Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

8,834 people sought couples therapy help at Virginia Beach 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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
LGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Sex Therapy, +10 more

As a multi-ethnic black woman and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I understand various perspectives from racial issues, trauma, sexuality, LGBT, and milit... As a multi-ethnic black woman and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I understand various perspectives from racial issues, trauma, sexuality, LGBT, and military. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +9 more

As a 26-year-old male, I understand how difficult it can be to keep everything together, especially when life keeps coming at you.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +7 more

Hear from our clinicians

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

Arianne: I utilize evidence-based approaches for helping couples in therapy. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method offer practical tools and interventions to help improve relationships. I recognize that each couple has different needs and comes to therapy for various reasons. I bring in a variety of therapeutic techniques and skills to provide the most appropriate treatment to suit the couple's needs.

Gwendolyn: My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is an integrated approach in which couples learn resiliency, adaptability, self-fulfillment, and social support, to allow couples to reach fulfillment individually and together.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

Arianne: I help couples rebuild trust in their relationship, improve their communication skills and conflict-resolution skills, and increase their insight and awareness about their pattern of behavior, conflict cycle, attachment style, triggers/responses, and needs in relationships.

Gwendolyn: I teach the following tools in couples/marriage counseling: open/honest communication, how to validate each other, learning each other's love language, learning to live together, trust, reflective listening, problem-solving strategies, writing love letters, and intentional weekly dating.

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

Arianne: Progress is not a linear process. Change is challenging and it takes time. However, I recognize that a couple is making meaningful progress in therapy when couples demonstrate that they consistently understand each other better, communicate more clearly, and feel emotional closeness.

Gwendolyn: I know a client is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when the couple is able to articulate growth, change, forgiveness, learning to trust again, and a willingness to move the relationship forward.

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

Arianne: Practice the skills learned in sessions and utilize the tools in your day-to-day interactions. Find opportunities that promote positive interactions to build trust, intimacy, and connection. Be patient, give each other grace, and hold yourselves accountable during the process.

Gwendolyn: Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by completing homework assignments, practicing fighting fair, and talking to each other outside of therapy sessions.

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

Arianne: To prepare for your first couples therapy session, I recommend being open-minded to the process, having the willingness and commitment to learn and make changes, and being open and honest. I am a very goal-oriented clinician. I encourage clients to identify what they would like to focus on in therapy and discuss what they would like to get out of the therapeutic process.

Gwendolyn: To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling session, you can clear your schedule, have a secure environment, and know your goals for couples therapy.

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 Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck)—Couples Therapists and Counselors

If you and your partner are interested in working with a couples therapist or psychologist at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck), or want to learn more about this service, schedule your session online or simply give us a call at (757) 347-3155. A scheduling specialist will help you set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Who Should Pursue Couples Therapy?

Any relationship can greatly benefit from couples therapy. A Couples therapist can help couples to work through identifiable issues as well as prevent or resolve future issues.

Common issues or areas of concern which can be improved upon include:

  • Intimacy issues
  • Communication errors
  • Jealousy
  • Trust issues
  • Lack of connection
  • Parenting disagreements
  • Financial concerns
  • Infidelity
  • Addiction
  • Emotional distance

It can also serve as a checkup for a happy, healthy couple that wants to ensure their relationship maintains its strength.

What Is Couples Therapy? How Does It Work?

Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a therapist helps couples resolve any conflicts and improve their relationship as a whole. Couples therapists have specific experience and licensure in helping couples; for example, couples therapy is typically led by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

There are various therapeutic interventions used in couples therapy, of which will depend on the given couple’s needs and therapy goals. That said, couples therapy almost always incorporates the following elements:

  1. Focus on an identified problem, such as lack of intimacy, jealousy, etc.
  2. Involvement of both partners to achieve the therapy goals
  3. Solution-focused interventions that are identified in the early stages
  4. Treatment objectives, of which are agreed upon by all parties

If you and your partner decide to pursue couples therapy, your first session will likely involve answering basic questions about the history as well as the current state of your relationship. Then, your couples therapist will help you to clearly identify the issues at hand and establish goals as well as a plan for treatment.

In each session, your Thriveworks couples therapist will work with you and your significant other to improve health and happiness in your relationship.

Work with a Couples Therapist or Psychologist at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck)

Are you and your significant other navigating choppy waters? Are you struggling to communicate, connect, or simply enjoy each other and your relationship? Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) has couples therapists who can help. These professionals have the skills and experience to help you work through current and present issues, as well as improve your overall relationship.

Here at Thriveworks, we strive to offer our clients the best possible therapy or counseling experience. We tackle this mission by offering:

Outstanding providers: The providers we partner with are the best of the best, in that they have worked hard to earn the skills, training, and experience it takes to lead couples to greater relationship happiness and success.

Flexible schedule opportunities: We also offer flexible scheduling options, including extended hours in the evenings and on the weekends to ensure all of our potential clients can find a time to come into our office.

If you’re interested in working with a couples therapist at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) you can get scheduled today. Just give us a call at (757) 347-3155 and a scheduling specialist will assist you in setting up your appointment, or simply schedule your first session online.

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 Beach therapists and counselors accept 28 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)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
John McAnulty is by far the best counselor that I have ever experienced. He is kind, compassionate and caring. He heard every word I would say and gave me so many tools that I use to this day to cope with my past struggles. He takes his time to not only listen, but to respond in the most caring way. I will forever be grateful for all he did for my family and I.
Read more John McAnulty is by far the best counselor that I have ever experienced. He is kind, compassionate and caring. He heard every word I would say and gave me so many tools that I use to this day to cope with my past struggles. He takes his time to not only listen, but to respond in the most caring way. I will forever be grateful for all he did for my family and I.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John McAnulty is a compassionate and caring counselor. Very understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Read more John McAnulty is a compassionate and caring counselor. Very understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for several years now. He is a compassionate man and is extremely skilled in putting you at ease in the very first meeting. He helped my husband (and myself) through a very rough time. I am forever grateful to him
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for several years now. He is a compassionate man and is extremely skilled in putting you at ease in the very first meeting. He helped my husband (and myself) through a very rough time. I am forever grateful to him
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John was so kind and compassionate . He thoroughly helped me walk through my grief issues in a sensitive and kind manner . I was so grateful for his caring a and compassion at such a very trying Time
Read more John was so kind and compassionate . He thoroughly helped me walk through my grief issues in a sensitive and kind manner . I was so grateful for his caring a and compassion at such a very trying Time
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John has not only been my counselor for many years but a true friend. He has great empathy for others especially people suffering from substance abuse. I have had hundreds of hours of counseling over the years and John would be my unequivocal top pick.
Read more John has not only been my counselor for many years but a true friend. He has great empathy for others especially people suffering from substance abuse. I have had hundreds of hours of counseling over the years and John would be my unequivocal top pick.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It is very easy communicating with John McAnulty. He is empathetic and nonjudgmental. His understanding nature allows a peaceful sense of gratification.
Read more It is very easy communicating with John McAnulty. He is empathetic and nonjudgmental. His understanding nature allows a peaceful sense of gratification.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John McAnulty is extremely compassionate. I couldn't of asked for a better counselor. He really helped put my mind at ease. I just wanted to Thank him again.
Read more John McAnulty is extremely compassionate. I couldn't of asked for a better counselor. He really helped put my mind at ease. I just wanted to Thank him again.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located at the intersection of Old Great Neck Rd and Kenstock Dr. We currently share the building with Chesapeake Bay Realty and across the street you will find Dominion Insurance Group and the Animal Vision Center of Virginia.

Phone number

(757) 520-1312

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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