Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,496 people sought couples therapy help at Sterling Heights 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

Good news! We have 34 therapists in Michigan available for an online or in-person session.
Crystal Smith

Hear from Crystal Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Crystal Smith's profile

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

My go-to approach for couples/marriage counseling follows the principles of the Gottman Institute, focusing on improving trust, communication, and healthy boundaries. I find this approach to couples is most beneficial because it is research-backed and evidence-based.

What tools do you teach in couples/marriage counseling?

In following the Gottman approach to couples therapy, I teach about the sound relationship house, focusing on rebuilding the relationship in a healthy way. I also supplement this approach with cognitive behavioral therapy tools that challenge negative core beliefs, explore cognitive distortions that contribute to mistrust, and work to improve reflective listening so both parties feel heard and supported.

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

I know a couple is making meaningful progress when they begin to use conflict resolution tools in their day-to-day life. This promotes a safe place to work through problems and allows the use of assertive communication and reflective listening strategies.

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

I encourage clients to read supplemental material from the Gottmans in their time outside of therapy. Two good options are “The Seven Principals for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman and “Fight Right” by Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman.

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

In preparing for your first couples counseling session, it is helpful to have an aligned goal with your partner. This may be a goal to improve communication, rebuild trust, or address a specific problem. When both parties are aligned on the goal, it helps make the first session run smoothly and allows for more information to be gathered. It is also helpful to come to the session prepared to be vulnerable and talk about the hard things, as this type of honesty is where real progress comes from, remembering that therapy is a safe place to explore the hard relationship topics.

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 Sterling Heights, MI—Detroit Therapy for Couples

All of us wish we could foster a relationship completely void of conflict. But that’s just not possible because a relationship void of conflict doesn’t exist. It’s unfortunate, but the silver lining is that overcoming the conflict together strengthens the bond between two individuals and intensifies the relationship. That being said, overcoming conflict isn’t always the simplest task. It can actually prove pretty difficult and necessitate the help of a couples therapist.

If you and your significant other are experiencing conflict and you’re struggling to come to a resolution, work with a couples counselor at Thriveworks Sterling Heights. We have caring, skilled, and experienced providers who focus on helping couples build happier, healthier relationships. One of our couples counselors can help you and your partner talk through jealousy, parenting conflicts, intimacy issues, and other relationship problems.

Are you looking for Detroit therapy for relationship help? You could be in the early or late stages of your relationship. In other words, you could be newly dating, recently engaged, or married for 10+ years. Whatever the case, a couples therapist at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb can prove valuable to your life. If you want to build a successful relationship, give us a call today at (586) 238-4265 and we can set you up with one of our counselors.

Who Can Benefit from Working with a Couples Counselor?

To echo what we said before, we believe that all relationships can benefit from the help of a couples counselor. You might especially benefit, of course, if there is a conflict that you can’t seem to resolve. For example, here are a few challenges that couples face and bring up in couples counseling:

  • Miscommunication
  • Jealousy issues
  • Infidelity or betrayal
  • Parental disagreement
  • Different visions for the future
  • Lack of intimacy or connection
  • Identity crises

The Benefits of Couples Therapy

We keep stressing that every couples and relationship can find some benefit in working with a counselor. Again, this is due to the fact that no relationship is completely void of conflict! At least not for long. Challenges will arise, and a couples counselor can equip you with the tools to properly put out the fire. For example, many counselors working with couples dedicate sessions to teaching the two individuals how to communicate properly. Here are a few tips they might give you in counseling:

  1. Don’t place blame: Instead of accusing your partner (or appearing to accuse your partner) with “you always” and “you never” statements, use universal phrases. For example, it’s much more productive to start with “I feel.” This will prevent your partner from feeling blamed for the problem at hand.
  2. Concentrate on one problem at a time: It’s easy to bring in past fights or other problems but doing so isn’t productive. Instead, you should focus on one challenge at a time. For example, if you’re trying to resolve a scheduling conflict, don’t bring up a disagreement you two had about your children the other day. Stay on the topic at hand.

These communication strategies can go a long way. For these and other helpful communication techniques, consider working with a couples counselor at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb, MI.

