Great Couples Counselling in Havelock, ON. Therapy to heal relationships.

I provide couples counselling, because I believe in couples. Whether you are dating, common law, or married - problems can arise even when two people care and love each other. We work together seeing the couple and the individuals to work with the whole package, strengthening and adapting so you can form the foundation, skills and relationship you desire. Let's work together on the problematic areas so we can become better together.

Couples can often become fixated on repairing their partners’ behavior and waiting for the other to change before feeling content in the relationship. However, in my work with couples, I have found it fruitful to explore how each person in the relationship is contributing to a dynamic that they would like to change. I also believe that therapy should be a space where each person can express their views and feel validated and accepted by their partner(s). Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

I have experience working within non-monogamous/open/poly(amorous, affective, fidelity) contexts. When considering couple/family counselling, it is important that everyone is open to the idea because it can be difficult work. Counselling with an intimate partner/s can be slow going but, usually, the goal is the development of a ‘communications toolkit’ that can be used in the longterm without further mediation. Couples/family counselling can also be valuable in the shorter term to resolve one or more specific conflicts or to break out of existing unhealthy dynamics thereby renewing respectful communication.

Family Systems theory is primarily focused on three areas. These are individuals, couples, and families (including children). Couples therapy focuses exclusively on the couple's dyad. This connection is affected by many factors: Past childhood experiences of family life, current parenting and grandparenting, blended families after a divorce, intimacy, sexuality, employment stress, financial obligations, and supporting your parents even when you are an adult. This list, though not exhaustive, points to the complexity of couplehood. My training is an evidence-based model utilizing tested interventions to support couples through times of transition or recognition. Book a free consultation

If you are in a relationship that is marked by conflict, chronic arguing, anger, frustration or feeling stuck in some way, counselling can give you some tools to help you move forward. If you are feeling emotionally disconnected or distant from your parter there are ways to reconnect with your loved one that can be quickly learned. If you have been impacted by addiction, particularly compulsive sexual behaviours, I can help you understand how to move forward in to new healthy patterns.

Couples are 2 people with different bodies and different life experiences, who are working together. This is an incredibly challenging task! Finding a meeting place that reminds you of your connection, as well as a place to heal wounds, is helpful to repair and to grow. I hope to facilitate this process in a safe, respectful space, where all people are heard, seen, respected and understood. Couples therapy can be extremely helpful in the early stages of a relationships, to strengthen communication, connection and resolve patterns prior to them becoming ingrained. I can also help with the process of separation. I welcome ALL couples into my practice including polyamorous, LGBTQ+

Couple therapy is a broad term for those who wish to address relationship concerns or would like assistance in navigating their relationship. Presenting topics may include breaches of trust, infidelity, (co)parenting, sex and intimacy, separation, exploration of relationship structure or general conflict and arguments. Often times, at nobody’s fault, couples may get caught in patterns of interaction that bring a lot of pain to the relationship. I will assist you in identifying these harmful interactions and work towards breaking that cycle with new ways of relating to each other. I am affirming of polyamorous and ethical non-monogamous relationships. Contact me to book a free consultation.

Couples coming to counselling are asked to be honest about their own motivation levels, skepticism and hopes for therapy as part of the assessment. Problems are initially identified in both one on one sessions, and then lead into mutual encounters which are guided to elicit authentic feelings and engender empathy, understanding & appreciation. If a relationship is badly damaged (such as by infidelity) exercises for unraveling contempt are presented. Often in couples work, individuals become aware of certain cultural, inter-generational or early life patterns that get played out and learn strategies to manage them. When a relationship has run its course the work may be about "farewell".

Intimate relationships are like a dance – they can be quite joyful and energizing but when facing obstacles, partners need to find the steps and rhythm to move more freely. Couple therapy can provide a safe space in which you and your partner can gain a deeper understanding of one another and what contributes to difficulties within the dance of your relationship. Should you decide to attend sessions, I will work with you to facilitate honest conversations, help you to better understand what you may need from one another, and support you in finding a way to step toward more acceptance, intimacy, and connection. Contact me or book a free consultation if you wish to learn more.

Taking time with your loved one can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience. However, it can feel challenging when you and your partner are stuck in previous patterns of behaviour, communication, and interaction. As a couple therapist, I will support you in better understanding yourself, your loved one, and your relationship to navigate challenges (e.g., communication, attachment, trust, etc.). I seek to enable you and your partner to work as a team in navigating whatever struggles come your way and developing your own unique toolkit. Speak with me today for a free consultation to begin your journey.

I work with Couples who are committed to staying together. Every Couple will experience rocky times throughout their relationship, it is how they overcome challenges together that will keep their relationship healthy. I offer strategies and insights into how to understand each others ever changing needs, as well as helpful communication strategies to avoid miscommunication and unhelpful "mindgames".

In providing couples therapy I follow the approach of Stan Tatkin. Stan Tatkin work focuses on helping a couple notice their reactions to their partner and learn how to support each other in their attachment needs. In part this approach is focuses on arousal regulation, current and past attachments, how our brain fires in relationships. The focus in this approach is on the couple and the “couple’s bubble”. Some of this work can include reflecting and managing the “thirds” in a relationship, i.e. others that impede or impact on the couple’s bond. I welcome you in contacting me for a free consultation session before setting up your couple’s therapy appointment.

Couples are supported to communicate more clearly with each other, as well as learn more positive communication skills, see the strengths in each other, and in the relationship. They will be encouraged to work on breaking down old, unhealthy habits and beliefs, and build healthy, positive relationship habits, that bring them together for deeper connection and bonding.