on multiple resources to assist my clients in unearthing thei... As a counselor, I realize that people enter counseling with a myriad of troubles. I rely on multiple resources to assist my clients in unearthing their best selves. Read more

Starting Couples & marriage counseling

What is couples & marriage counseling?

Couples therapy and marriage counseling, also known as relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy and marriage counseling include:

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

What type of therapy is used in couples therapy?

The types of therapy used in couples and marriage counseling include:

  • The Gottman Method
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT)
  • Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
  • Strength-based therapy

What kind of therapist is best for couples?

At Thriveworks, Couples & marriage counseling is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples.

What is the Gottman Method of couples therapy?

The Gottman Method of couples therapy is a research-supported approach designed to enhance relationships by bolstering the bond between partners, resolving conflicts, and fostering shared meaning in their relationship through comprehensive assessments and tailored interventions that improve communication, trust, and the overall health of the partnership.

How to tell if I need couples therapy?

If you’re facing persistent relationship problems, communication breakdowns, or unresolved conflicts that are impacting your emotional well-being and happiness, Couples & marriage counseling may be beneficial for you.

Should every couple go to couples therapy?

While marriage and couple’s counseling is typically recommended for couples who are experiencing persistent or severe relationship issues, any relationship can benefit from attending these sessions.

Is couples & marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Marriage and couples 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 couples & marriage counseling last?

On average, couples attend marriage and couples counseling for 12 weeks. However, couples & 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.

How much does couples & marriage counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Need more help deciding?

Arguments aren’t any fun, but constructive discussion and active listening to find a solution can be gratifying…however, that usually takes practice. People aren’t born knowing how to communicate in a healthy way.

But when it comes to communication in a relationship, what’s almost more concerning than constant arguing is when the couple has stopped communicating and instead become apathetic toward the relationship. Similarly, a loss of intimacy is a red flag that things have gone south. Therapy can help.

Relationships of all kinds can greatly improve our happiness and feelings of belonging. However, with relationships also come a significant amount of work. Getting someone to understand exactly how you feel can be frustrating, and it’s unusual for two people to be on the same page about everything in their lives. Naturally, arguments can arise between loved ones when they disagree.

A Therapist Can Help

Many people react negatively toward the idea of discussing their personal relationships with a third party. People often feel uncomfortable involving a stranger in their lives and don’t see why they shouldn’t just be able to resolve issues together at home. In all actuality, most people have at least a few issues with communication, and these barriers can create distance and misunderstandings that can lead to frustration, irritability, and mounting resentment towards the one you love the most.

Everyone has different ways of communicating. Sometimes, we require a different perspective in learning how to understand how someone thinks and talks about how they think. A mediator can provide a much-needed outside perspective that can guide people toward a healthier relationship. From there, they can take steps toward creating a relationship that is mutually beneficial, loving, calm, and fulfills the needs of both parties.

If your marriage is having problems, reach out to Thriveworks Portland to work with a relationship or marriage counselor.

Common Causes of Relationship Issues

Every couple is different, but there are some common causes of relationship issues:

  • Significant age gaps
  • Marrying/”settling down” at a young age
  • Largely different educational levels
  • Vastly different childhoods
  • Vastly different parenting styles/individual upbringings by own parents
  • Vastly different religious/philosophical perspectives
  • Vastly different income brackets
  • Vastly different moral/ethical values

Differences between people in a romantic relationship can make it difficult to maintain understanding and agreement. However, these things do not have to mean that divorce is inevitable. Many of these issues can be resolved through hard work, compromise, and a willingness to commit to understanding the other person and their unique style of communication.

Effectiveness of Relationship Counseling

Sharing emotions does not come naturally to a lot of people. This can cause a person to turn their feelings inward, and this does not usually get better when someone becomes a part of a romantic couple. It takes a lot of effort and practice to be able to share your emotions with others, even when you want to be able to share those feelings. We are incapable of looking into someone else’s mind, and nobody can feel exactly what you are feeling at the same time. In order to discuss issues and emotions in a healthy way, learning communication skills is essential. Steps must be taken to better know yourself, but also to honestly examine your ability to react constructively when differences or struggles inevitably arise in a relationship.

