Couples Counselling Therapists in South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC

Photo of Linda Deng - Linda Deng, Grow Together Counselling, MA, RCC-ACS, Counsellor
Linda Deng, Grow Together Counselling
Counsellor, MA, RCC-ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V6P
I work on developing a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Hi! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with 20 years of experience providing counselling services to teens, adults, couples, and families. Working from a person-centered approach and personalizing treatment modalities to your needs, we will work together to strengthen healthy communication, emotional regulation, and coping skills. Attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and emotion-focused communication strongly inform my work.​ Together, we will focus on healing past wounds, understanding current patterns, and finding new solutions for lasting change so that you can live a healthier and happier life with those around you.
I work on developing a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
Hi! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with 20 years of experience providing counselling services to teens, adults, couples, and families. Working from a person-centered approach and personalizing treatment modalities to your needs, we will work together to strengthen healthy communication, emotional regulation, and coping skills. Attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and emotion-focused communication strongly inform my work.​ Together, we will focus on healing past wounds, understanding current patterns, and finding new solutions for lasting change so that you can live a healthier and happier life with those around you.
(587) 409-4541 View (587) 409-4541
Photo of Olga Shchedrinskaya, MCP, RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Olga Shchedrinskaya
Counsellor, MCP, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V6S  (Online Only)
Having worked as a counsellor in a non-profit organization, private practice, and a mental health clinic, I bring more than 15 years of experience to my work with individuals, couples, and families. My primary focus is on relationship issues, parenting, mood disorders, major life transitions, grief, and loss. I support children and youth struggling with ADHD, anxiety, fears, anger management, and low self-esteem. I also help couples with premarital difficulties, infidelity, conflict resolution, separation, multicultural issues, and immigration challenges.
Having worked as a counsellor in a non-profit organization, private practice, and a mental health clinic, I bring more than 15 years of experience to my work with individuals, couples, and families. My primary focus is on relationship issues, parenting, mood disorders, major life transitions, grief, and loss. I support children and youth struggling with ADHD, anxiety, fears, anger management, and low self-esteem. I also help couples with premarital difficulties, infidelity, conflict resolution, separation, multicultural issues, and immigration challenges.
(778) 800-6262 View (778) 800-6262
Photo of Nina Hopmeier, MA, RCC, CGT, ADHD-CP, Counsellor
Nina Hopmeier
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CGT, ADHD-CP
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V6N  (Online Only)
I also offer couples counselling and am certified in the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy, which are considered the gold standard treatments for couples therapy.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately by your emotions and life demands? Do you sometimes feel like you have exhausted your coping resources and are stuck with where you are? If so, do not worry or judge yourself. We have all felt like this at some point in our lives. Let me introduce myself: I am a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) and am extremely passionate about building strong and trusting bonds with my clients in order to facilitate change and growth. I work from a supportive, curious, and nonjudgmental stance, focusing on your strengths and equipping you with the resources you need to have the life you want.
I also offer couples counselling and am certified in the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy, which are considered the gold standard treatments for couples therapy.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately by your emotions and life demands? Do you sometimes feel like you have exhausted your coping resources and are stuck with where you are? If so, do not worry or judge yourself. We have all felt like this at some point in our lives. Let me introduce myself: I am a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) and am extremely passionate about building strong and trusting bonds with my clients in order to facilitate change and growth. I work from a supportive, curious, and nonjudgmental stance, focusing on your strengths and equipping you with the resources you need to have the life you want.
(236) 237-1986 View (236) 237-1986
Photo of Colin Michael Chow, MEd, RCC, Counsellor
Colin Michael Chow
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R
Waitlist for new clients
My clients see me as warm, respectful, and genuine. I am passionate about helping people make positive changes in their lives. I believe my clients are the experts in their lives, and am like a "personal trainer" for building strength to address the feelings, thoughts and behaviours that may be getting in the way of their positive growth. My professional training and experience has helped clients address issues related to depression/anxiety, stress, relationship/family/ couples counselling, existential angst, sudden life changes, work/school difficulties, grief /loss and vocational/career exploration. I hope to help you soon too!
