Marriage and/or Relationship Issues Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Marriage and/or Relationship Issues

Entering into a relationship means merging your life with another person, understanding his or her flaws, quirks and beliefs. With marriage rates declining and divorce statistics set at 50%, it is clear that people are increasingly challenged by marriage and relationship issues, and many lack effective ways to address them. So how can we bridge the gap to understanding our partners better and enjoying romantic bliss?

Many factors affect the interpersonal relationship between two partners who are a couple and sometimes it's hard to see the cause of conflict or friction in a relationship. While some people find divorce to be the best or only option, other people speak to counsellors and psychologists  in a bid to try salvage the relationship.

Signs that indicate a need for couples counselling include poor communication in a relationship, affairs, living past one another, inability to resolve marriage of couples' issues, and acting out negative feelings. When divorce seems like the only option, or if a couple is staying together for the kids' sake, that's a sure sign that therapy is needed.

Therapists do not necessarily  believe that all marriages can be salvaged, but counselling can often help even some of the most challenged relationships.  Through talk therapy, the couple will discover again why they fell in love and what they can do to get back to that place in their marriage. They use a range of effective, proven methods to help couples in any situation to restore intimacy and move past the hurt and wounds to a safe and comfortable place.

The concrete tools used by marriage therapists provide guidance in a supportive and encouraging setting and empower clients to restructure their thoughts and emotions. It helps the couple to work with each other, instead of on one another, helping each individual to find the person he or she is at the core level and to build a happy union.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who works with  couples you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Marriage & Couples Counselling, Emotion Focused Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Marriage & Couples Counselling offers a wide range of approaches that incorporate a variety of models to work in different situations. Some of the most common approaches in couples counselling are Imago therapy, emotionally focussed therapy, and Gottman approach.

One of the first undertakings of marriage & couples counselling is to set goals for the therapy. Establishing healthy communication within the relationship is one of the key components in any of the approaches make up their union, because this is what helps couples to better understand one another and the patterns that  Couples will be led to examine their communication styles and explore their attachment experiences. Healing past hurts and trauma is essential in building healthy future relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Marriage & Couples Counselling, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note:  Some practitioners practice Emotionally Focused Therapy rather than Emotional Focused therapy.  You will want to confirm that it is indeed Emotion Focused Therapy that the counsellor/psychologist practices.  

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Eryn Wicker

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the founder and clinical director of Bliss Therapeutic Services. I am dedicated to providing professional, confidential and... Read more

Jeffrey Hoy

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am a therapist who wants to help you, in the way that works for you, and at the pace that works for you. I seek to create a safe, calm, and open place for you to explore what is really going on. I have lived a richly... Read more

Ksenia Belova

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people desiring stronger, deeper and more fulfilling relationships with themselves, and with other people. If you're struggling to feel well and to live the life you want, you may feel cut off from your... Read more

Steven Keeler

M.Sc., RCC
    • Audio on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
Areas of Expertise: Relationship Healing Couples Treatment Parent and Child/Teen Relationships Men’s Issues Military and Veterans Transitions Anger Resolution PTSD and Trauma Family Issues/... Read more

Chris Ho

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Life is a journey filled with both joyous peaks and challenging valleys. If you find yourself navigating through the complexities of these valleys, know that seeking counselling is a courageous and empowering choice,... Read more

Elaine Zbitniff

M.A., RCC
Elaine is a registered clinical counsellor and has former experience as a registered nurse in the specialties burns and plastic surgery unit and in a hospice. Her knowledge as a nurse has been informative to... Read more

Aditi Jasra

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling stuck or lost? Perhaps, you are struggling with overwhelm, confusion or sensing emptiness in your life? Are you looking for some direction or support with your mental health struggles and daily... Read more

Kathryn McInroy

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Kathryn believes that counselling is a collaborative process between the client(s) and their counsellor, and treats the relationship as a partnership. She uses a strengths-based and solution-focused approach to help her... Read more

