Couples counselling, also known as marriage counselling or couples therapy, helps partners navigate various relationship challenges. Issues may arise at different stages, whether before a serious commitment, during a marriage, or even in the midst of a separation.
Pre-marital counselling can help couples assess how family backgrounds or past relationships impact their future together. It can also address individual concerns that may affect the relationship’s health.
For couples already in a committed partnership or marriage, therapy can improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen commitment—whether that involves deciding if they are emotionally, physically, and financially ready for a child or working through crises such as betrayal, job loss, grief, illness, or accidents. Additionally, therapy can support couples navigating separation, divorce, or co-parenting challenges.
Our therapists also work with couples facing issues related to intimacy, sexuality, past hurts, betrayals, and the process of seeking or granting forgiveness.
What to Expect from Couples Counselling
Before sessions begin, each partner will complete an intake form to provide insight into their individual concerns and perspectives. A thorough assessment follows, allowing the therapist to determine whether joint sessions alone will suffice or if additional individual sessions are necessary to explore deeper issues that may be difficult to discuss together.
Session Frequency & Duration
Most couples benefit from biweekly sessions, allowing time to apply newly learned skills and address emerging concerns. The number of sessions varies depending on the complexity of the issues:
- One to three sessions may be sufficient for addressing a single issue, such as deciding whether to have a child, commit to a relationship, or navigate a healthy divorce.
- Six to eight sessions are typically recommended for more complex concerns over a period of two to three months.
- Ongoing sessions may be necessary for deeper issues, with follow-ups available as needed.
Couples can decide when to conclude therapy or consult their therapist on the best time to wrap up and schedule follow-up sessions if necessary.