My clients see me as warm, respectful, and genuine. I am passionate about helping people make positive changes in their lives. I believe my clients are the experts in their lives, and am like a "personal trainer" for building strength to address the feelings, thoughts and behaviours that may be getting in the way of their positive growth. My professional training and experience has helped clients address issues related to depression/anxiety, stress, relationship/family/ couples counselling, existential angst, sudden life changes, work/school difficulties, grief /loss and vocational/career exploration. I hope to help you soon too!
(778) 762-3449 View (778) 762-3449
Photo of Kelvin Chung, MCP, RCC, Counsellor
Kelvin Chung
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R
Reach out today and take the first step towards a fulfilling relationship journey.
I help couples get closer using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). It's a way to make bonds stronger. Imagine a story of a badger and a turtle. The badger loves excitement, while the turtle prefers things to be steady. They usually get along well. But when tough times hit, their differences stand out. The badger feels lonely and gets angry, while the turtle feels unheard and wants to hide. This makes them drift apart even more. Want to make things better? Book an appointment at kelvinchung.ca, and let's work on this together.
Reach out today and take the first step towards a fulfilling relationship journey.
I help couples get closer using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). It's a way to make bonds stronger. Imagine a story of a badger and a turtle. The badger loves excitement, while the turtle prefers things to be steady. They usually get along well. But when tough times hit, their differences stand out. The badger feels lonely and gets angry, while the turtle feels unheard and wants to hide. This makes them drift apart even more. Want to make things better? Book an appointment at kelvinchung.ca, and let's work on this together.
(226) 894-2891 View (226) 894-2891
Photo of Faisal Nahri, MBBS, MA,  MA, RTC, Counsellor
Faisal Nahri
Counsellor, MBBS, MA, MA, RTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5P
I have lived, studied and worked in the Arab world, South and Southeast Asia before settling in Vancouver, BC in 2011. A good friend and mentor describes me as a honey bee, a nahlah that has travelled from place to place in search of sweetness and wisdom. Urdu is my first language, and I have picked up English and some Arabic, Farsi and Hebrew along the way. I am a hanif believer who knows the divine as the light of the heavens and the earth and dares to have a critical-appreciative relationship with tradition.
I have lived, studied and worked in the Arab world, South and Southeast Asia before settling in Vancouver, BC in 2011. A good friend and mentor describes me as a honey bee, a nahlah that has travelled from place to place in search of sweetness and wisdom. Urdu is my first language, and I have picked up English and some Arabic, Farsi and Hebrew along the way. I am a hanif believer who knows the divine as the light of the heavens and the earth and dares to have a critical-appreciative relationship with tradition.
(587) 417-6469 View (587) 417-6469
Photo of Pam Vickram, MSW, RSW, MA, Post Gr, Diploma, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pam Vickram
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, MA, Post Gr, Diploma
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5P
I support individuals and couples to navigate a wide range of challenges including: anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions or simply personal growth.
Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moment of your life. Keep going.... If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you.
I support individuals and couples to navigate a wide range of challenges including: anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions or simply personal growth.
Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moment of your life. Keep going.... If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you.
(579) 500-0417 View (579) 500-0417
Photo of Sanjida Nasreen - Muslim Women Counselling Services: Sanjida Nasreen, BA , MSS, MSW, RSW
Muslim Women Counselling Services: Sanjida Nasreen
BA , MSS, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V6P
I invite Muslim women, girls, seniors, couples, parents, youth and children to take our counselling services.
Peace be on you dear readers. I really congratulate you for taking the first step: looking for a counsellor. Seeking counselling is a sign of strength. It means that you want to see changes in your life. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety, panic attack, and or relationship issues or you may need to talk to someone who will not judge you. I believe everyone has ability to solve their own problems, however, sometimes overwhelming situation makes us stuck in one point and hinder us to go forward. In those days we need someone listen to us, hold our hands and to go through our difficult times. I am here for you.
I invite Muslim women, girls, seniors, couples, parents, youth and children to take our counselling services.
Peace be on you dear readers. I really congratulate you for taking the first step: looking for a counsellor. Seeking counselling is a sign of strength. It means that you want to see changes in your life. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety, panic attack, and or relationship issues or you may need to talk to someone who will not judge you. I believe everyone has ability to solve their own problems, however, sometimes overwhelming situation makes us stuck in one point and hinder us to go forward. In those days we need someone listen to us, hold our hands and to go through our difficult times. I am here for you.