Sandra Wiens

Ph.D., R.Psych
Hello. I am a registered psychologist (#2247) with a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I help adults who wish to make changes in their personal lives and in their relationships.... Read more

Fred West

B.A., RCC
As humans, we possess complicated emotions.  Our behavior, thoughts and feelings can sometimes be overwhelming, even to ourselves! If you have been feeling lost, having depressed thoughts or going... Read more

Jagdeep Chahal

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
If you are struggling with your mental health, it can seem almost impossible to imagine that something can be done to help. However, through counselling you can better identify negative beliefs and behaviors, and... Read more

Adele Berry

MC, RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that sometimes we all need a little help to tangle with life’s dilemmas. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside clients and help in navigating the pathway to change and work towards goals in a safe... Read more

Drew Harms

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Drew and I am a dedicated therapist who works with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, couples counselling, women's issues, children's play therapy, teen issues and perinatal mental... Read more

Teddy Chu

MC, RCC
Hello! I am the founder of WAVE Performance and Wellness offering individual clinical counselling, relationship counselling, and mental performance / sport psychology consulting services. My passion for... Read more

Eric Addleman

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
If you are feeling overwhelmed in your life or relationship, I am here to inspire hope and to help empower you to navigate life with calm confidence. It is normal to need support; sometimes help is required to... Read more

Erica Beauchamp

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Counselling is a Smart Investment in Yourself From time to time, we reward ourselves with a treat-a cup of coffee, a new electronic gadget, a massage, perhaps a new watch or clothing. However, we often forget the... Read more

Meredith MacKenzie

M.A., RCC
Meredith MacKenzie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Parallel Wellness. She is a warm and genuine individual, couple and family therapist. She works with both adolescent and adult clients. She... Read more

Nina Hopmeier

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately by your emotions and life’s demands? Do you sometimes feel like you have exhausted your coping resources and are stuck with where you are? It’s so easy to let these... Read more

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more
    • Online booking
Michelle's expertise covers a breadth of issues that everyone is bound to experience at some point in their lives. Her work with individual clients focuses on anxiety, depression, stress and stress management, life... Read more

Jordan Penner

M.A., RCC
Jordan has been helping people access their strengths and overcome challenges for the past 15 yearsl; with a focus on building skills that create lasting solutions.  True change comes from... Read more

Judy Zhu

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or feeling stressed out? Are you also experiencing health issues such as digestion problems, poor sleep, pain and fatigue? I am a registered clinical... Read more

Mary Wilkerson

MCP, RCC
Step into a nurturing space for your transformative journey. As someone who's lived the roles of wife, mother, and teacher, I deeply understand life's challenges. My focus is on supporting individuals through... Read more

Sara Place

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstance brings you to counselling.  We can work through difficult life circumstances, relationship challenges (including... Read more

Ashleigh Keizer

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Finding the “right” counsellor can feel like a big task! My hope is that as you read through this space, you might feel that I am someone who can sit with you and help navigate some of the... Read more

Jas Lachar

M.S.W., RSW
Sometimes our mental well-being suffers because we have had a major life transition such as starting or finishing university, becoming a new parent, taking a new position at work, moving or Covid-19. Transitions are... Read more

Harry Stefanakis

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
Dr. Harry Stefanakis holds a doctorate degree in psychology and is registered with College of Psychologists of BC (#1489). He is an experienced counselor and educator who communicates effectively with both humour and... Read more

Marina Vaysman

MCP, RCC
My name is Marina and I am very passionate about empowering people to become their most authentic selves. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health and addictions field, and I continue to be in awe... Read more

Cynthia Lamont

M.A., RCC
    • Audio on profile
    • Online booking
Cynthia Lamont is available to meet clients via the online Jane System, who are from both B.C. and Alberta. For Kelowna-based, in-person sessions, you can book directly through the website. Cynthia, a Registered... Read more

Fay Ferris

M.Ed., RCC
    • Audio on profile
 I am now offering online or virtual and telephone counselling only.  I have focused my practice on Couples Counselling and Individuals struggling with Depression and Anxiety and relationship isssues. Using... Read more