
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.
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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.
What is Telehealth (Video Counselling)?
Telehealth is a form of video conferencing allowing counsellors to provide services to clients outside of the office, for example at the client’s home, workplace or car. Over the years my clients have been very satisfied with the video counselling experience and effectiveness.
Requirements for Video Counselling
• Access to a private place and a computer/tablet/smart phone with a camera and high-speed internet.
• I will provide you with access to secure videoconferencing software free of charge. All you have to do is be on your device and logged on at the time of your appointment.
• Video counselling ensures connection between the client and therapist is completely secure. The teleconferencing software encrypts all forms of data, including video and audio.
Benefits
• No statistical difference in effectiveness between in-office or video appointments.
• Convenience.
• Eliminates commute time.
• Less stress.
• No sitting in waiting rooms.
• Eliminates health risks.
Services & Fees
In-office and phone / video counselling.
Initial Consultation
Family/Couples: 2 hr. – $395.00. Individual: 1.5 hr. – $295.00.
Regular fee: $225.00/hr. Couple appointments are 2 hrs. Individual appointments are 1.0 hrs. Many insurance companies including Alberta Blue Cross provide coverage for Registered Social Workers (MSW Level) and Registered Marriage & Family Therapists. GST added.
Experience. Reputation. Results.
To start working with Sig, please click Request Appointment below.