While not all relationships will work out, it is possible to work through issues in marriages when both parties come to therapy from a place of respect, kindness, a willingness to listen and learn, and a dedication to the happiness and welfare of yourself and your partner. Even the most stable relationship with have rough patches. The key to making them work is to change the couple’s patterns of interaction, emotional connection, and communication when they prove ineffective or in need of an update.

If you are having problems in a relationship, especially if you feel like either partner is “just not listening” and wish to improve communication, please seek help as soon as is possible. The more time passes, the more distance is created in a relationship and the harder it is to get it back on track.

About Your Therapist

Starr Bull graduated from Western Michigan University with a Masters in Couples, Marriage, and Family Therapy. She is a licensed professional counselor and limited license marriage and family therapist. She knows therapy can help couples improve their communication skills and deepen their relationship. For a compassionate ear and sound feedback, give Thriveworks Portage Counseling a call.

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 Portage therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Portage
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

4.9 Thriveworks Portage reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
This will be short since I can only type with one hand currently, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first session with Dan. He seems very patient, thoughtful, and intelligent. I look forward to working with him and letting him pick my brain to help me become a healthier and more balanced person!
Read more This will be short since I can only type with one hand currently, but I thoroughly enjoyed my first session with Dan. He seems very patient, thoughtful, and intelligent. I look forward to working with him and letting him pick my brain to help me become a healthier and more balanced person!
Portage Jun 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cassie met with my cousin for several sessions to discuss issues related to my cousin's childhood. Cassie helped my cousin assess her feelings in a balanced way . She was also very supportive, listening and providing feedback effectively without being judgmental. This was exactly what my cousin needed. A very rare technique among many counselors these days.
Read more Cassie met with my cousin for several sessions to discuss issues related to my cousin's childhood. Cassie helped my cousin assess her feelings in a balanced way . She was also very supportive, listening and providing feedback effectively without being judgmental. This was exactly what my cousin needed. A very rare technique among many counselors these days.
Portage Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Rudy was professional and approachable. He was able to point out beliefs I had that were interfering with my ability to enjoy my life, but did so in a respectful manner. He was an effective therapist, with a genuine, caring approach.
Read more Rudy was professional and approachable. He was able to point out beliefs I had that were interfering with my ability to enjoy my life, but did so in a respectful manner. He was an effective therapist, with a genuine, caring approach.
Portage Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The best
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The intake coordinator Brittany was AMAZING. She listened to my needs so she could match me with a therapist that could help me. She was incredibly kind and truly listened to me in a stressful situation.
Read more The intake coordinator Brittany was AMAZING. She listened to my needs so she could match me with a therapist that could help me. She was incredibly kind and truly listened to me in a stressful situation.
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Alex helped me more than I can say! He was sensitive and patient with me and helped we work through some very difficult issues. His knowledge and communication skills guided me towards a positive outcome that gave me great peace. Thank you so much Alex for being there for me!
Read more Alex helped me more than I can say! He was sensitive and patient with me and helped we work through some very difficult issues. His knowledge and communication skills guided me towards a positive outcome that gave me great peace. Thank you so much Alex for being there for me!
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Heather has always been the person that many people go to for advice and help. When she isn't helping people at work she is helping people at our church. All of the staff at Thriveworks are great. I highly recommend Thriveworks Counseling.
Read more Heather has always been the person that many people go to for advice and help. When she isn't helping people at work she is helping people at our church. All of the staff at Thriveworks are great. I highly recommend Thriveworks Counseling.
Portage Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The experience from the persons answering the phone and emails to my counselor, Heather, have been efficient and very helpful. I'm very thankful for Thriveworks because I can count on you when I need you most.
Read more The experience from the persons answering the phone and emails to my counselor, Heather, have been efficient and very helpful. I'm very thankful for Thriveworks because I can count on you when I need you most.
Portage Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Portage is off of Milham Avenue and New Port Road. We are somewhat near a Chick-fil-A, and in the same shopping area as DICK’s, off of Gladys.

Phone number

(269) 264-4920

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

4 photos