Marriage and/or Relationship Issues, Trauma Counselling Marriage & Couples Counselling

Marriage and/or Relationship Issues, Trauma Counselling

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.

Trauma counselling can assist with a wide range of internal emotional reactions to devastating situations. Some people experience things as more traumatic than others, and therefore they will need help in coping the emotional burdens of an event or situation.

Stressful events such as death of a loved one, rape, abuse, accidents, divorce, violence or bullying can leave people unable to cope or process the emotional burdens. However, it is not only events linked to the individual personally, but also being a witness to events that might leave a person with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This includes being a victim to violence or natural disasters - there is no limit to the causes of trauma.

In the case of PTSD, people can develop many different psychological reactions, as determined by their own coping skills, emotional stability and background. Symptoms of PTSD include a anger, depression, flashbacks, insomnia, nightmares, social withdrawal, loss of self esteem and confidence, and substance abuse.

It takes a strong person to have the courage to stand up and request trauma counselling. This is no time to compare yourself to other people in similar situations, but rather to recognize that everyone has a different reaction to trauma. Therefore, it is important to address the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder as soon as possible to help you deal with emotions in a healthy way and to overcome the difficulties you are facing. Trauma counselling can help avert potentially more severe psychological disorders, that can occur if PTSD is left untreated.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who provides  trauma counselling to address your posttraumatic stress management issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Marriage & Couples Counselling

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

Carol Whaley

M.S.W., RSW
We are all on our own individual, unique personal journey through life. There is no one right way to heal or one single approach to therapy. There are various issues that come up in life, from every day life... Read more

Lorill Drummund

M.Ed., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#0921) working in BC since 1994 as a therapist, group facilitator, and instructor. My primary focus is working with couples to break through their ... Read more

Alma Vaugeois

M.A., RCC
You Don't Have to let Anxiety Run Your Life! Are you struggling in your life with anxiety or fear that you can't manage ? Does your anxiety keep you from following your dreams and creating the life you... Read more

Brenda Casey

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Video on profile
PLEASE NOTE: Telephone counselling available, though couples counselling only conducted in person.                    ... Read more

Behnaz Khatam

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. I offer virtual counselling(video and telephone) to both youth and adults, working with individuals and couples. I help clients with... Read more

Lyne Piche

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. Lyne Piché is a Registered Psychologist working in South Surre, BC. Her services are offered in both French and English. She has many years experience working with people who have sexual difficulties, sexual... 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

Niall JM Barnard

M.Sc., RSW
People and institutions are always trying to force us into boxes – you shouldn't have to deal with that when you come to therapy. As a queer and trans person myself, I'm passionate... Read more

Lorne Pierce

M.A., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I have been in private practice since 1999 providing counselling services to individuals, couples and familes. I have over 20 years experience in the helping professions in both government (federal and provincial)... Read more

Sean Cameron

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I’m committed to giving others what I received when I needed it the most: Help to get real, heal, and grow. Work with me is challenging, meaningful, and transformational. Ready yourself to discover the inner... Read more

Gwen Bevan

M.S.W., RSW
Gwen Bevan has been counselling individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. In addition to providing counselling, Gwen provides clinical supervision for private therapists (see below for more information... Read more

Ian Bond

M.A., RCC
Ian has over 25 years of education, training, and experience in counselling and therapy.  He works together with clients to help them explore relationships, thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, which... Read more

Paula Bude

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Paula Bude (MEd., C.C.C., R.C.C., C.Hyp.) is asking you to consider: "what if this imperfect moment is the gateway into everything I want?".  Therapy with Paula is an invitation to deepen... Read more

Norma Hoeppner

M.S.W., RSW
In private practice since 2007, Norma has been a dynamic clinical therapist across diverse health settings since 1989. Currently she practices with Clear Counselling Inc. in Vancouver, as well as an office through... 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

Eileen Peterson

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Online booking
  NOTE: To provide support during COVID-19 precautions,  sessions may now be in person or virtual: video or by phone. Please call or email to book your appointment. Taking new clients. I'm a... Read more

Coleen Adderley

M.A., RCC
Coleen is the Founder and Clinical Director of Reflective Soul Counselling. She is passionate about helping others and believes that each obstacle we face only makes us that much stronger.   Coleen has over... Read more

Reza Roodi

M.Sc., RCC
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor/Psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I use a client-centred, integrative approach to address the therapeutic goals of... Read more

Jan Paris

M.A., RCC
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector.  I work with individuals, couples, groups and families. I... Read more

Rosanne Johnson

M.A., RCC
  As a counsellor, Rosanne offers therapy to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Greater Vancouver and Burnaby. She understands how important it is for these populations to have a... Read more

Rosalyn Best Clark

M.Couns., RCC
Rosalyn Best, MoC, RCC #8656. Ros Best is passionate about counselling because she has so often witnessed its transformative power. She offers couples counselling, and counselling for life transitions, trauma, cancer... Read more

Ayesha Azfar

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello, I am Ayesha Azfar, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and I have my Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University. My practice is located in Coquitlam BC and I provide Individual, Couples and... Read more

Carly Goodfellow

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*I am pleased to offer online Videoconferencing for counselling and hypnotherapy appointments.* You are not alone. Are you struggling with your feelings day after day? Do you feel life is harder that it... 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
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
With over a decade of experience as a clinical counsellor, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My commitment lies in creating a secure, non-judgmental, and confidential... Read more

Joe Ramirez

M.Couns., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Joe Ramirez, owner of ClearCounselling.ca, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and an Adlerian psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology, providing Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, and Sex... Read more

Patrick Myers

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Is life pushing you too hard?   Do you feel like you can't keep up?   Do you stay up late at night worrying?   Do you feel drained emotionally and/or  physically? Is your... Read more

Tricia Antoniuk

M.S.W., RSW
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet... Read more

Reema Qamar

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Reema, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I work with individuals who are suffering from trauma as well as couples and... Read more

Kori Inne

MCP, RCC
Welcome.  I offer a reflective and accepting space for us to explore your concerns collaboratively.   In Our Time Together      Our time together can be a space to... Read more