Schedule a Couples Therapy Session at Thriveworks Sterling Heights Near Detroit

Are you interested in building a strong relationship? Are you and your partner looking into Macomb therapy for couples? A couples counselor at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb County, MI can help you accomplish this important mission. They are skilled providers who offer specialized care to the individuals they see in counseling.

Call today to schedule a couples therapy appointment at Thriveworks Sterling Heights in Macomb County and just outside of Detroit, MI. We offer flexible appointments, including evening and weekend sessions, to best serve our community. We also partner with many different insurances. We want to help you live better. Call (586) 238-4265 to meet with a couples therapist 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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Efficient reminders, easy to utilize and caring, effective care from my therapist.
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really needed someone to talk to and didn’t know where to turn. An internet search came up and I found Thriveworks. Best decision I ever made was calling to schedule an appt. The staff is friendly, respectful and discreet. I appreciate Thriveworks so much. Therapy has helped me tremendously. I highly recommended this place.
Read more I really needed someone to talk to and didn’t know where to turn. An internet search came up and I found Thriveworks. Best decision I ever made was calling to schedule an appt. The staff is friendly, respectful and discreet. I appreciate Thriveworks so much. Therapy has helped me tremendously. I highly recommended this place.
Latasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
My overall experience has been as expected when dealing with behavior healthcare. There is no real care for the patient and their needs. I spent an hour on the phone with a call center rep from the billing department who said I had no insurance on file, then proceeded to transfer me to the correct department who said I did. I have been without medication that was prescribed on Monday. When I received a call back from the psychiatrist, it seemed that your company forgot to send it over. That is unacceptable behavior when it comes to dealing with any customer.
Read more My overall experience has been as expected when dealing with behavior healthcare. There is no real care for the patient and their needs. I spent an hour on the phone with a call center rep from the billing department who said I had no insurance on file, then proceeded to transfer me to the correct department who said I did. I have been without medication that was prescribed on Monday. When I received a call back from the psychiatrist, it seemed that your company forgot to send it over. That is unacceptable behavior when it comes to dealing with any customer.
George Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marya is such a good listener and is very sincere. Always feel as if we accomplish something. She has given me permission to call or text whatever needed and she responds in a very timely manner. I plan to continue working with her. She’s great.
Read more Marya is such a good listener and is very sincere. Always feel as if we accomplish something. She has given me permission to call or text whatever needed and she responds in a very timely manner. I plan to continue working with her. She’s great.
Gary Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It's a wonderful experience working with Cornelia Golden. She presents a healthy balance of comfortability and professionalism. She listens with the intent to hear what is being said and yet hear what's not being said. Cornelia has a very calming presence and I feel both confident in her counseling skills and that my concerns are professionally cared for. She is a very capable counselor. Clients will greatly benefit from working with her. I am happy to write this review for Ms. Cornelis Golden.
Read more It's a wonderful experience working with Cornelia Golden. She presents a healthy balance of comfortability and professionalism. She listens with the intent to hear what is being said and yet hear what's not being said. Cornelia has a very calming presence and I feel both confident in her counseling skills and that my concerns are professionally cared for. She is a very capable counselor. Clients will greatly benefit from working with her. I am happy to write this review for Ms. Cornelis Golden.
Sterling Heights May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Amazing listener. I dont know what I would do without her. She has helped me through so much in my life. I'm so grateful for her genuine kindness.
Read more Amazing listener. I dont know what I would do without her. She has helped me through so much in my life. I'm so grateful for her genuine kindness.
Sterling Heights Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dana is an awesome therapist, listens to you and gives you great solutions, I highly recommend her and wouldn’t see anybody else
Read more Dana is an awesome therapist, listens to you and gives you great solutions, I highly recommend her and wouldn’t see anybody else
Sterling Heights Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dana, is awesome very understanding , kind, no matter my issues she always helps me to figure it out , I highly recommend her!!
Read more Dana, is awesome very understanding , kind, no matter my issues she always helps me to figure it out , I highly recommend her!!
Sterling Heights Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Sterling Heights is located at the corner of Utica Road and Triangle Drive. We currently share a building with DAS Architects, among other businesses. Across the street, on the opposite side of Utica Road, is the Sterling Estates neighborhood and La Grand Blvd.

Phone number

(586) 203-3931

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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