Great Couples Counselling in Wellington, AB. Therapy to heal relationships.

I define a couple as any two people involved in ongoing interaction. When things go wrong the relationship is unfulfilling and may be hurtful to the participants. All too often things go wrong when the individuals focus on what they want from each other and they become enmeshed in a power struggle. In couples therapy there are no “rules of engagement” but there are skills which can be developed to make the relationship mutually rewarding and personally empowering.

In couples counselling, I create a supportive space to help partners communicate more openly and effectively. I use tools and techniques, primarily from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), to strengthen connection and resolve conflicts. These approaches help couples understand each other’s needs and build trust. I guide partners in exploring their emotions, communication patterns, and shared goals, helping them develop a deeper connection and a stronger, healthier relationship.

Dr. Vandegriend is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Gottman Therapist specializing in working with couples/marriage/relationships and implements a practical, easy-to-talk to, and results oriented approach. Areas of focus are: better communication; working through conflicts and areas where they just feel "stuck"; managing transitions better together (ie. new parents, retirement); healing after infidelity and establishing greater trust, respect and connection between each other; and deepening levels of intimacy. www.stalbertcounselling.com

I have a significant caseload of relationship therapy clients. I am comfortable with essentially any type of relationship taking place between consenting adults. I accept the orientation(s) of the parties to a relationship, and am as a rule able to come from there. If I have a bias, it is to preserve the being of the relationship, the "we" that emerges when one and another form a bond. My bias notwithstanding, I am able to assist parties to a relationship to achieve a more peaceful separation/termination when that is their choice.

It is within our relationships that we experience the most joy and the most pain. Most relationships begin with a deep connection and people anticipate a future that continues to be passionate and fulfilling. It is inevitable, however, that disappointments and misunderstandings arise. Learning to communicate in an effective way that bridges differences and leads to respect and understanding are essential to a happy relationship.

My therapy is focused on helping Couple's relationships improvement. My commitment is to listening closely and finely adapting mine counseling to the individual coming in for help. I am trained in CBT, and family systems therapy andI I enjoy working with people of diverse cultures and background. Many troubling issues in current Couple's relationships are rooted in patterns established in their childhood. In my counseling sessions, I look at the lifestyle you learned to relate as a child and how that behavior interferes with experiencing freedom and intimacy today. I guide my clients to begin a trusting relationship where they can speak honestly with their partner of the issues that most crash them and the events where they have felt anger, fear,...(view profile to read more)

In a relationship, each member is responsible for an equal share of the dynamic. In a family, that means it splits between the amount of people, and in a couple it’s 50% created by each partner. This 50% is the result of the individual’s needs- both functional and dysfunctional. Functional needs relate to biological drives, culture, relationship goals, values, etc. Dysfunctional needs come from limiting beliefs, which are internalized in our childhood. They create needs like: the need to be in control, or the need to protect oneself. The needs, whether functional or dysfunctional, can balance each other out, creating a “stabilizer” or they can become unmet needs.

Although relationships ebb and flow, the experience of pregnancy and parenthood can impact a couple greatly. As you and your partner navigate your new roles and identities, it is not uncommon to be navigating changes in your relationship. Our therapists can help you and your significant other navigate these changes together and work to strengthen your relationship.

I've worked with multiple couples in many kinds of relationships. Whether dating, engaged, married, separated, or divorced, my goal is to help you in the most genuine way, to improve your communication, to solve some of your unsolvable problems and to break down barriers that may be getting in the way of achieving all you hope to in your relationship. As a professional, I am extensively trained to remain neutral and work towards the best for both individuals of the couple.

Working together with couples for pre-marriage counselling, couples issues, or marriage counselling allows clients to work through the issues (the "ripples" in the carpet) that they continue to trip over. Client's begin to connect with each other, reconcile the relationship, improve communication and intimacy, rebuild trust, as well as many other enhancements.

Most people deeply desire a warm and healthy relationship with a spouse or partner. However it requires work and effort, and is not an easy process for either individual in the relationship. On the other hand, the benefits of the effort put in are inevitably well worth it in the long run. If you're looking to work out differences and move towards a more harmonious relationship, I can work with you to find love, acceptance and the tools that work best for you and your relationship.

In my work I am enabling couples to resolve disagreements, or agree to disagree, without becoming disconnected or abusive. Given that different couples might need different types of intervention, the mechanisms of change vary accordingly. Therefore, in order to achieve change and enable growth, I am using an integrative approach, which I tailor to suit the needs, experiences, and personal circumstances of the couple.

Couples often need a little support as they navigate the challenges that exist in every relationship. There are many complicating factors that impact the success of a relationship - children, finances, and different childhood experiences can all create a rollercoaster ride of emotions that can add confusion to the love that two people feel for one another. Learning how to communicate clearly, how to argue appropriately, and how to demonstrate appreciation and value for one another are the essential building blocks to a loving and intimate relationship that will last.