Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

2,220 people sought family therapy help at Virginia Beach in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 70 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Karen Todaro

Hear from Karen Todaro, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Karen Todaro's profile

What is your go-to approach for family therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in family therapy is cognitive-behavioral family therapy (CBFT). I find the best benefit in CBFT because it enables me to identify and help restructure dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors affecting individuals in the family and the family as a whole.

What tools do you teach in family therapy?

I teach the following tools in family therapy:

  • Coping skills - techniques to reduce stress and help people function at an optimal level.
  • Communication skills - techniques to share, receive, and process information both verbally and non-verbally, including active listening skills.
  • Cognitive restructuring - the process of identifying and disputing irrational and maladaptive thoughts.
  • Conflict resolution skills - the ability to quickly, effectively, and respectfully move past conflict without anger and resentment. This often includes compromise and negotiation.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in family therapy?

I know clients are making progress in family therapy when they are self-reporting better communication and less conflict as they move towards completing their treatment goals.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement family therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in family therapy by being empathetic towards one another, engaging in one-on-one activities as well as enjoyable family activities, and being supportive of one another.

What should someone do to prepare for starting family therapy?

To prepare for their first family therapy session, an individual can discuss with the family what the goals are for therapy. Also, they can understand that everyone in the family contributes positively and negatively to the family dynamics, so everyone will be required to make some changes.

Starting Family therapy

What is family therapy?

Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.

How does family therapy work?

Thriveworks family therapists in Virginia Beach, VA usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.

What is the most effective family therapy?

The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.

How do I know if my family needs therapy?

This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.

What is included in family therapy?

In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.

What is the success rate of family therapy?

Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.

Is family therapy conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks therapists in Virginia Beach, VA offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does family therapy last?

Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.

Need more help deciding?

Counseling and Therapy for Families in Virginia Beach

That is why Thriveworks Virginia Beach provides family therapy. Our counselors and psychologists know that working together as a family is hard. All families have challenges and need occasional help when they are out of balance.

Family therapy at Thriveworks Virginia Beach may help your family reestablish equilibrium. Call us at (757) 520-0827 to get started today.

Life Disrupted

Family life can change in a moment. When a crisis hits one member, it hits everyone to some degree. Unforeseen circumstances can blindside and disorient families. One moment, everyone’s needs are met, and everyone knows their role.

The next moment, everything is different. Such crises may include:

  • Loss of a family member
  • Loss of a job
  • Loss of the family’s home
  • An accident that causes an injury or disability
  • Financial crisis/stress

Not every crisis strikes quickly. Sometimes, trouble begins slowly and grows with time. Without intervention, families can realize that a situation that was once manageable is now overwhelming them. Ongoing crises may include:

  • Mental illness
  • Providing care for a handicapped or chronically ill family member
  • Neglect
  • Alcoholism
  • Codependency
  • Domestic abuse

Why Family Therapy?

All families will face difficulty at some point. However, not all difficulty has to cause division. Families can work together to overcome their challenges, and they can grow closer in the process. Family therapy may help by:

  • Utilizing systemic and calming techniques to resolve differences among family members.
  • Teaching healthy communication styles and facilitating dialogue within the family.
  • Acknowledging and exploring ways the family could support one another through difficult times.

The therapists at Thriveworks Virginia Beach love helping families name their challenges and find solutions. Along the way, families often find healthy ways to connect. Our therapists want families to understand their dynamics and each individual member better. Our therapists also understand how:

  • The challenge is the real issue—not the family or individual asking for help.
  • There is always an opportunity for compromise and dialogue.
  • Listening, understanding, and empathizing can help any situation.
  • Each family member needs a voice.

Making an Appointment for Family Counseling

Is your family ready to re-establish balance? Call Thriveworks Virginia Beach today to meet with a family therapist or psychologist at (757) 520-0827.

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

Show more
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
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

4 photos