Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

800 people sought marriage counseling help at Royal Oak in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 37 therapists in Michigan available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Marriage counseling

What is marriage counseling?

Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy and relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Thriveworks marriage counseling in Royal Oak, MI 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 Marriage counseling include:

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

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling 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 marriage counseling 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 marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Marriage 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 marriage counseling last?

On average, couples attend marriage counseling for 12 weeks. However, 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. Marriage counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Royal Oak, MI work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.

Need more help deciding?

The main source of tension within most romantic comedies is whether the main characters will finally overcome all the barriers keeping them apart so that they can live happily-ever-after together. Think about Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, You’ve Got Mail, Hitch, Silver Linings Playbook. These couples overcame geography, grief, past relationships, mental illness, physical illness, and more. In one of the most romantic lines ever spoken, Harry finds Sally at the end of the movie and proclaims his love, “I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” There is an underlying assumption all their problems are now solved, but anyone in a marriage knows better. Every marriage has difficulties—it is normal to struggle. That is why most wedding vows include a promise to love one another “in good times and bad, in sickness and health, for rich or poor.” Even happily-ever-afters include difficulty, sickness, and poverty at times. Even the most committed spouses may need help, and more and more, people are reach out and going to marriage therapy.

“A great marriage isn’t something that just happens;
it’s something that must be created.” —Fawn Weaver

The marriage counselors at Thriveworks Oakland Counseling have worked with many spouses who are stuck. Often, they want to have a great relationship, but they do not know how to get there. Maybe life is become too stressful. Maybe trust has been lost. Often, marriage counselors can restart the process of creating a great marriage.

Should We Go to Marriage Counseling?

Sometimes, couples want to know if the issue that is affecting their marriage means they should go to therapy. Is this a problem that therapy can solve? It is a common question. There are no simple answers. On the one hand, there is no right or wrong reason to start marriage counseling. If you or your spouse is wondering whether marriage therapy might help, this could be a sign that you are ready to get started. On the other hand, marriage therapy is not a quick-fix or a panacea. There are no guarantees in relationships. Sometimes, spouses work through their problems and build a stronger marriage. Sometimes, spouses decide that the best path forward is to divorce amicably. In both cases, a marriage therapist may be able to guide the process. What are some of the reasons spouses begin marriage therapy?

1) They are fighting constantly: Debates. Disagreements. Differences. These are all normal within a marriage. Healthy marriages have fights, but these spouses fight fairly and respectfully. Then, they move on. Relational experts talk about how healthy couples only have one negative interaction for every five positive interactions. Negative interactions are powerful and can cause significant harm. If these issues of disagreement turn into personal attacks or if they are never resolve, spouses can easily feel as if they are drowning in conflict. Often, marriage counselors teach their clients conflict resolution skills so they can have their disagreements and then move onto more positive interactions.

2) They never fight: Just as fighting too much can be a sign that a marriage is in trouble, so can never fighting. Spouses need to maintain their individuality within the marriage. Never disagreeing or fighting could mean that one spouse’s perspective, feelings, or opinions are not being honored. When someone has their unique perspective brushed aside repeatedly, they may give up on advocating for their own individuality. When spouses have iced each other out, it may also signal that tension has risen so much that each spouse is overwhelmed. Marriage counselors can often help spouses identify the underlying problem and work toward a resolution.

3) A spouse cheated: When one or both spouses have an affair, the marriage essentially goes into cardiac arrest. Major intervention is needed to restore the relationship to health. Recovery from an affair is not an easy process—it takes time and it requires that trust be rebuilt. Spouses do not always know what steps to take, even if they want to stay in the marriage. A marriage therapist can often guide that process. Sometimes, spouses know they do not want to continue the marriage. In that case, a marriage therapist may be able to facilitate amicable parting of ways.

4) One spouse wants to change the other: A basic but important principle for life is that people cannot change others—not even their spouse. People can only change themselves. When we try to change others, we introduce shame, frustration, and disappointment into the relationship. We may be trying to do a good thing, but ultimately, it is harmful. Within a marriage, each spouse needs to take responsibility for their own personal growth. Marriage therapists often teach spouses how to set up appropriate boundaries so that this can take place.

