Marriage and/or Relationship Issues Marriage & Couples Counselling

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.

Marriage & Couples Counselling, Satir Therapy, Family Systems

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..

Satir Therapy, or Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) deals with interactive and intrapsychic therapy elements. Unlike some other therapies, Satir Therapy is not limited to emotions, behaviour and cognition, but rather focuses on changes at the level of being, as well as the sensory experiences and behavioural changes.

The key to Satir Therapy is to help individuals discover a sense of peace and wholeness that comes from tapping into their personal universal desires when dealing with society and interpersonal relationships.

Only therapists with exceptional levels of congruence can offer Satir Therapy. They will provide skills development and resources during small group lectures or discussions. Clients will take part in structured exercises, skills practice, experiential learning, lectures and small group discussions.

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

Family Systems therapy is a type of counselling specific to helping interpersonal relationships within a family system. Family Systems counselling is facilitated by marriage and family therapists who work with the various family combinations, including siblings, couples, parent and child, or step families.

The principle of family systems counselling is to help each individual to first learn to understand his or her own emotions, and how to manage interpersonal relationships effectively, as that influences all future relationships. Once family members understand themselves and the emotional system within the family, it is easier to be flexible in relationships with family  members, marriages, community, school and other relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Family Systems Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Mary Munro

M.A., RCC
I can help. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Vic West, close to downtown.  Counselling can help you function better.  You may feel calmer and more effective, or find insights, meet... Read more

Susanne Leach

M.S.W., RSW
Do you want to build a life that is worth living, filled with healthy balanced relationships with friends, family and important people in your life?  Do you want to build a stronger understanding of yourself and... Read more

Paige Mowbray

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Online booking
I am described as warm and down-to-earth, with a highly relational approach and trauma-informed perspective I specialize in grief /loss and trauma I worked for many years in the nonprofit sector with individuals... Read more

Marilee Sigal

Psy.D., RCC
Unfortunately, I am unable to absorb any new clients at this time.  Our relationships with our parents, siblings, friends, lovers, spouses and children can be our greatest source of joy, and also provide our... Read more

Lola OpacicLunot

M.S.W., RSW
If you're contemplating counselling, see it  a positive step towards addressing any challenges or issues you might be facing. Counselling can offer numerous benefits, regardless of whether you're dealing... Read more

Isabella Jiang

M.A., RCC
As a bilingual counsellor fluent in both English and Chinese, I offer a unique perspective that bridges Western and Chinese cultures to help clients discover their unique identities. My counselling approach is... Read more

Josef Zaide

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
For nearly 40 years I’ve enjoyed working with children, teens and adults in school, hospital and independent practice settings, providing assessments, counselling and psychotherapy.   Working solely... Read more

Daeniela Bheaumont

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
I am a registered psychologist (College of Psychologist of BC #651) and have been a member of the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1990.  I received my Masters degree in Counseling... Read more

Andrea Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I specialize in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and work with couples, family members, and individuals who want to break free from negative patterns of interaction, heal, and build resilience. When one feels... Read more

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Debra Seeley

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello! I’m Debbie, from Inner Harmony Counselling Registered Social Worker (MSW & RSW), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I am currently offering both remote, and or in person counselling... Read more

Tasha Davidson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, First, I recognize how challenging starting the process of counselling may be. Whether it feels like the problem is too big, no one will understand or 'maybe it's not that big of a deal,' I want you... Read more

Olga Shchedrinskaya

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Having worked as a counsellor in a non-profit organization, private practice, and a mental health clinic, I bring more than 10 years of experience to my work with with individuals, couples, and families. My primary... 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

Lien Dilewijns

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a registered clinical counsellor with the BCACC and a psychotherapist in private practice. I have experience in working with adult ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief & loss, anxiety,... Read more

Deena Chochinov

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Deena is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in Vancouver since 2000. She works with individuals, couples and families and uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients find the self-... Read more
    • Online booking
Sunny Singhawachna  (She/They) MCP, RCC. I am a registered clinical counsellor and I am currently offering virtual and in-person counselling from downtown Vancouver. I identify as a cis-gendered, queer female... Read more

Bonnie Hall

M.Couns., RCC
Bonnie Hall has a Master’s of Counselling degree, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in Richmond, BC. Bonnie offers counselling services for people who are feeling frustrated in... Read more

Matthew Vlasic

M.Couns., RCC
Matt believes that clients are the experts in the counselling space. Using a non-judgmental, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, Matt works closely with those struggling with mental health concerns like anxiety... Read more

Abby Petterson

M.A., RCC
Abby Petterson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) offering psychotherapy and counselling services to individuals, couples and families. Abby has specialized training and... Read more

Scott Cameron

MC, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, and provide in-person and online... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Farideh Farzamian

Ph.D., RCC
Farideh Farzamian, Ph.D., RCC www.healingtalking.net Telehealth / Therapy Online ONLY Dr. Farideh Farzamian is a bilingual therapist. In her sessions she speaks English and/or Persian (Farsi). She has obtained... Read more

Alex Charleton

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Through Alex's own journey with mental health, she experienced firsthand the healing that is possible for anyone who feels suffocated by life. Alex's lived experiences motivated her to venture into the... Read more

Deborah Jones

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Online booking
ACCEPTING new virtual clients. 15 minute free phone consults available. Approved Provider with First Nations Health Authority, CVAP, ICBC, Veterans, and active duty Canadian Armed Forces. Available also as clinical... Read more

Fernanda Souza

Ph.D. (cand), RCC
Challenging events? Life changes? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Needing balance?  Struggling with anxiety, relationships, depression, grief, decisions, performance?  Looking forward to getting to where you want to be... Read more

Julie Burk

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Julie is a Registered Social Worker (13631) who after working with high risk youth for many years, obtained her Masters in Social Work and immediately began working doing clinical social work with palliative and... Read more

Mark Choi

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I am an individual and family therapist who works with youth, adults and families who are feeling overwhelmed. Common struggles include social and emotional challenges, mental health and/or substance use concerns. I... Read more

Lisa Otterstein

M.A., RCC
Lisa is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private counselling practice in North Vancouver.  She has a Masters degree with honours from UBC, and advanced training in EMDR.  She has extensive training... Read more

Tania Zulkoskey

M.S.W., RCSW
Video/Telephone Sessions Available. Tania counsels individuals, children and couples on issues such as:  relationship dynamics  communication issues  parenting and multiples  ... Read more