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 61 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 34 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 HMO

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

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Christus Health Plan Exchange

  • Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage

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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 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 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
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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