Couples Counselling
Building Bridges – Each couple has challenges and strengths

When a couple enters therapy, whether in crisis or a long term pattern of unsatisfying interaction, the methods used in and out of session will transform your connection in positive ways. Making a commitment to examine what you each bring as individuals to the couple dynamic and how you are functioning as partners provides an opportunity to build or repair a deep and lasting bond.
Communication patterns are a common and fixable problem.
Couple therapy is not easy, but it is always thought provoking and emotionally engaging as you grow to understand the feelings and thoughts reflected in your own behaviour and of your partner.
The process of good couple’s therapy comes from moving from understanding to action; working together with your partner you begin to speak and interact in ways that are more genuine, caring and understanding.

My work with couples is guided by a combination of techniques that research has determined are statistically beneficial. Working together we will practice methods that provide the chance to be heard, understood and supported. By focusing on creating more positive interaction, partners maintain their individual points of view while contributing comfort to the space between them. This will add strength to your bond through life’s challenges.
Treatment Strategies:

- Set goals for counselling outcomes.
- Explore relationship history
- Investigate emotional triggers
- Practice intentional dialogue
- Reduce negativity and build appreciation
- Address infidelity and other relationship exits
- Develop empathy and heal wounds
- Re-ignite intimacy and passion
- Establish a loving partnership
- Manage Separation and divorce
- Co-parenting- Respecting the needs of the child
Co-Parenting

During this “Crazy Time”, parents are distracted and preoccupied and are often at their most vulnerable. Children need to be protected as parents navigate through these troubled waters. Parenting through crisis requires that parents refocus on the needs of their children and reconnect with their children’s needs for two whole parents pulling together to keep their world feeling intact and safe. Having a professional to facilitate difficult conversations and teach parents conflict resolution, problem solving and communication skills strengthens the parenting team as they transition to the new family constellation.
Family Counselling
A Safe Place to Share
Family therapy creates a safe place where multiple voices, points of view, experiences, hopes, and wishes can be shared between family members.
Family problems do not have to be severe to warrant therapy. When working with a counsellor, families can expect to learn to understand one another better, communicate more effectively, and work proactively to disrupt unhealthy patterns.
Every family goes through ups and downs in life
Family problems can manifest in the healthiest of families, resulting in challenging, frustrating, and painful interactions among family members. From little irritations to buried resentments, from dramatic arguments to feelings of guilt, disconnection, helplessness, hopelessness, disappointment, and anger that we did not even know we had. Our families often bring out the most intense emotions we experience, for better or worse.
The Impact of Family

Ideally, our families are those whom we can always rely on for support, from whom we draw strength and feedback, for whom we feel love and concern, and with whom we feel close and comfortable; openly sharing thoughts and feelings. In reality, few families meet this expectation 100% of the time, and in some cases, a person’s family is far from ideal. From our family of origin, we develop our expectations of others, communication skills, outlook on life, our ability to give and receive love, and coping skills, among myriad other traits. Chronic family problems can have lasting effects.



Whether your family is struggling with relational concerns, communication difficulties, behavioural problems, divorce/separation, grief/loss, depression/anxiety, addiction, parenting/co-parenting concerns, or a combination of stressors, family therapy can help.
Book an Appointment with Stephen today.