Great Couples Counselling in Port Alberni, BC. Therapy to heal relationships.

I provide a neutral place for couples to express their needs, preferences, and hopes for the relationship. Each partner is given time to express themselves and focus is placed on understanding each person's perspective. Conflict resolution can be a big part of couples counselling and this is brought into session through the lens of respect and communication. I work to guide you through sources of conflict, identify what each partner needs in that moment, and brainstorm ways in which these needs can be met.

I work with couples using Gottman Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment Therapy. I will help you identify your maladaptive patterns of behaviour and improve your communication skills. There is no shame in getting some coaching in how we connect with each other and how we can better meet each others needs. I use a strengths based approach to help you see the positives and remember why you fell in love.

Couples counselling focuses on developing strong communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, forgiveness, and effective dialogue. Many couples experience frustration at some point in their relationship where they feel they are not heard, valued or even loved any more. A toxic cycle of blaming, fighting and pulling away begins to form, creating distance and fatigue. For others an affair has shaken the very core of the safety and love they once felt in their relationship. It can be an agonizing and terrifying discovery for the partner who has been betrayed, and strong feelings of guilt, shame and a lack of understanding to how it even happened for the offending partner. Whether you are looking for a tune up to build back the excitement and...(view profile to read more)

The first step with my approach to couples therapy is for us to establish rapport as you inform me of the problem that has brought you to therapy. I use a Choice Theory approach which includes defining more closely what each of you want for yourselves as individuals and the relationship as a whole. From there, we get to work on rebuilding trust in the relationship by enhancing communication skills so each of you feel listened to, heard, and respected. Then we can build on trust to establish the changes needed to restore the happiness that brought you together in the first place.

I offer Gottman Method Couples Therapy which is an evidence-based practice derived from decades of collected data with effective tools for couples to address areas of weakness and strengths within the relationship. This will entail a rigorous assessment process to determine treatment plan. I will be guiding the couples throughout the session and will be supporting couples coping tools during sessions.

I understand that navigating relationship issues can be incredibly challenging, affecting both your emotional health and the quality of your partnership. In our couples counselling sessions, we'll establish a safe environment for open dialogue, employing the Gottman Method to identify and address the root causes of your conflicts. This evidence-based approach focuses on improving communication, building empathy, and fostering mutual respect. While the journey to a healthier relationship may take time and commitment from both sides, there's genuine hope for renewal and happiness. Together, we can work towards a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

Validation, communication and trust, the three pillars or foundation stones of a successful relationship. Sound familiar? Do you feel that one or more of these may be missing from your relationship? Emotional accountability, listening skills, anger management, re-building trust & intimacy, defense mechanisms, projection, interpersonal conflict...these all undermine the strength of a healthy relationship. We can work with whatever is presented, and help your relationship get back on track. The honeymoon phase can resume, for not all hope is lost. We can work together, and with effort made both in session and at home, we can repair any amount of accrued damage. I look forward to helping you.