Great Couples Counselling in De Winton, AB. Therapy to heal relationships.

Are you an emotionally-intelligent couple, or do you allow your negative thoughts and feelings about each other to overwhelm the positive ones? Let Dr Mervin (Paraklesis Counselling) make an innovative assessment of your relationship that will give you an in-depth analysis and inform you as to what it will take (effort and change required) to reach your goals. Dr Mervin’s contemporary therapy approach exposes the myths of outdated methods of couples counselling, and explores post-modernity models that work for you.

When couples require counselling, it is often because there has been a breakdown in trust and communication. At times like these, it is important to have a third party involved that can promote progress through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Here at Virtuous Circle Counselling, we offer in-person and virtual sessions to couples in need so that they can find their way to a healthier future.

One of the biggest problems with marriage counselling today is that counsellors use methods that haven't been proven effective by research. Many marriage therapists have worked with systems of therapy that they thought would be effective, but unfortunately they are not. This can then leave couples feeling like 'its them' when really it's just the therapy. Both Jennifer Watts & Dr. Patrick Keelan use Gottman-based marital counselling, which is based on 40 years of research and is proven to yield results. For more information on Jennifer or Pat go to http://livingwellcounselling.ca/our-therapists

Remember the magic when you first met? Wonder what happened and despair at the though of ever getting it back? You can risk hoping again! Together you can master the skills that let you walk a new path of understanding, intimacy and safety. Our Christian Counselling for marriage and relationships gives you the keys back to that magical place of connectedness you've only dreamed of for far too long. 

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.

Are you and your partner struggling with any of the following? • Communication difficulties, • Escalating or repetitive conflicts that remain unresolved, • Difficulty getting on the same page regarding parenting responsibilities or family roles, • Impacts related to extended family relationship problems, • A loss or lack of intimacy, • Stress management problems, • Financial conflict Mindful Centre Counsellors are here to help you work through challenges, improve connection, and repair relationship injuries using Prepare Enrich and Gottman methods proven to support relationship improvements.

Most relationships and marriages begin wonderfully! Unfortunately, many gradually decline. It does not have to be this way--there are methods and tools which can be learned and used which can help couples develop stronger friendships, resolve conflicts through understanding each partners dreams beneath the conflict, and eventually, develop meaningful and mutually authentic shared meaning. I use the Gottman Method for couples therapy which is evidence-based.

With marriage therapy, I will help you: - Find forgiveness and healing from painful hurts so you can move forward with a renewed commitment to each other - Develop a sense of security and confidence in yourself and in your partner - Reignite the passion and intimacy you had in the past - Discover techniques to help you better manage stress and conflict in your relationship. - Become more understanding and compassionate towards each other - Create an even better relationship than you once had - Gain a renewed sense of hope for your future together

Relationships are both difficult and rewarding. Like most things of value, however, these intimate connections require intentional work in order to remain healthy and rewarding. Whether you are beginning a relationship or wishing to enhance an existing one, therapy can help you to discover and value each other's "owners manual" , communicate more effectively, and resolve conflict in a more timely and effective fashion.

Precious few of us are naturally equipped with adequate relationship skills. All too often we find ourselves adrift in unhappy love relationships where unresolved issues and resentments have built seemingly impenetrable walls between partners. My model of choice for couples is relational therapy. I teach the partners how to become a safe, healing and loving presence for each other, building skills that allow the partners to reconnect through empathy and compassion (and let go of contempt and anger). It advocates self-leadership (i.e. each partner takes responsibility for his/her own feelings and to understand how each partner contributes to the conflict). My concept of relational therapy end....

I perceive a couple as a group that is formed by practices/language that are used. In this context, I view a problem as ‘couple’s problem’ that is situated in the relationships/language between partners. Therefore, helping couples to address their problem(s)--I focus on addressing the language and relationship patterns that the couple has developed overtime. I use narrative and solution-focused therapy that is brief and effective. I discuss individual’s and couple’s needs, as well as relationship needs. I encourage my clients to effectively communicate their needs in a peaceable, positive and productive manner between one another.

Drawing from the Gottman Method, I work with couples (married or not; in open or closed relationships), to assess and build upon the strengths of the relationship, and to develop ways to address challenges unique to you and your partner. We will find what's getting in the way of you and your partner trusting each other, or rebuild trust after it has been compromised.

Sharing your life with another is one of the most difficult yet potentially rewarding experiences life has to offer. Creating and maintaining open and honest communication (learning to listen, summarize and validate are skills that must be taught and practiced) is key to the success with relationships of any kind. I can assist in helping build strong interpersonal skills that help break down barriers and strengthen connections.

I work with couples involved in any stage of development or relational style including alternative lifestyle approaches. I am comfortable working with traditional as well as LGTBQ+ friendly couples and specialize in working with sexuality issues within these couple dynamics as well. I have over 25 years of couples work experience and tend to use a strongly applied approach to get effective results.

