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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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".

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.

When you choose to explore couple’s therapy, there is often a desire to connect with your partner but a piling up of unresolved emotions that may motivate you to seek help. As a therapist, I use that same desire to try to help you recognize the patterns of communication that are preventing you from understanding each other. I would like to validate both your experiences and foster a new kind of communication that can hold space for both your needs. If you are ready to rebuild your relationship, call now for a free consultation.

A loving relationship can be a source of profound connecting and security, and as with many aspects of life worth pursuing, it requires nurturing. While I do not offer couple therapy sessions, we have many couple and family therapists at Psychotherapy Collective, my online clinic who are availability to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure they are the proper fit for your journey. Visit our website to book a free couple consultation https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/services/couple-therapy

Communication skills are particularly useful for couples but often need to be learned and practiced. Past hurts need to be mended and cuts need to heal before trust and commitment can build a new foundation on which to move forward. Sometimes the early months of a relationship spark excitement and feelings of euphoria; however, these euphoric feelings give way to familiarity, and we start taking each other for granted. Relationship counseling promotes individual growth and awareness and works towards improved intimacy and deeper connection. Using the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help partners bring back the spark and give you new reasons to celebrate.

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+

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".

Conflict and loneliness can be most painful when they arise in our most cherished relationship. Therapy can provide a supportive space to explore your concerns in an open and honest way with your partner. My approach to couples therapy acknowledges the importance of relationships in our lives and focuses on strengthening these relationships by fostering safe, honest and open communication. Contact me to start your healing journey and book a free consultation