Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,371 people sought couples/marriage therapy help at Lakewood 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 15 therapists in Ohio available for an online or in-person session.
Erin Sheplavy

Hear from Erin Sheplavy, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

View Erin Sheplavy's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in couples and/or marriage counseling is to prioritize helping both people better themselves as individuals, improve their communication together, and then use that growth to better themselves as a couple. I find most couples benefit from starting with improving emotional awareness, regulation, and expression as well as communication skills. Once that foundation is set, couples can start to explore points of tension or issues that they are running into more effectively.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

We prioritize helping couples learn more effective emotion regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ultimately, our goal is to provide couples with the tools needed to take on difficult moments and emotions on their own outside of sessions.

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

We can tell a client is making meaningful progress when they are reporting usage of skills outside of session, they are showing an ability to navigate difficult moments with less escalation or emotional distress, and we hear there is a decreased amount of tension in the relationship. We also can tell clients are making meaningful progress when the couple shows up invested in the process and is increasing insight or engagement.

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

Clients can practice the skills and tools they are learning in their therapy sessions, journal and take notes of things they want to bring to therapy to discuss, and engage in self-care to avoid burnout.

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

It is always helpful for couples to have individual goals that they hope to work on throughout couples therapy as well as their goals as a couple. Sometimes these may differ and the more reflection that has been done on that, the better we can set up your treatment goals and plans.

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 counselors can help partners recognize what works and what doesn’t work in their relationship. These specialized therapists can help you navigate painful issues and stumbling blocks in communication. Marriage counselors can strengthen your relationship by helping you carve out a unique standard that works for you individually, and as a couple.

Thriveworks couples and marriage counselors in Lakewood, OH are here to help keep the peace at home and fortify your bonds. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.

Who Sees Couples Counselors?

If you think that couples and marriage counselors only exist to treat very damaged or irreparable relationships, you would be incorrect. Lots of happy celebrity couples have been open about the strides that they’ve made in marriage counseling. For instance:

  • Barack and Michelle Obama
  • Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard
  • Will and Jada Pinkett Smith
  • Pink and Carey Hart
  • Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott

These are just some of the married celebrities who have told the media about their positive experiences in couples counseling. And just imagine all the A-list couples who see marriage therapists but choose to keep that information under wraps in interviews! You and your spouse can share as much or as little as you like to friends and family—and the media!—about your own experiences in therapy.

Misconceptions About Couples and Marriage Counseling

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding couples and marriage counseling. Let’s clear up the misinformation so you and your spouse can understand precisely what couples therapy can bring to the table. Here are some of the most common myths about marriage counseling:

  1. You should be able to fix it yourself/asking for help is a sign of weakness. It actually takes a lot of strength and courage to acknowledge when you need help. Humans are sensitive, complex creatures. We can carry unspoken pain with us for decades without knowing it. It’s brave to ask for expert guidance in unraveling the mysteries of how we relate to each other.
  1. My counselor will probably just take my spouse’s side. A marriage counselor is highly trained to unwrap and understand the perspective of both parties. Thriveworks couples therapists will encourage or gently correct both of you in your behaviors and communication styles. The goal isn’t to reprimand or blame one member of the relationship. The goal is to bring you closer together.
  1. My counselor will fix all our problems. A marriage counselor isn’t the cure-all for what’s troubling you in your relationship. Scheduling an appointment with a couples therapist at Thriveworks in Lakewood, OH is only the first step in a more comprehensive journey. Thriveworks mental health providers can give you the tools and resources to help resolve conflicts in your marriage, but ultimately your relationship is yours and your spouse’s, not your therapist’s.
  1. Once we start therapy, we’ll be there forever. Marriage counseling is more likely to be brief and solution-focused than a lifelong endeavor.

Make Your Appointment with a Marriage Counselor in Lakewood, OH Today

We want to help match you to the best counselor for you and your spouse. We offer evening and weekend sessions, provide same-week appointments to new clients, and accept most major insurances. Reach out today to get started. We look forward to scheduling you with a great marriage counselor 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 Lakewood therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

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

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • HealthSmart Accel

  • HealthSmart PPO

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Lakewood
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
★★★★★
I feel like my therapist is working well for me. She has given me some things to do and some things to think about.
Read more I feel like my therapist is working well for me. She has given me some things to do and some things to think about.
Winston Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Being a person who doesn’t like to share their dirt with strangers , I’m finding it very easy to talk with my counselor freely about the issues that I’m dealing with. I highly recommend their services.
Read more Being a person who doesn’t like to share their dirt with strangers , I’m finding it very easy to talk with my counselor freely about the issues that I’m dealing with. I highly recommend their services.
James Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Emerson prep for and EMDR use is being tested and seems to be making a difference - and we've just started. Thanks!
Read more Emerson prep for and EMDR use is being tested and seems to be making a difference - and we've just started. Thanks!
Richard Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Prior to coming to Thriveworks I only had counselors through my universities. Entering the real world of counseling was stressful, but Thriveworks made it easy! At Thriveworks I have found it easiest find a counselor with availability, ease of payment so that it doesn't feel transactional, and a good fit. My counselor has been phenomenal with seeing me for who I am being open to my different identities and even helping me make sense of my experiences because of them. Real world counseling doesn't seem so scary anymore
Read more Prior to coming to Thriveworks I only had counselors through my universities. Entering the real world of counseling was stressful, but Thriveworks made it easy! At Thriveworks I have found it easiest find a counselor with availability, ease of payment so that it doesn't feel transactional, and a good fit. My counselor has been phenomenal with seeing me for who I am being open to my different identities and even helping me make sense of my experiences because of them. Real world counseling doesn't seem so scary anymore
Ahjah Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
I enjoy the sessions very much.Todd is great at what he does.Very knowledgeable.
Robert Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I enjoy my councilor and she is easy to talk to.
Suzanne Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am honored to recommend Jerome Rivers as a fellow clinician. He is one of the most diligent and proficient counselors that I know. I admire his ability to meet the client where they are whether it’s being silly or serious. You will be drawn to his genuineness and you should be excited to begin a new therapeutic journey with him, trust the process!
Read more I am honored to recommend Jerome Rivers as a fellow clinician. He is one of the most diligent and proficient counselors that I know. I admire his ability to meet the client where they are whether it’s being silly or serious. You will be drawn to his genuineness and you should be excited to begin a new therapeutic journey with him, trust the process!
Columbus Sep 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nick is a great therapist. He listens and provides practical guidance to overcome emotional challenges. He helped me through a very difficult time
Read more Nick is a great therapist. He listens and provides practical guidance to overcome emotional challenges. He helped me through a very difficult time
Cleveland Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Lakewood is near Salmon Dave’s, off of Detroit and Lake Road. There is also an Einstein Bros Bagels near our office.

Phone number

(216) 238-3622

Languages spoken by OH 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

0 photos