Discover how starting marriage counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
3 therapists available in Wilmington
As a clinical social worker, it's important to me to meet my clients where they're at and offer a warm, empathetic approach to the...
About
As a clinical social worker, it's important to me to meet my clients where they're at and offer a warm, empathetic approach to therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and authenticity. I’ve supported teens, college students, and adults through stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and major life transitions. I believe therapy doesn’t have to feel formal or intimidating, and sometimes humor and real conversation can make the healing process feel more human and relatable.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina. My approach is collaborative and practical, integrating evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy to fit each client’s unique needs and personality.
I view therapy as a partnership where we work together to create meaningful change at your pace and in your style. Taking the first step can feel nerve-wracking, but I aim to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where growth and progress naturally unfold.
Education and training
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You are the expert of your life, and I will work with you to determine the best path toward achieving your treatment goals that is...
You are the expert of your life, and I will work with you to determine the best path toward achieving your treatment goals that is consistent with your experiences, values, and preferences.
I am a dual- and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience. I specialize in supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, chronic illness, and substance misuse. I understand that finding the right treatment can be overwhelming, so I dedicate time and care to helping each person explore options that best align with their goals and values, ensuring they achieve the most effective outcomes possible.
I received my Master’s and PhD in Nursing from the University of Kentucky and a post-master’s certificate from Frontier Nursing University. My approach combines medication management, alternative therapies, and referrals to supportive mental health care, always tailored to meet individual needs.
My mission is to empower clients with knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate their mental health. I value open communication, trust, and collaboration, ensuring each person feels supported. I invite you to begin your journey with me so we can work together toward lasting wellness, improved daily functioning, and a higher quality of life.
As a therapist with decades of varied experience, it is my goal to honor the dignity and value of my clients while collaborating w...
As a therapist with decades of varied experience, it is my goal to honor the dignity and value of my clients while collaborating with them to develop strategies for positively responding to life's adversities.
David Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 29 years of experience in the mental health field. He believes that the most important aspect of therapy is a connection with the client. Because of this, he strives to create a therapeutic atmosphere based on trust, care, respect, and humor. He believes being genuine and real with clients is vital in the helping process.
David completed his Master of Social Work degree (MSW) at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999. He has been licensed in Virginia and is currently licensed to practice in North Carolina and Missouri. He brings a client-centered approach to therapy and seeks to have a conversation with his clients about the issues that bring them to therapy. He utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy.
Life is hard. We all struggle with difficulties, doing so through the lens of our own thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. We all need help sometimes. David believes he will be capable of walking with you while you address life's difficulties and help you develop strategies and skills to help cope with those difficulties. If you are ready to engage in that process, schedule an appointment with him today!
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy and relationship counseling, helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. Thriveworks marriage counseling in Wilmington, NC 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 Marriage counseling include:
Marriage counseling 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 marriage counseling 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.
Marriage 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.
On average, couples attend marriage counseling for 12 weeks. However, 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. Marriage counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Wilmington, NC work with their clients to create goals, decide on ideal timelines, and establish treatment plans.
Many people love their spouse and they want a great marriage, but they may not know how to create it. Marriage therapy is often a safe place where spouses learn how to build the marriage they want. Sometimes, that marriage looks like a deeper connection. Sometimes, a better relationship means an amicable parting of ways. There are no guarantees, and marriage counseling is not a silver bullet.
Thriveworks in Wilmington offers marriage therapy. We have been a safe place for many couples as they create a better relationship, whatever that relationship may look like. If you think your marriage could benefit from an expert’s help, reach out to Thriveworks Wilmington today to schedule an appointment.
There are a number of reasons to go to marriage therapy, and in reality, there is no right time or right reasons to start counseling. There is also no wrong time or wrong reason to start either. Often, if people think marriage therapy can help, then it probably can. Here are just a few of the reasons clients have decided to pursue marriage counseling at Thriveworks Wilmington:
1) Escalating or Constant Arguments. It is normal and even healthy for couples to argue. Even intense fights can be good if they are done respectfully. After all, a marriage is comprised of two individuals, and no one agrees perfectly with their spouse on every issue. The problem comes when spouses cannot resolve the disagreement and move forward. Conflict can then linger, and spouses may feel as if they are arguing all the time. Another big problem is when disagreements escalate. One minute, spouses can be discussing what groceries to buy, and the next moment, they are calling each other lazy. This is escalation. Instead of tackling the problem, they attack each other.
2) Never Disagreeing or Arguing. Just as arguing too much can be harmful to a marriage, so can never arguing. Fire is destructive, but so is ice. Lack of arguments can signal several problems. It may mean that one or both spouses are so tired of arguing that they have given up. Instead of continuing to be frustrated and never making progress, they are withdrawing completely. Another possibility is that one spouse’s thoughts and feelings and opinions so dominate the relationship that there is no room for disagreement. The lack of argument is not grounded in respect but in domination.
3) One or both spouses have cheated. Adultery can rock a relationship. It is often a crisis point, and at the very least, each spouse has some serious decisions to make. Some know they want to try and repair the relationship. Others know that they want out of the marriage. Many have no idea what they want. Affairs decimate trust, and without trust, it can be difficult to move forward in the relationship—even if forward means divorce.
4) Each spouse is trying to fix the other. In healthy relationships, each individual takes responsibility for their own growth, thoughts, responsibilities, feelings, attitudes, and choices. This is particularly true within a marriage. When spouses are trying to change each other, they rarely succeed. Instead, they often introduce shame, frustration, and tension into the marriage. It is appropriate to hold each other accountable and responsible, but this is very different than trying to control or change a spouse.
5) The marriage is abusive. Personal safety is the most important part of any relationship. If one spouse is physically, emotionally, or sexually abusing the other, seek help. Abuse is always wrong, and in many cases, it is illegal.
If you and your spouse are having trouble, consider reaching out for help. Marriage therapy is often the guidance spouses need to find clarity and a path forward for their relationship. The marriage therapists at Thriveworks in Wilmington have helped many couples, and we want to help you.
We know that fighting for a marriage is challenging—scheduling therapy should not be. When you call our office, know that one of our scheduling specialists will answer the phone and help you make an appointment. New clients often meet with their counselor the same week. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s work together for a better relationship. Call Thriveworks in Wilmington today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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