(778) 401-9473 View (778) 401-9473
Photo of Alistair Gordon - Wellspring Counselling & Psychotherapy Inc., MA, RCC, Counsellor
Wellspring Counselling & Psychotherapy Inc.
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R  (Online Only)
With a team of exceptional registered and certified counsellors and therapists, Wellspring specializes in online counselling throughout BC, where you can start your journey with skilled, compassionate, and experienced therapists. Benefit from our collective commitment to providing high-quality counselling and psychotherapy. Take the first step towards a brighter future with a free 10-15 minute consultation at Wellspring Counselling – your partner in counselling, psychotherapy, and personal growth.
With a team of exceptional registered and certified counsellors and therapists, Wellspring specializes in online counselling throughout BC, where you can start your journey with skilled, compassionate, and experienced therapists. Benefit from our collective commitment to providing high-quality counselling and psychotherapy. Take the first step towards a brighter future with a free 10-15 minute consultation at Wellspring Counselling – your partner in counselling, psychotherapy, and personal growth.
(226) 401-5573 View (226) 401-5573
Photo of Jocelyn Chang, MC, CPHR, RCC, CCC, Licensed Professional Counsellor
Jocelyn Chang
Licensed Professional Counsellor, MC, CPHR, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V6P
Are you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone? Therapy can help when life feels challenging. Therapy can also help when you are seeking growth or change from where you are today. It's okay if you don't feel ready just yet. You're on here and reading this, so that's already a step forward, and every step counts. Our team helps people from all walks of life overcome various life, mental health, work/career, family, and relationship challenges. We provide support for children, teens, adults, and all types of couples and families. We're here as a safe harbour for you and your loved ones to feel welcomed, supported, and accepted.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone? Therapy can help when life feels challenging. Therapy can also help when you are seeking growth or change from where you are today. It's okay if you don't feel ready just yet. You're on here and reading this, so that's already a step forward, and every step counts. Our team helps people from all walks of life overcome various life, mental health, work/career, family, and relationship challenges. We provide support for children, teens, adults, and all types of couples and families. We're here as a safe harbour for you and your loved ones to feel welcomed, supported, and accepted.
(506) 406-2417 View (506) 406-2417
Photo of Kyle McCaffrey Warner, MCP, Counsellor
Kyle McCaffrey Warner
Counsellor, MCP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R
I have experience working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families.
I am known for my warmth, approachability, and dedication. I aim to provide my clients with the space they need to make sense of their experiences and clarify what is important to them. I support my clients in using these insights to navigate their lives and make meaningful changes.
I have experience working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families.
I am known for my warmth, approachability, and dedication. I aim to provide my clients with the space they need to make sense of their experiences and clarify what is important to them. I support my clients in using these insights to navigate their lives and make meaningful changes.
(902) 903-0722 View (902) 903-0722
Photo of Gabriel Patrich, MCP, RCC
Gabriel Patrich
MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R
The treatment fosters self- awareness in the context of an empathic, meaningful, ongoing therapy relationship.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I was a practicing physician for 15 years. My Clinical counselling services include Individual, Couples, Family, Addictions, and Immigration issues. I have counselled and motivated individuals to recognize and understand personal needs, problems, alternatives and goals, using a combination of practical problem solving skills and an empathic approach to counselling, successfully helping overcome severe depressions or anxieties. Your therapy sessions with me will be a journey to discover who you are, what you want and what has gotten in the way of achieving your goals. We will work towards improving your daily life. https://gabrielpatrichcounselling.com/
The treatment fosters self- awareness in the context of an empathic, meaningful, ongoing therapy relationship.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I was a practicing physician for 15 years. My Clinical counselling services include Individual, Couples, Family, Addictions, and Immigration issues. I have counselled and motivated individuals to recognize and understand personal needs, problems, alternatives and goals, using a combination of practical problem solving skills and an empathic approach to counselling, successfully helping overcome severe depressions or anxieties. Your therapy sessions with me will be a journey to discover who you are, what you want and what has gotten in the way of achieving your goals. We will work towards improving your daily life. https://gabrielpatrichcounselling.com/
(604) 670-5352 View (604) 670-5352
Photo of Livia Chan, BA, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Livia Chan
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V6P
I provide gentle, empathic care which will be personally attuned to your individual needs. I know it can be hard to begin seeing a counsellor, and I will work hard to help you feel safe and comfortable. I am interested and experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, and stress management, using the latest therapeutic techniques. I have a particular interest in helping adults cope with the suffering caused by abuse. I am fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and am very familiar with cross-cultural issues and problems experienced by individuals and families with a Chinese background.
