Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy in Virginia Beach

The first few sessions will be spent getting to know one another, and making sure you and your therapist are both clear about what you are hoping to get out of the experience. You’ll talk lot about feelings to help you get clarity and work through any painful feelings keeping you stuck. Your therapist will also help you clarify what you want out of relationships and how to communicate clearly about your needs. Through this process you’ll be learning tools to use in your day-to-day life. If needed, your therapist will offer referrals to other disciplines, such as psychiatry, primary care, etc. Most of all, your therapist will hold space for you to have all of your experiences versus just trying to work through them on your own.

We use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) created by Dr. Sue Johnson. This approach is based on attachment science and is widely recognized as the gold standard for helping couples build stronger, more secure relationships. EFT focuses on helping partners understand their emotional needs, improve communication, and create a deeper sense of closeness and connection. In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck and practice new ways of connecting so you can feel closer and more supported.

If you’d like to learn more about EFT, you can visit the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

It is hard to know how long therapy will take as many things impact how quickly progress can be made. Ultimately it is up to you how long you are in counseling. We will only continue if you are feeling that the therapy is helping you. For most couples, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) takes about 1 to 2 years of weekly sessions. Sessions can be either 50 minutes or 80 minutes long, depending on what you and your therapist decide works best. This amount of time gives you the chance to work through all three stages of EFT and make lasting changes in your relationship. If there has been a big betrayal, like an affair, or if there are serious mental health concerns, it may take longer. Many couples start to notice positive changes within the first 6 months. If you don’t see progress by then, it’s important to talk with your therapist so you can adjust the plan together.

Because we work with many military couples who may be about to PCS or face deployment, we understand that long‑term weekly therapy isn’t always possible. If you aren’t able to commit to ongoing counseling, you may want to consider our 10‑week Hold Me Tight® program, which is a shorter, structured option designed to help couples strengthen their bond in a focused time frame.

When you begin counseling, you are given a recurring weekly appointment time that is reserved just for you. Consistent weekly sessions are the most effective for counseling results, and some clients even benefit from meeting twice per week.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, we require at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations or changes with less notice, or missed (no-show) appointments, are charged the full session fee. In rare situations, your therapist may choose to waive the late cancellation fee one time per calendar year at their discretion.

If more than two sessions are missed within six months, your therapist may talk with you about whether this is the right time for counseling, and your weekly spot may be offered to another client who can attend more regularly.

The exception is Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky who only works with clients who are willing to be videotaped for training purposes. She works with clients on a weekly basis and has a reschedule only policy. We are happy to provide more information about this should you wish to work with her.

For individuals requiring intensive counseling, rescheduling is allowed up to two weeks before your date, and your non-refundable deposit will be applied to your new date. Cancellations after the two-week window are charged the full cost of the intensive.

We do not take insurance and are not connected with Military One Source or the VA. All providers are out-of-network providers, which means that they do not bill insurance. We are happy to offer you the necessary paperwork (superbill) to file with your insurance provider for possible partial or full reimbursement. ​Please know that not all insurance plans offer reimbursement and that some may have a deductible or an allowable amount. It is best to call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to a representative about what your specific benefits are. In addition, insurance companies typically only reimburse if the client has a diagnosable mental health condition. Your provider can talk this through with you at any time.

Medicare: Communicate & Connect Counseling does not participate in any health insurance plans, HMO plans or panels, and cannot accept Medicare in any form. Clients of Communicate & Connect Counseling cannot attempt reimbursement of services through Medicare. Services provided by Communicate & Connect Counseling are not covered under Medicare and no Medicare payment will be made or accepted for any reason.

Have questions about using your insurance for therapy? It is best to call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to a representative about what your specific benefits are.

• $125 per hour with Student Interns
• $175 per hour with Therapists 
• $225 per hour with Specialty Certified Therapists 
• $425 per hour with Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky

Click on the button below to book your initial 20-minute free consultation. You’ll chat with your selected therapist to see if they are a good fit for your needs. If so, they will book an intake session where they can get to know you and your concerns more in depth.