Marriage Counseling in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, North Carolina is more than just a beautiful coastal city with picturesque scenery, charming historic districts, and delectable seafood. It’s also a place where couples build a life together, share their dreams, and create cherished memories. However, even in this lovely city, marriages, and all relationships, can have their challenges. 

At the Well Marriage Center in Wilmington, NC, we understand that navigating the ups and downs of a marriage can be rough. But rest assured that you’re not alone, as many couples in North Carolina face similar struggles. The state has higher-than-average divorce rates, but it’s encouraging to know that these rates have decreased over the past few decades.

If you’re thinking about rekindling your relationship with marriage and family counseling in Wilmington, NC, you may be wondering what to expect and where to start. In this blog, we’ll explore some common questions and concerns about marriage counseling and couples therapy, including crucial factors to consider when selecting a therapist. And don’t think counseling is only for struggling couples—it’s also a way to strengthen your bond and reignite your connection for long-term success!

How Do I Choose a Couple Therapist in Wilmington, NC?

Choosing the right couple therapist can take time, as you must consider the therapist’s credentials, approach, availability, and reviews. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Look for a licensed and experienced therapist

It’s essential to choose a therapist who is licensed and trained in providing couples therapy. For example, our Well Marriage Center therapists in Wilmington are all Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). This designation guarantees that the therapist has met the necessary requirements to provide effective couples therapy, such as a minimum of 3,000 hours in supervised clinical employment. With all of this experience, LCSWs have a deep understanding of the social and emotional factors that impact relationships, making them well-equipped to help couples explore the complexities of their partnership. 

In addition to this, our therapists have training in other specific areas, like attachment theory, trauma, sex and intimacy, emotional development, conflict resolution, and more.

• Consider the therapist’s approach

There are numerous approaches to couples therapy, and your ideal therapist will use techniques that resonate with you and your partner. What type of couples therapy is most effective? It truly depends on the circumstances of your marriage or relationship. Well Marriage Center therapists, for example, use a strengths-based therapeutic model that focuses on building and fortifying your relationship. Our goal is for couples to get better—and stay better—because their relationship is stronger and their connection is deeper. Science shows this approach works more effectively at getting couples to tackle problems as a team.

• Evaluate the therapist’s availability

Marriage counseling is not very effective if you can’t regularly attend sessions, so make sure the therapist you choose can match your schedule and needs. You may also want to assess factors like location and accessibility. If you’re looking for Wilmington therapy services, you can stop by our Lumina Station location for in-person counseling or attend couples therapy online with one of our virtual therapists.

• Check reviews and references

It’s crucial to hear experiences from previous clients to gauge the therapist’s effectiveness and professionalism. This context can give you an idea of the types of clients the therapist has helped in the past and what issues they specialize in. For example, Wilmington therapist Chae Kwak, LCSW, received this positive review:

“Chae was so understanding and fair. He listened and had exercises that helped us really understand each other. After that, we were able to work towards solutions instead of just blaming each other and fighting. Our issues were mainly around parenting styles and home/workload balance. Great therapist!”

If you and your partner also struggle with parenting styles and home/workload balance, then Chae might be an ideal fit for you two. Be sure to go through several reviews to get a sense of the therapist’s capabilities and approach.

How Long Should You Do Marriage Counseling For?

According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, counselors typically practice short-term therapy for marriage counseling, with an average of 12 sessions. Here are some additional statistics to keep in mind:

• Therapists complete nearly 65.6% of cases within 20 sessions.
• Therapists complete 87.9% of cases within 50 sessions.
• Marital/couples therapy typically requires 11.5 sessions, and family therapy requires nine sessions, both requiring less time than the average individualized treatment of 13 sessions.

Remember, these are just averages, and your experience may be different depending on your relationship’s unique circumstances and goals. There’s no need to rush the process, and your therapist should work with you to customize a treatment plan that covers your specific needs and goals. 

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost in NC?

Therapists in North Carolina who do not take insurance charge, on average, between $175 to $195 per session. These prices will vary depending on the experience of the therapist, the location, and many other factors. However, you can still receive reimbursement for these services, even from therapists who are not “in-network” with health insurance companies.  

At Well Marriage Center, we understand that the cost of counseling can be a concern for many couples. That’s why we strive to ensure our services are accessible to everyone. Most of our clients who submit to their insurance company for reimbursement receive 25-90% of their fees back once they meet their out-of-network deductible. Additionally, our team is flexible with payment schedules to help you stay within your budget. We also accept Health Savings Account (HSA) cards, allowing you to invest your pre-tax dollars in your marriage.

Where to Find Marriage Counseling in Wilmington, NC

Building a strong and successful marriage requires dedication and effort, but you don’t have to do it alone. At the Well Marriage Center in Wilmington, NC, our expert therapists offer a strengths-based approach to assist couples in navigating the challenges of their relationship. From disagreements on parenting styles to difficulties communicating, we’ve helped both married and unmarried couples of all types through it all. Reach out to us today to start your journey toward a happier and more resilient relationship.