Do you or your partner suffer from social anxiety and it's affecting your relationship? Social anxiety is a fear of negative judgment from others and it can lead to reduced levels of intimacy, suppressed emotions, feelings of isolation and loneliness and lack of communication. If one or both of you feels anxious socially, your relationship may be suffering too. Contact me for ways in which you can move past social anxiety to a fuller, intimate, richer, relaxed more authentic relationship.

Loving, successful relationships need to be carefully and skillfully nurtured in the following five areas: Emotional, Intellectual, Spiritual, Sexual, Financial. Couples who are ready to do ongoing work on their relationships are richly rewarded with a loving, meaningful and joyful life together. Committed relationships that have the possibility of morphing into long term relationships benefit greatly by being guided by the Gottman research on relationships as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Premarital Counselling prepares a couple for a new stage in their relationship by identifying potential areas of conflict and strength and developing tools to create a strong foundation.

I offered structured and effective methods for working with couples whether the goal is to improve the relationship or successfully separation. I use assessment tools that highlight what is working and not working in troubled relationships where couples want to stay together. Strategies to target problem areas are chosen and practiced in sessions and at home. By improving communication skills, conflict resolution skills and deepening couple intimacy, couples are able to feel more successful in their relationships. When there is closeness and comfort in our most important relationships it can positively impact our overall wellbeing.

Gerard has diverse experience as a psychologist and leader in social services, schools, university, workplaces, and his private practice. Using a theoretical foundation of social learning and cognitive-behavioural training, he is well-versed in various kinds of formal and informal assessment and solution-focussed approaches. He listens carefully to understand your needs and relies on his extensive experience to help you find solutions.

What are the most common couples' issues? If you are thinking "communication, conflict, sex, money, child rearing" you are correct. However, most therapists will go after the symptom on each side of the couple fence thinking that the way to effective change is by getting each party to "work" on their respective "issue". Many times the parties don’t agree but comply. Imagine if you could align the unconscious brains of a couple and stop the "working on your issues" part that has become so popular in therapy settings? Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com to learn how! Or call 877-606-6161. DR. FLEMING'S NEW RELATIONSHIP/COUPLES INTENSIVES. www.kevinflemingphd.com/marriage-couples-retreats.php

I employ the well researched and proven approach from the Gottman Method to help couples learn about and develop new ways to appreciate and develop greater fondness for each other. I help clients realize that truly the core of an intimate relationship is really friendship, and not necessarily the all encompassing passion and always being "in love" that popular media/culture have led us to believe that marriage should always be about. Marriages naturally wax and wane, and aren't always perfect; sometimes people fight and disagree and that doesn't always have to end in separation or divorce. There are no perfect marriages -- just ones that are good enough to make us feel happy and content

Whether you're just wanting to clarify that you're in a healthy relationship or you have specific issues to resolve, I can offer a neutral and non-judgemental space while helping you navigate yourself and each other. Working from an Emotionally Focused Therapy and Systems theory framework, I can help you uncover your true needs in a relationship and work through any barriers or obstacles to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Most people want communication skills. Granted, those are needed but improving a relationship, increasing connection and intimacy, and navigating difficult conversations around areas of differing opinions involves yourself - you are your most valuable ally in any relationship. Understanding yourself, your beliefs, reactions and having ways to 'show up differently' in the relationship are your best bet to feeling better about your relationship, no matter what aspect you want to work on. Through my therapy techniques, I invite you to understand yourself in relationship as well as learn more effective ways to know and be known, the incredibly courageous work of intimacy.

Are you stuck in the same old patterns of relating? Are you craving for more emotional closeness? Are you struggling with infertility or other childbearing issues, or parenting? Are you dissatisfied with your sexual relationship? Has infidelity broken trust? Is alcohol, drugs, porn/sex, work or gambling causing problems? Are you considering ending your relationship? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, Anu can help. Anu has experience and training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, both of which are highly effective. She is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and will treat the couple together and individually.

Creating stronger relationships through the research- based Gottman approach. Couples who wish to develop a deeper awareness and connection in their relationships will benefit in using E- Counselling to enhance communication and bonding. Often when we are in a face to face conversation we are thinking of our next response rather than allowing the other person to be understood. Using a secure and completely confidential web based Gottman trained counsellor will help break down the barriers of communication and improve relationship dynamics. Couples can expect more understanding, respect and intimacy in their relationship. LGBT relationships are welcome.

Couples and relationship counselling is about: using curiosity to discover each other, deepening your understanding of each other, cultivating empathy and compassion for each other, and communicating to each other that you are there for them. Research shows that friendship is the foundation of of a solid and healthy long-term relationship. During counselling with me you will learn the attitudes and skills needed to curate and participate in exciting, unforgettable and life-long friendships and intimate relationships.