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2,241 people sought couples/marriage therapy help at Worcester in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 36 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.
Miriam Collazo

Hear from Miriam Collazo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

View Miriam Collazo's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is using love languages. I prefer getting to know each partner's love language because it helps them be intentional about meeting the other's needs.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

Some main tools I teach in couples/marriage counseling are communication and problem-solving skills. Communication skills can help clients take a step back, use an empathetic approach to communicating with their partner, and allow them to see things from a different perspective. The likelihood of each partner being open to hearing the other out is greater when they communicate effectively. Using problem-solving skills to navigate differences of opinion and difficult situations helps to define the problem, brainstorm solutions, eliminate unwanted suggestions, and select the solution to achieve the desired outcome that will benefit them the most.

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 empathize with one another, are open to hearing each other, communicate their feelings and intentions clearly, have fewer differences, can problem-solve together, and take the time to invest in their relationship between sessions.

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

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by taking time to invest and be intentional about implementing the skills learned. Examples include going out on dates, being spontaneous, revisiting what attracted them to each other in the first place, and seeking individual counseling to assist with other concerns that can be hindering their relationship and need additional assistance.

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

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can write out a list of goals and concerns that you want to address and work on. However, the most important is to come with the willingness to put in the work that it takes to try to have and maintain a healthy relationship.

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?

Couples Therapy in Worcester, MA—Couples Therapists and Marriage Counselors

There are so many couples that love each other but are struggling with communicating deeply and effectively. There’s nothing quite as painful as realizing your life partner doesn’t know you as well as you thought they did, or finding you don’t know them well either. Luckily, help is available.

Thriveworks Counseling in Worcester couples therapists and marriage counselors often work with couples experiencing communication problems and many other issues that can arise in a marriage. If you think you could benefit from working with a relationship professional, reach out to Thriveworks Worcester to schedule an appointment.

When Is It Time to Work with a Couples Therapist or Marriage Counselor?

It might be time to call a therapist if you’re arguing frequently, not talking at all, experiencing a lack of intimacy, or feeling apathy toward the relationship. If you’ve even considered seeing a couples therapist or marriage counselor, it may be time to make that call. Or, if you simply want to set your relationship up for the best success, you might want to reach out to a couples therapist or marriage counselor. It doesn’t matter what phase of marriage you’re in—early, child-rearing years, or much later. If things aren’t quite the way you want them to be, you can improve them.

“Most couples pursue therapy when there are significant difficulties in the relationship. However, just as it is better to manage our healthcare consistently rather than waiting until we experience potentially devastating symptoms, couples counseling can be used as a preventative resource—a way to avoid significant complications before they happen,” explains Shawn Channell, a Licensed Psychologist at our Worcester office.

Common Relationship Issues Discussed in Relationship Counseling

We see couples experiencing many types of strife, including:

  • Infidelity
  • Financial disagreements
  • Work/life balance

Whatever it is, “couples therapy isn’t meant as a mechanism for one partner to ‘unload’ on the other, nor as a way to force your partner to change, but as a method to find solutions to relationship problems based on the love and dedication the partners have for one another,” says Channell.

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

Couples therapy isn’t a refereed match, and your therapist won’t take sides. The therapist is a neutral, compassionate third party who will listen to each party and help them find where the communication breakdown is occurring. Once that breakdown is identified, your counselor will help you develop a plan to overcome it and help you learn communication skills to facilitate that plan.

“Marriage counseling and couples therapy involve both partners participating in joint therapy sessions,” says Channell. “The goal is to help the couple gain insight into their relationship, improve their satisfaction in the relationship, and to resolve conflict using a variety of therapeutic interventions.”

This brings us to the personalized approach that our counselors take. While there are effective counseling techniques that might prove effective for many couples, the counselors and therapists will not design your treatment until they get to know you. Then, and only then, will they put together a plan that will best help you and your partner improve your relationship and address the problems at hand. Of course, though, sometimes couples aren’t meant to work these problems out and are better off apart.

“While the goal of couples counseling is always to try and improve the relationship, sometimes couples realize that their disagreements and differences are irreparable and that separation may be the best solution. Even in these circumstances, couples counseling can aid couples in ending a relationship on the best terms,” Channell explains.

Schedule Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks in Worcester, MA

Thriveworks in Worcester, MA counselors know how important marriage or a long-term partnership is—it’s the most significant relationship in your life. When that’s out of balance, it’s hard to feel hopeful about anything.

