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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists provide couples & marriage counseling in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you

4,361 people sought couples/marriage therapy help at Alexandria 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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +17 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +23 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Divorce / Breakup, +6 more

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92 more therapists available in Virginia

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George Wanke

Hear from George Wanke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View George Wanke's profile

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

It's important to start by helping the couple understand that the focus of counseling is not on one person or the other, but on the interactions between them. I enjoy couples counseling because relations with loved ones are such important things in our lives. When this part of life goes well, many other things in life follow.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

One starting point is teaching/learning how to describe and accurately express oneself without accusation. Treating couples as a partnership with shared goals rather than two individuals is a focus of the work.

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

EBP TP goals are established at the beginning of therapy, and when they are accomplished, the treatment is considered done. Common goals include less frequent arguing, identifying upcoming conflicts, using time-outs, enjoying each other's company, rekindling courtship and pursuit, and conflict resolution.

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

To supplement therapy, couples can practice being in each other's presence without discussing highly emotionally charged issues about themselves or their children.

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

To prepare, couples can record the things that initially drew them to each other.

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?

Restoring Relationships in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Marriage and Couples Counseling

Early in a new relationship, simply being together with your partner transforms the most mundane tasks into sweet, romantic events. Even going to the store to buy ice cream with your partner can feel fun and exciting, just because you are together. But as time wears on, instead of enjoying a scoop of rocky road, life might feel more like a rocky road. The fun and excitement wears off in every relationship.

How is your relationship with your partner? Is there a specific issue that causes tension? Or has your relationship deteriorated so much that you tolerate each other without truly being partners? Many couples facing difficulties have had the fun and excitement restored to their relationship by seeking professional help through couples or marriage counseling at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA. Reach out today for help.

Common Marital Challenges

Divorce rates are staggering, but behind those numbers are individuals who are hurting. Families are torn apart. Relational hurt and pain abound. Splitting up takes a high relational toll on you, your partner, and anyone in your family.

All relationships have problems, but not all problems have to end in a divorce or break-up. Yet, staying in an unhealthy relationship has its problems too. Maybe you and your partner are fighting over money, schedule, kids, or other life circumstance. Maybe the two of you ignore each other, living beside each other but not together as partners. Maybe lies or cheating have torn down the respect you have for each other. When these problems become normal, neither partner is healthy, safe, or happy.

All relationships have problems, and many of these problems have solutions. The counselors/therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA have extensive experience in helping couples face an array of difficulties. Many couples who walk through our doors to see a Thriveworks counselor walk out with the skills they need to live in a healthy, fulfilling relationship. This process, of course, takes time and work.

How Couples Counseling Can Help

Communication is the key to any relationship. In our experience, communication breaks down in at least three ways.

  • Miscommunications: no two people see the world from the same perspective. Even two people who have the utmost respect for one another can get tripped up because they view the world so differently. It takes work to listen to someone whose perspective clashes with yours.
  • Underlying Habits/Events: couples can fall into habits that they do not realize they repeat. These can stem from one event, but regardless, partners may relate to each other with expectations and habits they do not even know they have.
  • Disrespect: if lying, cheating, stealing, or other disrespectful behaviors creep into a relationship, they destroy healthy communication. Disrespect destroys trust, the foundation of good communication.

Thriveworks Alexandria, VA counselors and psychologists are trained to address these problems inhibit communication.

Scheduling Marriage Counseling at Thriveworks Alexandria

Navigating relational strain is hard. Couples and marriage counselors at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) have the expertise to help. Mending your relationship takes work, but the sooner couples pursue professional help, the sooner they get off their relational rocky road and get on with their healthier relationship.

Sound good to you? The first step toward a more fulfilling relationship is scheduling an appointment with Alexandria, VA couples and marriage counseling. We have appointments that fit your schedule and our therapists are ready to help. Reach out 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 Alexandria 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 PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Alexandria
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Read more I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Lynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Read more I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My view with Dr. Young was a real eye opener.
Randy Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
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

Shown in ET

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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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