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555 people sought divorce counseling help at Virginia Beach in the last year

Discover how starting divorce counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 129 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Divorce counseling

What is Divorce counseling?

Thriveworks divorce counseling in Virginia Beach, VA can help couples understand if they want to divorce or help them move forward post-divorce. Either way, it helps them navigate conflicts and/or tough conversations that pertain to their relationship and individual selves.

How does Divorce counseling work?

Divorce counseling at Thriveworks is tailored to each couple and the individuals that make up that couple. It works by offering…

  • Tools to work through conflicts and better manage negative feelings
  • Guidance in making the right decision if you're still in the process of considering divorce
  • Help with different stages of the divorce and separation process
  • A better understanding of what went wrong in the relationship
  • A third party perpsective that ensures both parties are heard

Is Divorce counseling conducted in person or online?

Divorce counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Divorce counseling last?

The amount of divorce counseling sessions will vary from one person to the next, depending on their specific needs. However, it typically lasts for several weeks or months.

Need more help deciding?

When couples plan their wedding, they choose the rings, the dress, the venue, the tuxedos, the music, the honeymoon. Their friends and family gather to celebrate a happily-ever-after. But the storybook wedding does not always lead to a storybook ending. As many as 40 percent of first marriages, 60 percent of second marriages, and 70 percent of third marriages end in divorce.
Amy Poehler illustrated the process of divorce in a way that many people understand: “Imagine spreading everything you care about on a blanket and then tossing the whole thing up in the air. The process of divorce is about loading that blanket, throwing it up, watching it all spin, and worrying what stuff will break when it lands.”

Plenty of people know the feeling of seeing their world spin and experiencing the feeling that everything they hold dear will break. The legal decisions, the financial strain, the living situation, and the custody battles can leave people dizzy during a divorce. On top of it all, most people are also experiencing acute confusion, guilt, anxiety, depression, loneliness, anger, and fear.

Life eventually settles, and many people find that setting aside time to heal after a divorce sets them up for a happy future. Divorce recovery is a unique path for each person, and many have looked to a mental health professional to guide their process.

Thriveworks Virginia Beach offers divorce recovery counseling because healing is possible. Our therapists understand the hardships that come with a divorce, and we have also helped many people overcome those difficulties to rebuild a beautiful, fulfilling life.

What Leads to Divorce?

Infidelity, financial stress, addiction, lying, irresponsible behavior, in-laws, health problems, and more are often cited as the reasons a couple splits. And yet, many other couples face these same circumstances but work through the challenge. What is the difference? Often the surface problems in a marriage are not the real issues driving a wedge between spouses. Instead, toxic behavior that underlies these surface issues is often the real reason people divorce.

In his famous study on marriage and divorce, Dr. John Gottman identified the four toxic behaviors that often lead to divorce. In fact, Dr. Gottman could often observe a couple’s interactions and determine whether they would still be married in 10 years—with alarm accuracy and based upon these four dynamics:

  • Criticism: negativity, nit-picking, and put-downs attack the person instead of the problem.
  • Stonewalling: denying, minimizing, and avoiding problems does nothing to solve them.
  • Defensiveness: shifting blame and refusing accountability means no one is responsible for the consequences of their choices.
  • Contempt: Disrespect and superiority may be the main reason couples divorce.

Can you recognize any of the behaviors and attitudes listed? Most likely, you can. If you are finalizing a divorce one or more may have been creating a toxic relationship between you and your ex-spouse. When people end toxic relationships, they need time to heal and detox. Divorce recovery has been just that for many people.

Divorce Recovery: Detoxing and Rebuilding

When a divorce is finalized, of course, a marriage relationship ends, but this is just the beginning of the costs. Other losses that may be incurred will vary from person to person but will likely include…

  1. Giving up one’s house (that had possibly been one’s home for years).
  2. A reduced standard of living (with many accompanying financial sacrifices).
  3. Shifting relational dynamics with in-laws/extended family (in-laws are no longer in-laws).
  4. Learning how to single parent or co-parent (this puts stress on the children as well).
  5. Forming new friendships (especially if friends choose sides in the divorce).

These are significant costs that need to be grieved. People may feel a wide range of emotions with their grief. It is normal to feel fear, bargaining, guilt, shock, denial, sadness, and anger, sometimes all at the same time. Whatever emotions arise, they are okay.

Feelings often are clues into the wounds that people have sustained and the type of healing they need. With time, these feelings may also be clues on how to escape unhealthy, past patterns and move forward, rebuilding a fulfilling and happy future.

There is no silver bullet for recovering from a divorce. Many people stumble. Missteps are normal, trying again is necessary, and asking for help is okay. Friends and family can offer invaluable support, as can a counselor.

Healing from a Divorce with Thriveworks Virginia Beach

If you divorce is being finalized or has recently been finalized, know that Thriveworks Virginia Beach know the ups and downs of divorce recovery. We have helped many people find happiness after their marriage ends.

If you are ready to schedule an appointment with a counselor at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, here are a few things that may be helpful to know when you call our office:

  • We offer weekend and evening sessions.
  • A person answers our phone.
  • New clients usually have their first appointment within 24 hours of their call.
  • Our office works with most insurance companies.

If you are ready to see a counselor, we are ready to help. Call Thriveworks Virginia Beach today.

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 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • 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

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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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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