I provide gentle, empathic care which will be personally attuned to your individual needs. I know it can be hard to begin seeing a counsellor, and I will work hard to help you feel safe and comfortable. I am interested and experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, and stress management, using the latest therapeutic techniques. I have a particular interest in helping adults cope with the suffering caused by abuse. I am fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and am very familiar with cross-cultural issues and problems experienced by individuals and families with a Chinese background.
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Photo of Dr. Taravat Ostovar, R Psych, Psychologist
Dr. Taravat Ostovar
Psychologist, R Psych
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R
Polyvagal psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy,Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy for couples and family, Trauma and Attachment Therapy, Pain & Stress Management, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy,Parenting Consult, Existential spirituality.
I provide scientifically supported assessment and treatments to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, and have over 16 years experience with a wide range of concerns and psychosocial conditions including anxiety and panic attacks/reactions, attachment patterns, stress and trauma related conditions including PTSD, nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain and illness, mood problems including depression, parenting difficulties, relationship and marital problems, problematic personality patterns, self-harm behaviours, suicidal ideation, self-worth, grief and bereavement, life transitions, and adjustment issues.
Polyvagal psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy,Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Therapy for couples and family, Trauma and Attachment Therapy, Pain & Stress Management, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy,Parenting Consult, Existential spirituality.
I provide scientifically supported assessment and treatments to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, and have over 16 years experience with a wide range of concerns and psychosocial conditions including anxiety and panic attacks/reactions, attachment patterns, stress and trauma related conditions including PTSD, nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain and illness, mood problems including depression, parenting difficulties, relationship and marital problems, problematic personality patterns, self-harm behaviours, suicidal ideation, self-worth, grief and bereavement, life transitions, and adjustment issues.
(249) 504-1988 View (249) 504-1988
Photo of Cailey Strauss, PhD, RCC, Counsellor
Cailey Strauss
Counsellor, PhD, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5S  (Online Only)
I am passionate about providing ethical, empirically supported, and nonjudgmental mental health care to a wide range of individuals and couples. I love working with people who are unsure of whether therapy is right for them or not - I like a tough crowd! It is part of my job to figure out how best to serve you. I truly believe that we carry our early attachment experiences with us throughout life, and they can both help and hinder us. Together we can unravel the mess and find out what's going on.
I am passionate about providing ethical, empirically supported, and nonjudgmental mental health care to a wide range of individuals and couples. I love working with people who are unsure of whether therapy is right for them or not - I like a tough crowd! It is part of my job to figure out how best to serve you. I truly believe that we carry our early attachment experiences with us throughout life, and they can both help and hinder us. Together we can unravel the mess and find out what's going on.
(249) 501-5189 View (249) 501-5189
Photo of Manpreet Kour, Counsellor
Manpreet Kour
Counsellor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5X  (Online Only)
It assists both individuals and couples.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and an Associate Counsellor with Healing Waves. Clients can come in with various goals ranging from emotional regulation to identity of self. I specialize in clients with ADHD and symptom management is one of the primary goals that clients come in with. This is in addition to recognizing goals for other systems in their life which may be connected to ADHD.
It assists both individuals and couples.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and an Associate Counsellor with Healing Waves. Clients can come in with various goals ranging from emotional regulation to identity of self. I specialize in clients with ADHD and symptom management is one of the primary goals that clients come in with. This is in addition to recognizing goals for other systems in their life which may be connected to ADHD.
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Photo of Veronika Sztopa - Veronika Sztopa Counselling, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Veronika Sztopa Counselling
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5S  (Online Only)
I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and I aim to provide a safe space for you to express yourself and feel empowered. Using a trauma-informed and culturally-competent lens, I provide counselling to clients who are experiencing anxiety and depression, suicidality and self-harm, stress and self-esteem concerns, grief and loss, challenges with relationships and communication, abuse and intimate partner violence, addiction and substance use concerns, and 2SLGBTQ+ identity exploration. I provide counselling support to the neurodiverse community, as well as to those exploring polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships.
