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1,346 people sought couples/marriage therapy help at Toms River in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, +5 more
Anger, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, +6 more

As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope i... As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope in the future. Read more

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Scot King

Hear from Scot King, Licensed Associate Counselor

View Scot King's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is emotion-focused therapy. Through EFT, couples are able to identify destructive patterns that become a barrier to them and hinder their ability to grow and bond. Being able to identify the barriers that keep us apart allows us to heal and progress in a healthy manner.

My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is to focus on the feelings and meaning of events instead of the details. I find the best benefit in this because it allows for the partners in the couple to better understand each other and get to this understanding faster.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

Some of the tools that I teach in couples/marriage counseling are:

  • Communication skills: Knowing what to say and how to say it is an essential element of a relationship. This begins with active listening, giving your partner your full attention, and knowing how to respond appropriately.
  • Parenting skills: Becoming parents is the most important job that you will ever do, yet there is no experience required. Raising children is a major stressor in a relationship. Knowing how to work together so that you're on the same page is key to effective parenting.
  • Conflict resolution: Finding ways to agree on subjects that you find hard to agree on is very difficult. It begins with identifying areas where you agree and finding ways to understand, respect, and validate your partner's ideas. Then, you must strive to find a middle ground where you can both agree while understanding that compromise is not always a negative thing.

I teach the following tools in couples/marriage counseling:

  • “I” statements: These are statements that help to place emphasis on your own feelings without blaming or shaming your partner.
  • Developing empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings of another person—in this case, your partner.
  • Validation: Validation is accepting your partner's feelings and thoughts and how these impact their reality. Validation is, perhaps, the key component of a relationship. Another way to think of validation is “feeling heard.”
There are more tools that I teach in couples/marriage counseling, but these are by far the most important.

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

Clients will tell you they are making meaningful progress without saying a word. When counseling first begins, couples are sitting as far away from each other as possible. As they begin to progress you can see their body language change towards each other. They begin smiling more, communicating more meaningfully, hearing each other, and sitting closer together. This is a clear sign that they are clearly moving towards a more meaningful relationship.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when that person is able to effectively validate and empathize with their partner. These skills, in conjunction with the appropriate use of “I” statements, are foundational in the improvement of relationships.

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

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by spending quality time together. Reading a book together, taking a walk, riding bikes, jigsaw puzzles, or even putting LEGOs together are all good activities. Doing anything that is non-threatening, yet allows you to spend quality time together, only enhances the counseling experience.

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by continuing the conversations discussed in sessions at home while using and practicing the skills learned. It is important that couples practice these skills when they are out of the office and are in the real world.

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

Going into your first couples/marriage counseling session, be prepared to invest in your relationship. Enter with an open mind and hope for the future. Be prepared to let go of the challenges of the past and recognize that we all play a part in this relationship. While it took time for you to get where you are, it will be worth the time invested to begin moving forward.

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you should work with your partner to determine what your goals are in regard to counseling. Be able to answer the question, “What does not needing marriage counseling anymore look like?” It is also important to come to the first session with an open mind and willingness to hear your partner's true feelings.

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?

Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy in Toms River, NJ—Get Help for Your Relationship

Sometimes giving your all in a relationship means looking for outside help. Couples therapists and marriage counselors offer partners a safe and open space to discuss their issues and find common ground to get to a better place. It doesn’t matter if you and your partner have only been dating for six months or have been married for over 15 years. Help is available and you can fix the cracks in your relationship.

If you think you could benefit from working with a couples counselor or marriage therapist, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Toms River, NJ. Our mental health professionals are readily available to help you and your partner. You can even start as soon as this week! Just give us a call to get started.

Are We the Right Fit for Couples Therapy?

Maybe you no longer see eye to eye. Maybe your partner won’t stop spending money, and it’s burdening you both. Or, maybe your partner was unfaithful and you’re trying to rebuild your relationship. If you have a problem, no matter how big or small you think it is, chances are you would benefit from speaking to a professional about your concerns

Here is a list of common reasons why couples seek counseling:

  • Lack of trust
  • Low self-esteem
  • Infidelity
  • Poor communication
  • Financial strain or stress
  • Parenting concerns
  • Disagreement in values
  • Intimacy problems
  • Poor work/life balance
  • Major life changes
  • Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression
  • Past trauma

Sometimes, you might not know what the particular problem is but feel that the spark has faded. That’s okay too. If you don’t feel connected anymore or really don’t know the root cause of your problems, the counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Toms River can help you and your loved one.

Does Therapy Actually Work for Couples?

If you and your partner have never been to therapy before, you might be a little wary of what to expect. Don’t worry; it’s not as bad as you think. Therapy and counseling at our office are designed with you and your partner in mind. Not only do we aim to provide you both with the most comfortable and judgement-free space, but we also want to specifically address your unique goals and challenges. To do this, your therapist or counselor will create a custom treatment plan that is centered around your relationship needs. Then, with this custom treatment plan, they will use different methods and techniques to address and overcome your issues. Some of the tools could include:

  1. Communication techniques
  2. How to actively listen to your partner and not just “hear” what they are saying
  3. Identify the root problems of your relationship
  4. Increase respect and understanding for each other
  5. Build up trust and intimacy

These are just a few of the things you could learn during your time with a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks in Toms River. We will help you and your partner make tough decisions and cater to your individual needs. We don’t want you to leave our office without the tools and skills you need to move forward together in a happier, healthier manner.

Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Toms River, NJ

Are you and your partner ready to make the meaningful changes in your relationship that you’ve been longing for? We’re prepared to help you get started. To schedule an appointment, give our office a call or visit our online booking portal. We offer our clients competitive benefits, such as flexible scheduling options, online counseling, and we work with your schedule to see you as soon as possible.

We can’t wait to hear from you and help you and your loved one start to thrive!

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 Toms River therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO

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Self-pay costs at Toms River
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

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Therapist Dr Becht is friendly easy to talk to empathetic and insightful. Appreciate his help
Marshall Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jose Desiderio is an amazing human being, full of grace, know how to listen and supportive
Patricia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Provider is great, listens to what I have to say and gives meaningful advice as to what I'm feeling. Helps me dissect what's going on in my head into tangible thoughts/actions.
Reid Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Elizabeth woods is extremely knowledgeable and provides me with lots of resources to manage my depression and anxiety.
Maureen Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Scot is great. I really enjoy coming here to see him. I've seen so much improvement in my life since I've starting seeing him. He's a great guy and a great counselor
Steven Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr Becht is an amazing clinician. He is extremely knowledgeable and always knows how to articulate what I need to hear. He genuinely wants to help his patients. He is very kind and caring. One of my friends is already seeing him.
Mark Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Stacie is easy to talk with. She helps me understand my feelings and move forward. She guides me with techniques to deal with my anxiety.
Maria Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love that my sessions are done on zoom.
Barbara Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located inside Allen Street Professional Center, between Water Street and Wilsey Way. Across Allen Street, you'll find Gallipoli Wealth Management. Our building is just around the corner from Huddy Park.

Phone number

(732) 795-5217

Languages spoken by NJ providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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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Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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