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

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..

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

Marie Lembesis

M.Ed., RCC
Marie Lembesis, M.Ed., RCC, RRP, CCRC CVRP(F) has a practice that comprises vocational diagnostics, career counselling and personal counselling for individuals aged 16 and up. Her diagnostic work includes... Read more

Kimberly Wood

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Kim. My passion and specialty is helping individuals work through concerns related to anxiety, shame, and identity. To live courageously despite fear, to relate to yourself like... Read more

Andrea Yeo

M.Ed., RCC
Andrea Yeo is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, a Child Interviewer for BC Hear the Child Society, a Secondary School Teacher with North Vancouver School District, a Certified Parenting Facilitator and... Read more

Michelle Coulombe

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
In-Person, Video and telephone counselling available.  I have a BA in Psychology, as well as an MA in Counselling Psychology (family specialization) from UBC. I have been a Certified Canadian... Read more

Ruby Willems

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Life is messy, difficult, and confusing and if you are here, you are likely seeking relief and support in your struggle. My hope is that you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. I welcome you to arrange a phone... Read more

Gerry Bock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Gerry Bock earned his Masters degree in 1990. He has been practicing as a Registered Clinical Counsellor for over 30 years (since 1991).  The practice environment and philosophy offers committed, accountable,... Read more

Aaron Lautzenhiser

Ph.D., R.Psych
I’m Dr. Aaron Lautzenhiser (or just “Dr. Aaron” for short!). I’m a registered psychologist, trained in neuropsychology and psychotherapy. I conduct neuropsychological and psycho-educational... Read more