Couples
Nurturing Love and Intimacy through Connection
Are you and your partner facing challenges in your relationship that seem insurmountable? Are communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, or feelings of disconnect straining your bond? Couples counselling offers a safe and supportive environment to explore these issues, rebuild trust, and strengthen your relationship.
Why couples seek counselling?
​Seeking counseling doesn't mean a relationship is failing; rather, it demonstrates a commitment to growth and a willingness to invest in the partnership.
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Common areas of concern for intimate relationship counselling include:
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Communication challenges
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Perpetual Conflict
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Life Transitions
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Open Relationships
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Exploring Sexuality
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Financial Concerns
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​ Parenting
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Betrayal
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Separation and Divorce
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Infidelity
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Addiction
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Disclosing Secrets
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Conflict
​Unresolved issues may escalate, leading to frequent arguments, resentment, and emotional distance between partners. Communication breakdowns can worsen, making it challenging to address underlying concerns effectively. Over time, this can erode trust and intimacy within the relationship, potentially leading to a breakdown in the partnership or even separation or divorce. Without professional guidance, couples may also struggle to identify unhealthy patterns or destructive behaviors, perpetuating a cycle of conflict and dissatisfaction. Additionally, individual mental health may suffer as unresolved relationship issues can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Benefits of couples counselling
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Improved Communication: Counselling equips couples with effective communication tools, enhancing understanding and connection.
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Conflict Resolution Skills: Couples learn constructive ways to address conflicts, leading to more productive resolutions and a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives.
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Rebuilding Trust: Counselling provides a structured process for rebuilding trust after breaches such as infidelity, fostering forgiveness and reconciliation.
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Enhanced Intimacy: By addressing underlying issues, couples can reignite emotional and physical intimacy, fostering a deeper bond.
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Strengthened Relationship: Through counselling, couples gain insights into themselves and each other, leading to a stronger, more resilient relationship capable of weathering future challenges.
What to expect?
During couples counselling sessions, expect a collaborative and non-judgmental environment where both partners have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings. The therapist facilitates discussions, offers insights, and guides the couple towards understanding and resolution. Sessions may involve individual and joint exercises, role-playing, and homework assignments to practice new skills between sessions.
How can therapy help?
Individuals in various types of romantic relationships, whether they are couples, triads, or beyond, frequently discover that counseling can enhance their communication, deepen their understanding, and elevate their overall satisfaction. Conversely, many individuals also turn to counseling as a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of separation. Regardless of where you currently stand in your relationship journey, counseling provides a supportive and guiding hand, helping you work towards your relationship goals, whatever they may be.
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Therapeutic approaches:
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Gottman Method: Based on research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this approach emphasizes building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning in relationships.
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Focuses on identifying and reshaping negative emotional responses, promoting understanding and empathy between partners.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses negative thought patterns and behaviors, teaching couples to reframe perspectives and develop healthier relationship habits.
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Narrative Therapy: Focuses on understanding and rewriting the stories couples tell about their relationship, empowering them to create a narrative that aligns with their values and goals.
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online in British Columbia & Ontario
In-person in Kelowna, bc