You can have a strong, healthy, happy relationship, and we can help. Thriveworks does not operate with a waiting list, and we can usually see you within the week of your call, so don’t wait any longer. We also have flexible appointment options including evening and weekend sessions. In addition, we have online counseling opportunities as well. We want to make this experience as convenient as possible. Call us to schedule your appointment 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 Worcester therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Worcester
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 have been very happy with the counseling I have received. Jason is a down to earth person. I like him on a personal and professional level. He is a good listener and understands my challenges. He has offered techniques to help me identify my anxieties before they have a chance to affect my behavior. He has introduced me to Cognitive Behavioral therapy as one of the tools I may find useful to effect change. I have made improvements in my behavior as a result of Jason's counseling.
Read more I have been very happy with the counseling I have received. Jason is a down to earth person. I like him on a personal and professional level. He is a good listener and understands my challenges. He has offered techniques to help me identify my anxieties before they have a chance to affect my behavior. He has introduced me to Cognitive Behavioral therapy as one of the tools I may find useful to effect change. I have made improvements in my behavior as a result of Jason's counseling.
Jim Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Everyone has been great
Gary Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Best therapist i have ever worked with!
Jerry Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have the privilege of working with Jamie (Coonan) Bruce for the past 4 months+ and have gained a sense of peace and equilibrium by doing so. Jamie has guided me to create a thriving daily practice of serenity and peace even in my own fragmented chaotic times along with the insane chaotic times in the world presently. I feel my relationship with her has led me to an understanding of my past trauma that is beneficial in my growth and connection with family and others. As we resolve past issues, it is gently ushering in a new skill set. I am better able to manage the fluctuating moods and emotions enhancing my coping skills. Jamie's experience with PTSD for so many years is a blessing for me as I live with hypervigilance day in and day out. I have been able to better manage my anxiety and I am learning how to manage my pent up anger making fluid, acceptable and letting it go. I feel blessed that I found Jamie to work with and am grateful for her teaching, listening and presence.
Read more I have the privilege of working with Jamie (Coonan) Bruce for the past 4 months+ and have gained a sense of peace and equilibrium by doing so. Jamie has guided me to create a thriving daily practice of serenity and peace even in my own fragmented chaotic times along with the insane chaotic times in the world presently. I feel my relationship with her has led me to an understanding of my past trauma that is beneficial in my growth and connection with family and others. As we resolve past issues, it is gently ushering in a new skill set. I am better able to manage the fluctuating moods and emotions enhancing my coping skills. Jamie's experience with PTSD for so many years is a blessing for me as I live with hypervigilance day in and day out. I have been able to better manage my anxiety and I am learning how to manage my pent up anger making fluid, acceptable and letting it go. I feel blessed that I found Jamie to work with and am grateful for her teaching, listening and presence.
Worcester Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been seeing Jeffrey White for four months now, to deal with longstanding issues related to a traumatic childhood. He has taught me so much about how trauma affects the body and mind and how to change that. That education, along with his compassion and encouragement have helped me get to a place of calm and confidence that would have seemed impossible to me before starting therapy. I'm so grateful for his help - it's been transformational for me.
Read more I have been seeing Jeffrey White for four months now, to deal with longstanding issues related to a traumatic childhood. He has taught me so much about how trauma affects the body and mind and how to change that. That education, along with his compassion and encouragement have helped me get to a place of calm and confidence that would have seemed impossible to me before starting therapy. I'm so grateful for his help - it's been transformational for me.
Worcester Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been a client of Jeffrey White from Thriveworks for a few months now. We meet weekly and after each session I feel educated and heard. His ability to hold space for me is recognized and appreciated ten fold. Our sessions involve a combination of therapy and coaching, and I couldn't ask for someone better to just listen to me and provide objective feedback. If you are looking for an educated, thoughtful, and inspirational therapist, Jeff White is your person.
Read more I have been a client of Jeffrey White from Thriveworks for a few months now. We meet weekly and after each session I feel educated and heard. His ability to hold space for me is recognized and appreciated ten fold. Our sessions involve a combination of therapy and coaching, and I couldn't ask for someone better to just listen to me and provide objective feedback. If you are looking for an educated, thoughtful, and inspirational therapist, Jeff White is your person.
Worcester Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Me and my husband are having counseling therapy with Jeffrey White, he not only is a compassionate person but the only professional that has been able to clearly identify the root of our issues and work with us in ways that makes us feel absolutely confident that we are becoming stronger as individuals and also a better couple. We are incredibly grateful to have him as a therapist and every time we finish a session with him, we can't wait to till the next one!
Read more Me and my husband are having counseling therapy with Jeffrey White, he not only is a compassionate person but the only professional that has been able to clearly identify the root of our issues and work with us in ways that makes us feel absolutely confident that we are becoming stronger as individuals and also a better couple. We are incredibly grateful to have him as a therapist and every time we finish a session with him, we can't wait to till the next one!
Worcester Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Everyone I have met has been Compassionate professional individuals. Especially Nicole! Thank you!
Read more Everyone I have met has been Compassionate professional individuals. Especially Nicole! Thank you!
Worcester Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Worcester is located off of Grove St. We share a building with Premier Home Healthcare Services. There is also a Sunoco located nearby.

Phone number

(508) 576-5598

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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