
Couples & Relationship Counselling

"Love is an action, never simply a feeling"
- Bell Hooks

Couples often come to me with a range of issues, such as recurrent unproductive arguing, trust and infidelity concerns, discrepancies in levels of sexual interest, and other sexual matters. Moreover, they may be grappling with significant traumatic occurrences and life transitions, as well as struggles related to enmeshment and poorly defined boundaries both externally and internally within the relationship. Individual mental health issues can also deeply impact the dynamics between partners.
Regardless of the complexity of the issues, I aim to create a safe non-judgemental space for couples to explore and resolve their concerns. By fostering open communication, enhancing emotional intimacy, and identifying healthier patterns of interaction, I help couples learn what real communication is, rediscover a sense of connection, and build a stronger foundation for their future together.
My primary approach centers around Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This method is geared towards helping couples understand their attachment styles and how these ways of being shape the meaning they derive in their current relationship circumstances. EFT is a powerful tool for fostering emotional connection and improving communication within any partnership.
I practice flexibility in my therapeutic approach and readily employ various additional strategies and relevant psychoeducation whenever necessary to encourage positive change and insight. Regardless of the struggle, each couple is unique and I tailor my interventions to suit their specific needs and challenges. Questions about the initial process?
In every step of the therapeutic journey, my commitment remains steadfast—to facilitate growth, cultivate understanding, and promote positive change, all while maintaining humility and a genuine desire to serve the well-being of my clients.
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta determines the recommended fee schedule for psychotherapy services.
Fee Schedule for Couples Counselling - In-Person or Virtual
60-Minute Session = $220.00
75-Minute Session = $275.00
90-Minute Session = $330.00
(90-minute session is not bookable online, please email me if this interests you)
More information about EFT below
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a transformative approach that can heal and strengthen the emotional bonds between couples. Grounded in cutting-edge research on love and emotion, EFT helps partners identify and express their deepest feelings and needs in a safe and supportive environment. Through empathetic guidance from a trained therapist, couples learn to navigate their emotional landscape, fostering a profound understanding and connection with one another.
In EFT, couples explore underlying patterns of communication and behavior that may be causing distress, helping them to reshape negative cycles and build new, positive ones. This therapeutic method validates the emotions of each partner, creating a space where vulnerability can flourish. As couples uncover and share their emotional experiences, they develop a more secure attachment, leading to enhanced intimacy and trust.
Whether facing communication challenges, conflict resolution issues, or rebuilding trust after betrayal, EFT provides a roadmap for couples to reconnect on a deeper level. By focusing on emotions and attachment, EFT fosters lasting change, promoting a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.
What does the initial process for couples counselling look like?
How Do We Get Started?
Couples counselling requires an initial phase to assess your relationship dynamics thoroughly. It will serve as the foundation for identifying the necessary steps to initiate meaningful changes and enhance your ability to express emotions and needs, and to build more meaningful and authentic connection.
Session 1 - Introduction & Assessment:
During the first session, you will have the opportunity to meet me together, where I will provide an overview of the counselling process and Emotionally Focused Therapy specifically. I will gather essential information about the reasons you have sought counselling, your primary concerns, and your goals. We will begin to identify and explore recurring patterns, and will discuss the history of your relationship together.
Sessions 2 & 3 - Individual Sessions:
Following our initial meeting, I like to meet individually with each partner. These individual sessions are designed to delve deeper into your attachment backgrounds, including early life history and family relationships, past relationships of significance, and any relevant trauma history. This information will help guide our work in couples counselling.
Session 4 - Joint Discussion & Feedback:
Following the individual sessions, we will return to joint sessions. With both of you present, we will start to examine the themes and recurring patterns of your relationship through the lens of the histories you shared with me, the ways of you interpret and make sense of your interactions with your partner, and your respective attachment styles. This session is an opportunity for both of you to provide feedback and insights.
