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2,717 people sought couples/marriage therapy help at Columbia in the last year

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

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Cierra Brabham

Hear from Cierra Brabham, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Cierra Brabham's profile

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

My go-to approach for couples/marriage counseling is to address both clients' concerns in the initial intake. I address the common problems and set up a treatment plan that both individuals can agree on to move forward with sessions.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I teach the following tools in couples/marriage counseling:

  • Communication skills: Learn assertive communication to communicate effectively through conflict.
  • Conflict resolution: Learn tips to work through heated discussions without continued aggression.
  • Emotion regulation skills: Learn to process and express emotions healthily.
  • Interpersonal effectiveness skills: Learn skills to help maintain healthy relationships.

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

I know clients make meaningful progress in marriage/couples therapy when they can successfully navigate challenges independently with the tools provided in treatment. The client starts to recognize and address barriers that keep them in the cycle of their overwhelming symptoms.

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

I encourage couples to schedule a date night weekly to build emotional intimacy. I also encourage couples to seek out new ways to communicate and enjoy themselves without distraction from stressors that may be hindering their progress.

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

I encourage clients to write down their concerns and come with an open mind to address challenges in a new way.

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 and Marriage Counseling in Columbia, South Carolina

All relationships face highs and lows, both positive and negative spells – and yours, though unique, does, too. The place you and your partner inhabit emotionally is most likely not where you started, nor is it written in stone for your future. Take a moment to consider how the health of your relationship might improve with couples therapy. If the answer is yes, reach out to Thriveworks Columbia to schedule your first appointment at (803) 477-3736.

Who Can Benefit from Couples Therapy?

How satisfying is the current state of your relationship? In some cases, couples come to us seeking professional guidance for specific situations—problems getting along, infidelity, parenting, trust issues. In others, couples choose to see a therapist because they feel the relationship is incomplete, or missing something. Sometimes, they come because they want more of a connection and greater intimacy.

Nothing great was ever accomplished without hard work. If the thought of discussing the personal details of your relationship drains your energy or causes anxiety, you’re perfectly normal. With some of our clients, one partner is ready for therapy and the other apprehensive; however, we’ve learned through years of field experience that making a commitment to change is, by far, most effective and fruitful when guided by a professional.

Why Choose Thriveworks Couples Therapy?

We’re ready when you are. Making an appointment is your first assignment. So, why Thriveworks couples therapy in Columbia? Our couples and marriage therapists assess the needs and goals of both partners and the relationship by listening to your story first. A licensed couples counselor will offer you new tools to use as you navigate through your specific concerns to land in a place of resolution and understanding. Without telling you what decisions to make, our couples and marriage therapists facilitate conversation to expand your sense of self, including your family history and unique relationship dynamics. That’s how real change happens.

Thriveworks Couples Counseling in Columbia, SC helps couples improve the quality of their relationships. Our marriage therapists in Columbia, SC can help you improve your relationship, overcome past hurts, and set a course for a healthier future – together.

Scheduling Couples Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

A sense of safety and transparency are requirements for couples therapy to be successful, so Thriveworks couples and marriage therapy in Columbia, SC provides a safe and easy environment to talk through the positives and negatives of your situation.  We understand that it may not be an easy task to make time in your busy schedule. Our couples therapists are available during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends. And getting relationship help may be more affordable than you thought. We accept most major insurance plans, too.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at Thriveworks Couples Counseling in Columbia, SC.  With no waiting list for an appointment, there’s never been a better time to improve your relationship.  (803) 477-3736

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 Columbia therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Columbia
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Read more Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Crystal Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Read more I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Roger Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My counseling has been caring and professional
Cynthia Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Read more I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Read more I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Tar Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Read more Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Meshelle Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Read more I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Lesley Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia is located on Executive Pointe Blvd off of Bush River Rd, just northwest of Interstate 20 on the north side of the Saluda River. Our building is neighbored by The Steele Law Firm; S.C. Press Association; and Thomas, Watson & Company. The closest bus stop is Bush Woodland WB. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(803) 573-9453

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • English
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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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