Maybe you have been here before — sitting across from your partner, both of you exhausted, both of you wanting something to change but not knowing how to get there. Or maybe things have not quite reached that point yet, but you can feel the distance growing, and you want to do something about it before it does.
Either way, you are in the right place. At Be Your Best Self & Thrive Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL, we offer marriage counseling for couples at every stage — from those who are struggling to stay connected, to those who are rebuilding after a significant rupture, to those who simply want to invest in their marriage before problems take root.
What Brings Couples to Marriage Counseling?
There is no one story that brings a couple through our door. Some of the most common reasons our clients seek marriage counseling in St. Petersburg include:
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Feeling more like roommates than partners
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The same argument happening over and over with no resolution
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One or both partners pulling away or shutting down
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Recovering from an affair or breach of trust
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Communication that consistently ends in hurt or frustration
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A major life transition — a new baby, a move, a job loss, an illness — that has strained the relationship
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Wanting to strengthen the marriage before getting to a point of crisis
Whatever brought you here, it takes courage to say: we want something better than this. We are honored to help you find it.
Our Approach to Marriage Counseling
Our therapists bring a holistic, mind-body approach to marriage counseling — which means we are not just teaching communication scripts. We are helping you and your partner understand what is happening underneath your conflict, regulate your nervous systems in real time, and rebuild the friendship and intimacy that sustain a marriage long-term.
We draw primarily from the Gottman Method — one of the most research-backed approaches to couples work in the world — and weave in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and somatic awareness for couples who need to work at a deeper level.
At BYBS, you will always have a therapist in your corner — not a referee. Our job is to make sure both partners feel equally heard and to help you find your way back to each other.
Our Marriage Counselors in St. Petersburg
Jessica DeLeo, RMHCI – Relational and Neurodivergent Therapist
Jessica DeLeo, M.A. works with couples navigating communication breakdown, disconnection, and the complexity of building a life together. Trained in Gottman Levels 1 and 2, Jessica brings warmth, structure, and a holistic lens to every session.
Couples sessions: $180 (75/90 min) · Accepting new clients.
Jamie Molnar, LMHC, RYT, QS - High Conflict Couples and Trauma
Jamie Molnar, LMHC, RYT, QS specializes in high-conflict couples and marriages recovering from significant hurt or betrayal. With over 20 years of experience and Gottman Level 2 training, Jamie works with the cases that feel most complex.
Please note Jamie is currently on a waitlist. We recommend reaching out early to secure a spot.
Pricing: Couples sessions: $155 (50 min) · $225 (90 min) · Currently on a waitlist
What to Expect in Marriage Counseling at BYBS
Your First Session We start by getting to know both of you — your history, what has brought you in, and what you are each hoping for. Both partners will have space to share their perspective. There is no taking sides here, and there is no pressure to have it all figured out before you arrive.
The Assessment We take time to understand the specific patterns in your relationship — not just the surface conflict, but what is driving it underneath. This gives us a clear map to work from rather than guessing.
Ongoing Sessions Sessions are 75 to 90 minutes for couples — longer than standard therapy because meaningful relationship work takes time. You will leave each session with something concrete to practice together between appointments.
How Long Does It Take? Every marriage is different. Some couples feel real shifts within 8 to 12 sessions. Others work longer, especially when rebuilding after significant hurt. We will check in on progress regularly and always be honest with you about what we think will help most.
Frequently Asked Questions — Marriage Counseling in St. Petersburg
What is the difference between marriage counseling and couples therapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Marriage counseling typically refers to therapy focused on the relationship itself — communication, conflict, intimacy, and trust. At BYBS, we use both terms to describe the same thing: helping two people find their way back to each other.
Do you offer marriage counseling for LGBTQ+ couples?
Absolutely. Be Your Best Self & Thrive is an inclusive, affirming practice and we warmly welcome couples of all identities, orientations, and relationship structures. Every couple deserves support — full stop.
Does marriage counseling actually work?
Yes — when both partners are willing to show up and do the work. The Gottman Method, which anchors our approach, has decades of research supporting its effectiveness. Couples who engage fully with the process consistently report improved communication, deeper connection, and greater relationship satisfaction.
What if my spouse is reluctant to come?
That is more common than you might think. Book a consultation and let us talk through it — we can help you think about how to have that conversation with your partner, and in some cases we will do a session or two individually first to help ease the process.
What does marriage counseling cost in St. Petersburg?
Couples sessions with Jessica DeLeo are $180 for 75 to 90 minutes. Sessions with Jamie Molnar are $155 for 50 minutes and $225 for 90 minutes. We are out-of-network and provide superbills for insurance reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Ready to Start Marriage Counseling in St. Petersburg?
Your marriage is worth fighting for — and getting help is one of the most powerful ways to do that. Book your free 15-minute consultation and let us figure out together whether BYBS is the right fit for you and your partner. We would love to be part of your journey.
--> Explore all Couples Counseling services at BYBS
--> Learn more about our Gottman Method approach