Thriveworks Oakland Offers Appointments for Marriage Counseling

You may have recognized a reason to go to marriage therapy. You may not have. The decision to start therapy is personal, and every spouse has their own reasons. If you are ready, know that the marriage counselors at Thriveworks Oakland Counseling are ready, too. When you contact our office, you may have your first appointment within 24 hours. We work with many insurance companies and are able to accept a variety of insurance plans. We also offer evening and weekend sessions. Call 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 Royal Oak therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • ASR

  • Aetna

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Royal Oak
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
★★★★★
Highly recommend Thriveworks. My provider literally saved my life.
Ashley Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
When I met with Jillian Kraydich I was in awe with her professionalism and exceptional bedside manor. Our meeting started on time and I felt comfortable right from the start. She was patient, understanding and overall a great help for me. She took the time to get to know me over the course of a few meetings and always allowed me to talk about whatever was on my mind without interruptions or judgement. I have spoken with a few other therapists in the past but they did not allow me to speak as freely as Jillian did. I would highly recommend her for the numerous reasons I stated above.
Read more When I met with Jillian Kraydich I was in awe with her professionalism and exceptional bedside manor. Our meeting started on time and I felt comfortable right from the start. She was patient, understanding and overall a great help for me. She took the time to get to know me over the course of a few meetings and always allowed me to talk about whatever was on my mind without interruptions or judgement. I have spoken with a few other therapists in the past but they did not allow me to speak as freely as Jillian did. I would highly recommend her for the numerous reasons I stated above.
Oakland Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolyn Nicholson was our school counselor and I worked with her for several years. She has an innate ability to quickly form relationships with people of all ages, including our students and staff members. Carolyn is insightful, enthusiastic, and compassionate in her work. Her intuition and discussion techniques enable people to explore their past experiences and perspectives. Also, those abilities guide others as they navigate journeys through their life experiences and self reflection. Carolyn Nicholson is a compassionate, inspiring, and trustworthy counselor!
Read more Carolyn Nicholson was our school counselor and I worked with her for several years. She has an innate ability to quickly form relationships with people of all ages, including our students and staff members. Carolyn is insightful, enthusiastic, and compassionate in her work. Her intuition and discussion techniques enable people to explore their past experiences and perspectives. Also, those abilities guide others as they navigate journeys through their life experiences and self reflection. Carolyn Nicholson is a compassionate, inspiring, and trustworthy counselor!
Oakland Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolyn offers a thoughtful and compassionate perspective to life and Our reactions to situations where our emotions can take over. It’s important to look at our lives through various lenses, depending on the circumstances. Carolyn offers a fresh insight to how to respond with loving kindness, both towards ourselves and towards others, and to move forward.
Read more Carolyn offers a thoughtful and compassionate perspective to life and Our reactions to situations where our emotions can take over. It’s important to look at our lives through various lenses, depending on the circumstances. Carolyn offers a fresh insight to how to respond with loving kindness, both towards ourselves and towards others, and to move forward.
Oakland Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kelly kellerman is a great counselor, I appreciate her very much
Oakland Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ann Dadah has been my sounding board for a long time! Ann is completely professional, keeps my confidence, sincerely listens to me, respects my thoughts and gives me insights that have been very helpful. I recommend her highly!
Read more Ann Dadah has been my sounding board for a long time! Ann is completely professional, keeps my confidence, sincerely listens to me, respects my thoughts and gives me insights that have been very helpful. I recommend her highly!
Oakland Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mike is one of those people who is professional but down-to-earth at the same time, so that he's easy to talk to. You can tell, too, that he's not going to judge you...He's a really compassionate guy. All good qualities in a therapist. I recommend him!
Read more Mike is one of those people who is professional but down-to-earth at the same time, so that he's easy to talk to. You can tell, too, that he's not going to judge you...He's a really compassionate guy. All good qualities in a therapist. I recommend him!
Oakland Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
After seeing Angel I realized that some people still care. Angel was so understanding and empathetic. She is easy to talk to and provides clear coping techniques. Angel is the person to whom I refer my patients.
Read more After seeing Angel I realized that some people still care. Angel was so understanding and empathetic. She is easy to talk to and provides clear coping techniques. Angel is the person to whom I refer my patients.
Oakland Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Royal Oak is located right off the corner of the intersection of S. Main and E. 3rd St., just east of Centennial Commons Park. Starbucks and Freshii are on either side of us. Parking can be found on the street or two blocks west at the Center Street Garage, and the closest bus stop is at 11 Mile Rd. and Main.

Phone number

(947) 217-2743

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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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