From 2019 until now, we have focused primarily on therapy for the individual. As Health & Happiness: Counselling and Wellness evolves, we are now proud to announce that we can offer Couples and Relationship Therapy too! Dealing with relationship challenges is an important part of an individual’s mental health.
For more information on our Couples and Relationship therapist please click here for Linda Watson’s bio! You can also learn more about the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy here.
What is Couples and Relationship Therapy?
Therapy for a couple can help the individuals create healthy boundaries for themselves. It can also help find creative solutions that work for both people in the relationship. Therapy is often sought when there are conflicts, crises, or distress in a relationship. These can be created when one person has been unfaithful or there is abuse. Other common reasons include financial stress, raising children, and other natural stressors.
Couples and individuals may also choose to attend therapy to work on issues including:
- Feeling disconnected
- Lack of love
- Difficulties understanding each other
- Trust issues
- Poor communication
Do I/We Have To Be In Crisis?
The short and easy answer is: no! Many couples seek help to strengthen an already solid and loving relationship. They might be seeking support for a life change, such as adult children leaving home. Or having children for the first time!
Couples and relationship therapy is also appropriate for partners who are not married. Marital status is less important than being in a relationship when thinking about therapy.
The Benefits Of Couples and Relationship Therapy
- Better communication
- Deeper empathy between the partners
- Increased intimacy
- Greater respect for each other
What To Expect
In the first session, both you and your partner will attend. You will be asked structured questions that allow the therapist to compile a sense of the history of your relationship. This will include both happy and challenging moments. Keeping what is already good in mind is very important. In addition, you will describe individual views on a healthy relationship and the current challenges you are facing.
For the next session, both of you will meet individually with your therapist to review the personalized couples/relationship intake forms, establish a stronger rapport with your therapist, and share any relevant information with them.
Going forwards, you and your partner will attend Couple’s therapy together, where your therapist will discuss a treatment plan with you and initiate the next steps. Subsequently, ongoing regular sessions will be scheduled for both of you.
