Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling in Nanaimo

In my couples counselling intakes, these are some of the complaints I hear from couples (heterosexual and same-sex): “We’re not communicating.” “We’re fighting more often.” “We’re not as close anymore.” Other issues experienced by couples may include the following:

• Marriage and family issues
• Parenting issues
• Sexual issues in the couples system
• Affairs
• Triangulation (focus on a 3rd party i.e. one of the children or dependent, ex partner)
• Cross-cultural (including value differences, race, sexual/gender identity)
• Destructive habits
• Stuckness, boredom
• Addiction cycles; co-dependency
• Financial issues
• Repetitive fighting, arguments
• Conflict avoidance, resulting in lack of emotional intimacy
• Extended family/in-law issues
• Grief & loss, separation, divorce, closure

Trained in couples counselling, I enjoy incorporting modalities of Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) in couples work. The issues brought up, when held with presence and with deep listening, can unfold in unexpected and positive ways, offering gifts of love, healing, and heart-felt connection.

I support couples who want to get their relationship back on track, who desire to create new vitality in their lives together, or who are simply questioning if they are suited for each other.

My couples counselling sessions are generally pro-active, incorporating exploration of each individual’s perspectives and needs, as well as facilitation of mutual respect and understanding. I offer couples psycho-education, couples communication skills, conflict management tools, and homework/resources. Those who are committed to the couples counselling process can come away with practices which are beneficial for the well-being such as the following:

• Building more self awareness about your defenses and tendencies
• Being accountable for your own part
• Listening deeply
• Taking the risk to show up and be vulnerable
• Telling your truth (to build a foundation of trust)
• Feeling your feelings
• Keeping your commitments
• Changing behaviours that do not serve
• Responding vs reacting
• Practicing healthy boundaries
• Exiting from unsafe situations

Customized workshops may also be designed for a specific couple.

> Fee: $240 for a 75-minute couples session (gst exempt). Note the longer duration of each couples session (75 min) vs individual counselling (50 min). For couples who extend beyond the 75 minute sessions, as needed, fees are pro-rated for each additional 15 minutes.

> Free 20 minute phone intake prior to first session.

> Sliding scale fees can be negotiated for couples counselling, if you are financially challenged yet committed to pursue regular couples work.

Photo credit: Anais Buan on Unsplash