Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

2,220 people sought family therapy help at Virginia Beach in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a family 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
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.

114 more therapist available in Virginia

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Gwendolyn Fisher

Hear from Gwendolyn Fisher, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Gwendolyn Fisher's profile

What is your go-to approach for family therapy?

My preferred method in family therapy is structural family therapy. This approach focuses on how each person's behavior impacts the entire family and aims to develop solutions that benefit all family members, emphasizing the importance of not assigning blame.

What tools do you teach in family therapy?

In family therapy, I teach various tools including:

  • Improving open communication
  • Fostering healthy relationship interactions
  • Teaching boundaries
  • Healing from past wounds
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving
  • Building trust

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in family therapy?

Meaningful progress in family therapy is evident when families can resolve conflicts, restore relationships, and function more cohesively as a unit. These achievements signify that the family is successfully applying the strategies learned in therapy.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement family therapy?

Clients can enhance their family therapy experience by engaging in open and honest communication, reducing the tendency to blame one another, and maintaining healthy boundaries. These practices support the therapeutic process and contribute to achieving the family's goals.

What should someone do to prepare for starting family therapy?

To prepare for their first family therapy session, individuals should choose a time and day that works for all family members and set realistic goals for what they wish to achieve through therapy. This preparation helps ensure that the therapy session is productive and aligned with the family's needs.

Starting Family therapy

What is family therapy?

Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.

How does family therapy work?

Thriveworks family therapists in Virginia Beach, VA usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.

What is the most effective family therapy?

The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.

How do I know if my family needs therapy?

This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.

What is included in family therapy?

In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.

What is the success rate of family therapy?

Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.

Is family therapy conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks therapists in Virginia Beach, VA offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does family therapy last?

Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.

Need more help deciding?

Family Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck)—Family Therapists, Counselors

These people know your greatest flaws and biggest secrets. They know how to push your buttons, and they find joy in embarrassing you and proving you wrong! But you love them, nonetheless. It’s obvious who we’re talking about right? Your family, of course: your irritating siblings, frustrating parents, and meddlesome aunts and uncles.

While we love and care for our family members, that does not mean that our relationships with them are easy. There are times when we run into conflict and struggle to see eye to eye. This is normal, but in certain instances, it is necessary to work with a professional in order to get back to a healthy place. Fortunately, Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) has family therapists who are experts at helping families work through challenges and mend their relationships with one another.

If your family is in a place where they could benefit from a nonjudgmental, unbiased professional’s help, reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck). You will be glad to know that we only work with the best of the best mental health professionals. These counselors possess the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to help you. And they are more than happy to offer you guidance and support. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, give Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) a call at (757) 347-3155.

What Is Family Therapy? How Can It Help Me?

Family therapy helps families address a variety of issues that affect their relationships with one another. A family therapist’s main mission is to help these individuals improve family dynamics and relationships, which will benefit the health and wellbeing of each member. Common issues that come up between family members include those that follow major life changes, such as a divorce or move, and the development of a mental illness, such as depression or addiction. Sometimes, family therapy supplements another form of treatment, and at others, it is the primary treatment.

Many different families can find value in working with a family therapist, especially if they are experiencing stress or in a tough situation. Here is a list of common stressors and conflicts among family members:

  • Mental health concerns, like depression or substance abuse
  • The death or loss of a loved one
  • Divorce or separation
  • Behavioral problems, rebellion in children
  • Financial trouble

How Can Family Therapists Help? What Are Their Qualifications?

Family therapy is conducted by qualified, licensed therapists: licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) to be more specific. These individuals have worked hard to gain unique skills, knowledge, and experience helping families improve their relationships. Other mental health professionals, such as social workers, might also use techniques from family therapy in their work, if they have undergone family therapy training.

In most cases, family therapy is short-term, in that families will go for an average of 9 or 10 sessions. In other cases, family therapy lasts longer, in order to meet the needs of the family at hand. Additionally, every session varies in what is discussed as well as who attends. Your Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) will guide you and help you make these decisions.

Set Up a Family Therapy Session at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck)

Are you at odds with a family member? Is your entire family struggling to work through a conflict? Consider setting up a family therapy session at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck). Again, we have family therapists who are experts in this area. They will use their skills, knowledge, and experience to guide your family on a successful therapeutic experience.

To set up your appointment, just give us a call at (757) 347-3155. A scheduling specialist will walk you through the simple process. You will have flexible scheduling options to choose from, including evening and weekend appointments. We look forward to speaking with you!

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

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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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