Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,097 people sought couples therapy help at Harrisonburg in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 114 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Couples therapy

What is couples therapy?

Thriveworks Couples therapy helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. It is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy include:

  • Jealousy
  • Trust issues
  • Infidelity
  • Opposing values
  • Different visions for the future
  • Disagreements in parenting
  • Lack of trust
  • Financial distress
  • Sex issues

How does couples therapy work?

Couples therapy works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.
Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular couples therapy sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.

Is couples therapy conducted in person or online?

Couples therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.

How long does couples therapy last?

On average, couples attend couples therapy for 12 weeks. However, couples therapy may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.

Need more help deciding?

Couples Therapy in Harrisonburg, VA—Counseling

The professionals are Thriveworks Harrisonburg offer couples therapy. Grow stronger both individually and as a couple with sessions from a provider at Thriveworks Harrisonburg.

Four Key Relationship Problems and Couples Counseling

In his famous study on partners and how they relate to one another, Dr. John Gottman identified four of the biggest problems that couples face. Dr. Gottman called them “The Four Horsemen” because without correction, these four behaviors often lead to the end of a relationship. They are particularly toxic problems that inhibit connection and intimacy. They are defensiveness, stonewalling, criticism, and contempt. Here is a picture of how each functions in a relationship…

  • Defensiveness — When one or both partners respond to the other’s needs, concerns, or critiques with excuses, then defensiveness has seeped into the relationship. Defensiveness shifts responsibility from oneself to another person or to one’s circumstances. For example, if one partner promised to run an errand but did not, they may respond defensively when asked about their day, “how could you expect me to do that today? You know what a busy day I had.” A more humble response would say, “I promised to pick that up for you, and I did not. I am sorry. I will prioritize it tomorrow. Is that ok?”
  • Stonewalling — Denying a problem, minimizing it, looking the other way—there are all ways partners can stonewall. It involves one or both partners removing themselves from a disagreement instead of engaging it or working together to solve it. It is a chilling response whereas healthy couples honor each other’s requests and needs, even as they disagree.
  • Criticism — Attacking someone personally is a common form of criticism. All couples will have critiques and complaints. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I was worried… or I felt frustrated… or I was confused.” Criticism, in contrast, goes after the person instead of the issue. Criticism sounds like, “you are so inconsiderate… you are irresponsible… you are a terrible communicator.”
  • Contempt — Disrespect is at the heart of contempt. Any action that is mean and degrading is contemptuous. It often looks like eye-rolls, mocking, sarcasm, and put-downs. Any gesture, word, or action that makes a partner feel less than is filled with contempt.

If you and your partner can identify one or more of these behaviors, it may be time to reach out for help. Learning healthier ways of connecting and dealing with conflict is possible, and many people go to couples therapy to learn how.

How Might Couples Therapy Help?

Skilled couples counselors may guide couples to understanding how these toxic behaviors have become a part of their relationship and how to course-correct. For example, therapists may teach partners how to…

  • Accept Personal Responsibility — Strong individuals come together to form strong partnerships. Each partner needs to own their actions, choices, and attitudes.
  • Practice Self-Care — Sometimes, it is ok to take a break, rest, and then come back to the conflict. Learning to listen to one’s own emotional and physical needs is important.
  • Use “I” Statements — Explanation is better than attack. Couples can communicate about difficult experiences through “I” statements such as “I felt disappointed.”
  • Build Appreciation — Healthy couples appreciate each partner for who they are, strengths and weaknesses.

Couples Therapy Appointments at Thriveworks Harrisonburg

If you are ready to learn more about what healthy relationships look like, Thriveworks Harrisonburg is ready to help. We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions.

Call Thriveworks Harrisonburg today or book online to get started.

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 therapists and counselors accept 35 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • 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 HMO

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

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

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Self-pay costs at Harrisonburg
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 Thriveworks Harrisonburg reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Krystal never failed to impress me with her insights and her kindness. She is insightful and able to assess an issue from all perspectives. I felt safe with her and she always brought me clarity. She was very reliable and I am, without question, a better person for my work with her.
Read more Krystal never failed to impress me with her insights and her kindness. She is insightful and able to assess an issue from all perspectives. I felt safe with her and she always brought me clarity. She was very reliable and I am, without question, a better person for my work with her.
Harrisonburg Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
We have tried several counselors, and Krystle has been the most resourceful, considerate, present, and beneficial counselor, mediator, and role model for our blended family of 6, which includes 2 boys and 2 girls, coming from 2 different backgrounds, all having varying personalities and very different social and emotional needs. Krystle was able to help each child work through their weakness and build upon their strengths, one on one. She also worked with them as a group and helped them with sibling issues and social issues. Krystle provided us as parents, an outlet to be heard and to learn and practice strategies to help each child and the family unit. Krystle genuinely cares about her patients and maintains a calm and present demeanor throughout each patient experience. Without any doubt or hesitation, I highly recommend Krystle for your counseling needs.
Read more We have tried several counselors, and Krystle has been the most resourceful, considerate, present, and beneficial counselor, mediator, and role model for our blended family of 6, which includes 2 boys and 2 girls, coming from 2 different backgrounds, all having varying personalities and very different social and emotional needs. Krystle was able to help each child work through their weakness and build upon their strengths, one on one. She also worked with them as a group and helped them with sibling issues and social issues. Krystle provided us as parents, an outlet to be heard and to learn and practice strategies to help each child and the family unit. Krystle genuinely cares about her patients and maintains a calm and present demeanor throughout each patient experience. Without any doubt or hesitation, I highly recommend Krystle for your counseling needs.
Harrisonburg Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As a professional working with at-risk youth, Krystle and I have collaborated often in a professional capacity. Krystle is a caring therapist and able to establish rapport with individuals resistant to treatment. Her dedication and expertise is illustrated by the positive changes her clients make and their improved mental health status. She deeply cares for the people she serves. Krystle has worked with adults and juveniles as well as families of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Anyone participating in counseling with Krystle is in excellent hands.
Read more As a professional working with at-risk youth, Krystle and I have collaborated often in a professional capacity. Krystle is a caring therapist and able to establish rapport with individuals resistant to treatment. Her dedication and expertise is illustrated by the positive changes her clients make and their improved mental health status. She deeply cares for the people she serves. Krystle has worked with adults and juveniles as well as families of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Anyone participating in counseling with Krystle is in excellent hands.
Harrisonburg Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Harrisonburg is located on Neff Ave. We share a building with Horizon 370 and Visiting Angels. There are many other buildings and businesses nearby, including Mall Center and LunaVita Law.

Phone number

(540) 501-5289

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • 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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