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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks 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 96 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Patricia McCarty

Hear from Patricia McCarty, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Patricia McCarty's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in couples counseling is humanistic and integrative. I use techniques and interventions from the following couples counseling approaches: Gottman method, relational therapy, attachment-based techniques, emotionally focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, schema, narrative therapy, and Imago techniques.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

I teach the following tools: reflective listening; conflict resolution strategies; building positive interaction and safe communication; setting/maintaining healthy boundaries; fostering connection, intimacy, respect, and appreciation; expressing affection based on partner's love languages; nurturing empathy; providing and asking for support; and giving and receiving feedback.

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

I know when a client is making meaningful progress in couples counseling when the partners demonstrate the skills learned without being prompted.

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

I encourage both partners in the couple to pursue their own individual counseling in addition to the couples counseling. I also suggest the partners each engage in self-care activities and foster social support outside of the partnership.

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

To prepare for your first couples counseling session, the couple can make a list of areas of their relationship that they would like to improve through couples counseling. I ask the couple to commit to a minimum of 3 months of weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Also, please have an open mind, be willing to do the work necessary outside of the sessions, and trust the therapeutic process!

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 take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

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 Henrico therapists and counselors accept 27 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 Henrico
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
★★★★★
Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Read more Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Joe Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Read more Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Sharon Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Read more I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Short Pump Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Read more I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Short Pump Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Read more I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Short Pump Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Read more Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Short Pump Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Read more I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Short Pump Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Read more Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Short Pump Dec 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with Tranquility Yoni Steam. Across the street is Divine World Changers International Ministries. We are near the intersection of Gayton Road and Cambridge Drive.

Phone number

(804) 265-4857

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm

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