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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.

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Laura Burlingame Lee

Hear from Laura Burlingame Lee, Psychologist

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

A general approach to couples/marriage counseling would be to see the couple as both a unit and two individuals. Exploring each person's perspective of the issues and what they've tried so far in addition to exploring their histories would be part, as would establishing a policy of “no secrets” in regard to keeping secrets from one or the other partner.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

John Gottman's couples therapy tools would be very useful (the relationship house, the 4 horsemen, gentle start-ups, repair strategies, and building affection) as well as Alan Fruzzetti's couples DBT (understanding cycles of escalation, validation, de-escalation, etc.). Additionally, healthy communication skills, distress tolerance, and active listening are essential.

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

Couples seem to be making progress when they pause and are able to truly hear what their partner is saying, when they engage in mutual validation and building appreciation/emotional intimacy, and when they report an overall more positive view of their partner and their marriage.

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

Couples can keep a mutual journal outside of session, in which they can pose questions to each other, note progress, and respectfully bring up issues for therapy sessions. They can also engage in getting to know their partner's interests by participating in activities with them, enjoying mutually interesting activities, spending quality time with each other, engaging in appropriate and respectful physical affection, and (when needed) engaging in respectful discussion of disagreements.

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

To prepare, I would ask couples to make sure that both partners want to engage fully in therapy and to find a therapist both feel comfortable with. I'd recommend against seeing a therapist who has already seen one member of the couple, as the potential for bias and mistrust is high.

Starting Couples/marriage therapy

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 therapy 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 therapy 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 accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Need more help deciding?

Couples and Marriage Counseling in Meridian, ID

Though some people may feel uncertain to ask for help, you don’t have to feel ashamed to seek out couples counseling. The fact remains that this form of therapy can be highly successful in opening lines of communication and restoring lifelong bonds. Give couples therapy at Thriveworks in Meridian, ID a try. We’re here to help and get you scheduled today.

Common Reasons to Seek Out Relationship Counseling

Marriage counseling isn’t strictly for those who are legally bound, nor does the couple need to exhibit specific symptoms to be treated by a licensed marriage and family therapist. The practice was designed to help those who are looking to work through their issues and build a more compassionate and fulfilling life together.

You might wonder whether or not your relationship is “damaged” enough to benefit from counseling. On the other hand, you might feel that your relationship is beyond the point of repair. The good news is that couples counseling in Meridian, ID can serve as a preventative measure, resolving minor issues before they get out of hand. It can also be the very thing that saves the union altogether.

As each couple is sure to have its own unique challenges and circumstances, your therapist will help you address the matters that are most important to you. However, here is a list of some of the most common reasons why people choose to attend couples therapy in Meridian:

  • Intimacy issues
  • Concerns surrounding raising children or blending families
  • Repeated arguments
  • Poor communication
  • Addiction
  • Trust issues
  • Infidelity
  • Physical or mental abuse
  • Substance abuse

How Does Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling Work?

As we all know, it can sometimes be difficult to have simple conversations without tensions flaring and words getting taken out of context. When working with couples, our therapists take a non-biased approach to help clients iron out tough spots and understand each other better.

To start, a Thriveworks therapist might ask you and your loved one to commit to just one action that can make a noticeable difference in your relationship dynamic. Or you might learn new coping strategies that help you regulate your emotions and communicate more effectively.

As with all things, the measurable effects of relationship counseling can take time, especially if you are looking for long-term changes. However, the timeframe really comes down to the needs of the partnership and how well you two respond to treatment.

For some people, a couple of months of consistency is enough time to seal the deal; however, many other couples find that counseling is essential for the health of their relationship and may choose to make it a lifelong practice. However, if your partner isn’t ready for the idea of couples counseling, don’t be afraid to enlist in individual therapy to start. Coming to terms with your own issues and insecurities can sometimes be the first step to a more fruitful relationship.

Schedule Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks in Meridian, ID

If your relationship could use some help, allow a mental health professional at Thriveworks in Meridian, ID to get things back on track.

We offer weekend and evening sessions and can schedule therapy appointments that take place at our Meridian office or over video conference. We accept most major insurance plans and also offer additional benefits to our clients. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist within the week and get the help you both deserve.

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 Meridian therapists and counselors accept 36 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross of Idaho | BCBS

  • Blue Cross of Idaho | Boise Municipal Health Care Trust (St Lukes)

  • Blue Cross of Idaho | CarePoint (St Lukes)

  • Blue Cross of Idaho | TrueBlue Rx | Medicare Advantage (St Lukes)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Meridian
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 Thriveworks Meridian reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been meeting with Matt for almost 2 years now, and he's helped me get in touch with myself and understand who I am, as well as provided great tools to apply to my life for future improvement and coping. I have benefited greatly from my regular meetings with Matt and I can't speak highly enough about him as a counselor and psychological mentor.
Read more I have been meeting with Matt for almost 2 years now, and he's helped me get in touch with myself and understand who I am, as well as provided great tools to apply to my life for future improvement and coping. I have benefited greatly from my regular meetings with Matt and I can't speak highly enough about him as a counselor and psychological mentor.
Meridian Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Meridian is located at 26 S Baltic Pl Suite 150, Meridian, ID 83642, off E. Franklin Rd.

Phone number

(208) 504-1377

Languages spoken by ID providers

  • English
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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