Question 1

What is couples & marriage counseling?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What type of therapy is used in couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What kind of therapist is best for couples?

Accepted Answer

At Thriveworks,  Couples/marriage therapy is led by licensed professionals â often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) â who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples.

Question 4

What is the Gottman Method of couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How to tell if I need couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Should every couple go to couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Is couples & marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

How long does couples & marriage counseling last?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How much does couples & marriage counseling cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

My go-to approach in couples therapy is the Gottman Method. The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the coupleâs relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.

Question 11

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

Accepted Answer

Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. Interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes that enhance the couple's shared goals. Relapse prevention is also addressed.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

I see progress when couples display: Improved communication skills: Couples learn to express themselves more effectively and listen actively to their partner's perspective without judgment or defensiveness. They learn to communicate their needs, desires, and feelings in a clear and respectful manner., Enhanced emotional connection: Couples develop a deeper understanding of each other's emotional worlds, leading to increased empathy and intimacy. They learn to recognize and respond to each other's emotional cues, fostering a stronger emotional bond., Effective conflict resolution: Couples acquire strategies for managing conflicts constructively, such as using âIâ statements, practicing active listening, and compromising to find mutually satisfactory solutions. They learn to de-escalate conflicts before they escalate into destructive arguments., Increased relationship satisfaction: As couples implement the skills and techniques learned in therapy, they often experience a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in their relationship. They feel more connected, supported, and valued by their partner., Reduction in negative interactions: Progress can also be measured by a decrease in negative interactions, such as criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Instead, couples cultivate more positive interactions, such as expressions of appreciation, affection, and validation., Maintenance of positive changes: Sustainable progress is demonstrated by the ability of couples to maintain the positive changes achieved in therapy over the long term. They continue to apply the principles and skills learned in therapy to navigate future challenges and conflicts effectively.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Clients should read âThe Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.â I also recommend regularly engaging in the Love Maps exercise and having stress-reducing conversations.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Preparing for couples or marriage counseling can help ensure that both partners get the most out of the experience. Here are some steps you can take to prepare: Reflect on your goals: Spend some time thinking about what you hope to achieve through counseling. Are there specific issues you want to address or goals you want to work toward as a couple?, Be open to change: Recognize that counseling may require both partners to make changes in their attitudes, behaviors, or communication patterns. Approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to try new approaches., Communicate with your partner: Talk to your partner about your thoughts and feelings regarding counseling. Share your hopes, fears, and expectations for the process. It's essential to approach counseling as a team., Choose the right counselor: Take the time to research and find a counselor who is a good fit for both you and your partner. Look for someone with experience working with couples and who you both feel comfortable opening up to., Be honest and transparent: During counseling sessions, be honest and open with your counselor and your partner. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly, even if they are difficult to discuss., Practice active listening: Develop your listening skills to truly hear and understand your partner's perspective. Avoid interrupting or becoming defensive during conversations., Be patient and persistent: Counseling is a process, and it may take time to see progress. Be patient with yourselves and each other, and continue to work on your relationship outside of counseling sessions., Commit to the process: Make a commitment to attend counseling sessions regularly and actively participate in the process. Remember that counseling is an investment in your relationship, and the more effort you put in, the greater the potential rewards., Keep an open mind: Be open to trying new strategies and techniques suggested by your counselor, even if they seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable at first., Take care of yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care during the counseling process. Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed.

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Thursday	7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday	7:00am - 9:30pm
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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists provide couples & marriage counseling in Philadelphia, PA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

All Philadelphia services

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

Common approaches to Couples/marriage therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Christian counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

EMDR therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

Humanistic therapy

Motivational interviewing

Person-centered therapy (PCT)

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

Strength-based therapy

Book a session and get the help you need now

Starting Couples/marriage therapy

What is couples & marriage counseling?

What type of therapy is used in couples therapy?

What kind of therapist is best for couples?

What is the Gottman Method of couples therapy?

How to tell if I need couples therapy?

Should every couple go to couples therapy?

Is couples & marriage counseling conducted in person or online?

How long does couples & marriage counseling last?

How much does couples & marriage counseling cost?

Pricing & insurance

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our Philadelphia therapists and counselors accept 44 insurance plans

Aetna

Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

AmeriHealth Administrators

AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

AmeriHealth Pennsylvania

Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS Medicare Advantage

Carelon

Cigna | Evernorth

Cigna | Evernorth EAP

Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

Compsych

First Health Network

Geisinger Health Plan

Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | Medicare Advantage

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | PPO - HMO

Humana Exchange

Humana HMO/POS

Humana Medicare Advantage

Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

Independence Administrators

Independence Blue Cross | BCBS

Independence Blue Exchange

JP Farley Corporation

Keystone 65 Medicare Advantage

Keystone Health Plan East (CHIP)

Keystone Health Plan East HMO | POS

Martin's Point (US Family Health Plans)

Martins Point (Generations Advantage Medicare Advantage)

Medicare PA

Multi Plan PHCS

Oscar Health

Personal Choice 65 Medicare

Personal Choice PPO | EPO

Quest Behavioral Health

Railroad Medicare

Tricare East | Out of Network Provider

Tricare West

UPMC

United Healthcare | Optum

United Healthcare | Optum EAP

Wellcare by Allwell | Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

Talk therapy

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