I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and I aim to provide a safe space for you to express yourself and feel empowered. Using a trauma-informed and culturally-competent lens, I provide counselling to clients who are experiencing anxiety and depression, suicidality and self-harm, stress and self-esteem concerns, grief and loss, challenges with relationships and communication, abuse and intimate partner violence, addiction and substance use concerns, and 2SLGBTQ+ identity exploration. I provide counselling support to the neurodiverse community, as well as to those exploring polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships.
(431) 244-1197 View (431) 244-1197
Photo of Gabriel Ballestero, RPC, Lic, BA, Counsellor
Gabriel Ballestero
Counsellor, RPC, Lic, BA
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5P
A good theraeutic relationship that nourishes us is based on chemistry and professional skills.
Mental health is of key importance in our lives, when someone realizes this and wants to work towards improving their own: half of the heavy lifting is done. I am here to help with the other half, until you can do it all and more on your own. Sometimes, we just need a little support, someone to hear us and give us perspective; to encourage us as we face the challenges in our lives. An interesting life has many challenges for us to grow as we deal with them: we endure, we persist, we overcome and we celebrate.
A good theraeutic relationship that nourishes us is based on chemistry and professional skills.
Mental health is of key importance in our lives, when someone realizes this and wants to work towards improving their own: half of the heavy lifting is done. I am here to help with the other half, until you can do it all and more on your own. Sometimes, we just need a little support, someone to hear us and give us perspective; to encourage us as we face the challenges in our lives. An interesting life has many challenges for us to grow as we deal with them: we endure, we persist, we overcome and we celebrate.
(647) 951-6339 View (647) 951-6339
Photo of Faizal H Sahukhan, PhD, DACS, MPCC-S, RPC, Counsellor
Faizal H Sahukhan
Counsellor, PhD, DACS, MPCC-S, RPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5R
Regarded by my colleagues as "a pioneer in multicultural sex and relationship therapy," I help couples understand each other on many levels - family obligations, cultural expectations, religious pressure, sexual interests, etc - so that they can avoid many pitfalls along the journey toward matrimonial bliss.
In our multicultural society many people are attracted to those of different backgrounds. Their accent, exotic appearance, or unfamiliar relationship style are often irresistible. But the very things that attract can also create problems. Multicultural romance often ends in heartbreak. In our sessions, my clients and I work as a team to appreciate the challenges and to resolve them. The goal of therapy is for singles and couples to make their relationship with their partner the best that it can be.
Regarded by my colleagues as "a pioneer in multicultural sex and relationship therapy," I help couples understand each other on many levels - family obligations, cultural expectations, religious pressure, sexual interests, etc - so that they can avoid many pitfalls along the journey toward matrimonial bliss.
In our multicultural society many people are attracted to those of different backgrounds. Their accent, exotic appearance, or unfamiliar relationship style are often irresistible. But the very things that attract can also create problems. Multicultural romance often ends in heartbreak. In our sessions, my clients and I work as a team to appreciate the challenges and to resolve them. The goal of therapy is for singles and couples to make their relationship with their partner the best that it can be.
(604) 639-4443 View (604) 639-4443
Photo of Jo Neill, MC, RCC, Counsellor
Jo Neill
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
South Vancouver, Vancouver, BC V5S  (Online Only)
Engaging in this process will lead you to know both yourself and your partner in a deeper and fuller way than ever before.
You are often experiencing circular arguments, or a complete stand off when it comes to communicating, and it feels as if the love between you has all but disappeared. You are at a loss as to how to untangle the situation that you are in. Life is busy and stressful and something needs to change or your relationship could quite possibly be over. You want to feel the love again. You want to be able to talk to each other and be heard and understood. You want to wake up each day feeling calm and happy and excited for the future, knowing you and your partner are a team, in this journey of life together.
Engaging in this process will lead you to know both yourself and your partner in a deeper and fuller way than ever before.
You are often experiencing circular arguments, or a complete stand off when it comes to communicating, and it feels as if the love between you has all but disappeared. You are at a loss as to how to untangle the situation that you are in. Life is busy and stressful and something needs to change or your relationship could quite possibly be over. You want to feel the love again. You want to be able to talk to each other and be heard and understood. You want to wake up each day feeling calm and happy and excited for the future, knowing you and your partner are a team, in this journey of life together.
(647) 692-4363 View (647) 692-4363
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See more therapy options for South Vancouver, Vancouver

Couples Counselling

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.