Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

8,834 people sought couples therapy help at Virginia Beach 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 114 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Karen Johnston

Hear from Karen Johnston, Counselor (Resident In Counseling)

View Karen Johnston's profile

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

My go-to approach for people in marriage/couples counseling differs for each client. Each couple has its own unique situation and dynamics, so I take time to get to know the couple and then bring in approaches and activities to try that could suit their needs.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

Some of the tools I use in couples counseling focus on communication, such as the fair fighting rules and reflective listening.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when they feel they can communicate better with each other and they have increased feelings of being heard and working together on the “same team.”

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

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling with activities and books that I provide the couple during sessions to reinforce things we have been working on.

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

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can start by considering what your main concerns for your relationship are and what your vision for what things would look like in the future if these things were to change is.

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 Counseling – Marriage Therapists and Counselors in VA Beach

Are you worried about the future of your relationship? Are you concerned that you’re in such a bad place that there’s no coming back from it? Thriveworks Virginia Beach couples counseling can help. Reach out today to schedule your first session and get the relationship help that you need.

How to Improve Your Relationship in Marriage Counseling

These five simple steps are exactly what you need. Once you’ve read and absorbed them, contact Thriveworks Virginia Beach Counseling and let us provide you with the customized help you need.

1. Prioritize communication.

It can be hard at first but the reality is that you won’t get anywhere until you start communicating. This doesn’t mean just talking. It means opening up, making yourself vulnerable, and discussing your true feelings about your relationship with your partner. It may be uncomfortable but it will get you through the silence that’s risen up around you.

2. Take appropriate actions.

Talking about your relationship and genuinely wanting it to change are both necessary but they’re not enough on their own. You must also be willing to take the actions necessary. This may mean working with a therapist, it may mean setting clearer boundaries, or it may mean setting aside time to spend with your partner.

3. Understand that the process takes time.

Don’t get caught up if you experience a setback. Remember that these things take time. It can get better – if you do the work necessary to make it better – but it isn’t magic. It won’t happen overnight and the way forward will likely be full of twists and turns.

4. Resist the urge to relax when things get better.

As things start to improve in your relationship you’re likely to want to relax and get back on autopilot. Resist this urge. You must stay diligent and keep up the work that’s gotten your relationship back on track.

5. Take time to appreciate your partner.

Much of the time couples focus on what’s not working in their relationship. This is understandable – and necessary to a degree – but it’s also important to remember what makes your relationship wonderful. Tell your partner that you appreciate them and take the time to write a gratitude list of all the things you love about them.

Schedule Couples Counseling at Thriveworks Virginia beach

These steps aren’t a magical cure that will guarantee your relationship lasts the test of time. They are a guide on how you can do the work to give yourselves the best shot possible. Call a Thriveworks Virginia Beach couples counselor or coach today to start working with an expert on your specific relationship issues. We offer evening and weekend sessions, provide same-week sessions, and accept most major insurances.

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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 28 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 Virginia Beach
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

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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

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