Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

11,301 people sought couples therapy help at Richmond in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a couples can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 63 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Vanessa Johnson

Hear from Vanessa Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Vanessa Johnson's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is motivational interviewing. I find the best benefit in strengthening the commitment to change because the couple will remain engaged in formulating a plan of action to achieve a successful outcome of their goals.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I teach the following tools in couples/marriage counseling: assertive communication as well as the pitfalls that other communication (such as passive, passive/aggressive, and aggressive styles) create resistance to change, emotional withdrawal, and relationship termination. In addition, I teach team building to assist the couple in recognizing the benefit of maintaining a relationship as a team rather than individually.

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

I know my client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when they demonstrate the ability in and outside of therapy to apply the tools they've learned in therapy in their relationship and their presenting issues at the start of therapy have been alleviated.

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

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling with homework assignments.

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

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can identify your concerns, relationship strengths, needs, and mutual goals to improve or change the relationship.

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 Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom)—Couples Therapists, Counselors

Is there a present issue in your relationship that’s threatening to tear you and your partner apart? Are you struggling to communicate or connect with your significant other? Does something feel off or need to change in your relationship? Thriveworks Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom) couples therapists and psychologists can help. These professionals will use their skills, knowledge, and experience helping other couples to help you and your partner achieve greater happiness in your relationship.

You can schedule your appointment today, by giving Thriveworks Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom) a call at (804) 980-7242. We have flexible appointment options, including sessions in the evenings and on the weekends. Why? Because we know that making the normal daytime appointments just isn’t realistic for many individuals who work, are in school, or have kids! Not to mention when there are two schedules to piece together. Additionally, we accept most major insurance plans. We hope that we hear from you soon and can’t wait to meet you.

Who Should Work with a Couples Therapist?

A lot of couples think, “We don’t need couples therapy, it isn’t that serious.” Here’s the thing: Couples therapy isn’t just for couples who have “serious” issues. In fact, it can prove beneficial to all couples, as couples therapists set out to help their clients improve every aspect of their relationship. Let’s consider a few examples: A newly engaged couple can benefit from premarital counseling, as they learn new tools for communicating and resolving future issues. Another couple, say two people who are newly dating, can benefit from couples therapy, as they get to know each other better with the help of their therapist.

That said, couples therapy is a place for couples to work through the serious or threatening issues in their relationship. Some common issues that are brought up in couples therapy include:

  • Sex issues
  • Lack of intimacy or connection
  • Communication problems
  • Disagreements in parenting
  • Jealousy
  • Infidelity
  • Addiction
  • Mental Illness
  • Trust issues

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

Couples therapy is designed to help couples resolve any present issues in their relationship as well as improve the overall health and happiness of their relationship. Couples therapists have gained specific skills, training, and experience working with a wide range of couples.

There are various interventions and techniques used in couples therapy, which depend on a couple’s needs and goals for their relationship. However, couples therapy almost always involves…

  1. Identifying current problems
  2. The involvement of both individuals
  3. Solution-focused interventions
  4. Working toward clear objectives

Schedule Couples Therapy at Thriveworks Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom)

Many couples find value in working with a couples therapist, from couples that are newly dating to couples that are recently engaged as well as those that are married. Couples therapists and psychologists design each experience in therapy around the specific couple’s situation, needs, and goals.

Are you ready to schedule a couples therapy appointment? It’s easy. Just give Thriveworks Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom) a call at (804) 980-7242. Your couples therapist can help you identify and manage problem areas in your relationship. They can also help you put a plan in place for future issues, and work with you and your partner to improve your overall dynamic.

Thriveworks Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom) has extended hours available, including in the evenings and on the weekends. We want to ensure that you and your partner can find a time that works for both of you to come in and meet with your therapist. Additionally, we work with most major insurance companies.

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 Richmond therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Richmond
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 had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Read more I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Lynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She is absolutely the best and she makes my life so much better thank you very much!
Robert Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms Gooden is an excellent clinician, always very helpful and punctual. The office staff are always helpful and professional. I will recommend them to my family and friends
Read more Ms Gooden is an excellent clinician, always very helpful and punctual. The office staff are always helpful and professional. I will recommend them to my family and friends
Maria Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My husband and I are very pleased with our therapist, and she's not only Christian, but she is also knowledgeable, honest, direct, and committed to assist us in any way she possible can. She's introduced us to written and verbal exercises that have helped us better understand each other and ourselves. I whole Heartly recommend her and Thrivesworks.
Read more My husband and I are very pleased with our therapist, and she's not only Christian, but she is also knowledgeable, honest, direct, and committed to assist us in any way she possible can. She's introduced us to written and verbal exercises that have helped us better understand each other and ourselves. I whole Heartly recommend her and Thrivesworks.
Maria Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Natalie is an incredibly compassionate therapist who really takes the time and effort to help you towards healing and recovery. The help and guidance that she has provided for me has changed my life. She is truly great at what she does.
Read more Natalie is an incredibly compassionate therapist who really takes the time and effort to help you towards healing and recovery. The help and guidance that she has provided for me has changed my life. She is truly great at what she does.
Richmond Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Natalie makes me feel comfortable and is easy to talk to. She has helped me work through multiple triggers and highly recommend her if you need a trustworthy therapist.
Read more Natalie makes me feel comfortable and is easy to talk to. She has helped me work through multiple triggers and highly recommend her if you need a trustworthy therapist.
Richmond Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ms. Shamika Pender has a great love for people and is full of knowledge and wisdom. She has assisted me on many occasions with locating resources for church and family members in need. She is a strong advocate for the community.
Read more Ms. Shamika Pender has a great love for people and is full of knowledge and wisdom. She has assisted me on many occasions with locating resources for church and family members in need. She is a strong advocate for the community.
Richmond Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Shamika Pender is an experienced Clinician who administers services with empathy and professionalism. There is no doubt that she will be an incredible asset to your agency.
Read more Shamika Pender is an experienced Clinician who administers services with empathy and professionalism. There is no doubt that she will be an incredible asset to your agency.
Richmond Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is conveniently located in Shockoe Bottom at the intersection of N. 19th St. and E. Franklin. We share a building with The Superior Production Exchange and Uni Shippers. Across from us, on the other side of E. Franklin is Shockoe Center.

Phone number

(804) 331-2570

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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