HOW I CAN HELP
An Overview of Couples Counselling
Couples counselling helps get you get back on track, learn new relationship & communication skills and develop the necessary habits and routines to sustain long-term successful relationships. Here’s more specifics about how couples counselling helps.
Exploration – opening up and getting the issues on the table
We start with an exploration of yourself, your partner, your relationship and your life. Most couples experience a deep sense of relief and optimism when they begin to open up and and get the issues on the table – without arguing and conflict. They begin to really “hear each other,” often for the first time in a long time. Conflict is the result of a lack of listening and understanding. Amazing things can happen when communication opens up! For Learning and growing requires that you try new things and reflect on new ways of talking and communicating. This exploration takes courage and commitment. It also requires an atmosphere of safety, trust and mutual respect. It’s my job to create a safe place for you and your partner in this process of discovery.
Getting back on track
Now we begin to tackle the specific issues – sex, money, kids, time, in-laws and anything else that comes up. Couples counselling helps by teaching skills and tools that enable you to begin resolving long standing issues and concerns. The biggest complaint I get from couples that have been in counselling previously is that they didn’t get the tools that worked outside the counsellor’s office. All couples must be able to express dissatisfaction, however, they must learn how do it effectively, that is, in a way that’s responsible.
RECENT POSTS
How to Have a Great Relationship: The 5 Winning Strategies
1. Practice Relational Mindfulness Learn how to interrupt knee-jerk reactive habits. You’re having a nice day and your partner disagrees or disapproves of something you say. In an instant you’re triggered and your nice day goes sideways. It’s these “small moments”...
read moreImagine…having a fantastic relationship!
Many people believe that marriages fail due to factors such as dishonesty, affairs, conflict, etc. Not true. Most marriages fail because of unfulfilled expectations. We expect a lot from marriage these days and it’s often more than the marriage can deliver. We want friendship, passionate sex, exciting dreams, super kids, and…and…and on and on it goes. The reality is that the relationship that was great in the beginning gets lost to other competing priorities – kids, work, the internet, smart phones and everything else. The foundation of the family, the marriage, gets whatever is left over, often not much.
Once you’ve got the tools and skills necessary for long term success and if you want an extraordinary relationship, you must use them! You must make your relationship a priority. Otherwise you’ll settle for mediocrity at best, divorce at worst.
Couples counselling helps more when you take home a road map
I design a customized “relationship road map” for each couple depending on their situation, needs and circumstances. I’m a practical counsellor – you get a customized program (based upon your initial assessment), customized homework, email correspondence/feedback and reading assignments. Individual sessions are typically booked for 1 hour and couples sessions 2 hours.
Who you choose to entrust your relationship life to
could be the most important decision of your lifetime.
6 SIGNS OF RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN
1. Poor communication.
You can’t talk about issues and concerns with your partner without conflict.
2. You’re thinking about separation.
Many women leave the relationship emotionally long before they physically leave.
3. You’ve tried couple’s counselling.
The old issues are back.
4. You’re wondering if your partner is having an affair.
Or you are.
5. You’re living like room-mates.
You’ve grown apart.
6. You’re staying for the wrong reasons.
Kids, finances, fear.
Services & Fees
Video Counselling only.
Initial Consultation
Couples: 2 hr. – $480.00. Individual: 1.5 hr. – $360.00.
Regular rate: $260.00/hr. Couple appointments are 1.5 – 2 hrs. Individual appointments are 1.0 hrs. Counselling services for Registered Social Workers (MSW level) and Registered Marriage & Family Therapists (RMFT) are often covered on extended health benefits. Check with your provider if you are unsure. GST added.
Experience. Reputation. Results.
New Clients by Waiting List