Unhealthy patterns can ultimately change the dynamic of relationships and lead to unnecessary resentment and stress. Through effective communication, couples have the opportunity to deepen their connection and regain feelings of love and excitement in their relationship. If you are feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, you have the opportunity to discover how to move beyond counterproductive ways of being and develop a stronger bond based on mutual respect. 

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Why Counselling?

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Couples counselling allows for the opportunity to address your relational challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Our priority is to provide space for both parties to feel heard and understood. Counselling enables you to communicate effectively while attending to each other’s emotions, perceptions, and underlying needs. Everyone deserves an uplifting and supportive relationship that enhances their well-being.

If you are feeling stuck in a relationship that defaults to criticism, defensiveness, disrespect, or withdrawal then professional help can support the positive change that you're hoping for. Research shows that couples have the ability to recover from difficult periods. Contact us today to discover how to cultivate a connection that entails love, maturity, and passion.

What Makes Relationships Successful?

Research shows that couples who maintain friendship, an interest in one another’s worlds, and show consideration to one another (especially during conflict) are the most successful. According to John Gottman, a researcher who studied heterosexual and same sex couples for 40 years, happy relationships are characterized by dialogue and positive affection. They are committed, trusting, and manage conflict well.

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So, how can you rekindle these fundamental elements in your relationship? It may seem impossible, but the research shows that couples who are committed have the ability to regain or even deepen their connection. Please see below to learn about our intervention strategy.

But wait, I thought  

all you need is love?

Idealizing love seems to be a universal concept. Our culture, music, books, and movies tell us that love equals happiness. Love with the right person means that all of our suffering, our pain will resolve itself. Love is the solution to life’s problems, isn’t it?

Perhaps, putting pressure on our relationships to fulfil this idealized version of love isn’t healthy for us. Perhaps, in addition to love, focusing on important values and compatibility really IS healthy for us. After all, values are guiding principles and beliefs that dictate our behavior. That means attending to values like respect, trust, empathy and companionship will dictate behaviors of love and admiration.

Sustaining a healthy and happy relationship requires intent and commitment. We have to be mindful of how we create and maintain a lifelong connection with someone else. We have to create a foundation to return to during tough times. We have to know how to communicate our needs effectively to avoid resentment. And lastly, we have to be mindful of how we show up and support our partners every day. Rather than focusing on idealistic notions of what love should be, we focus on what actually works. 

The resiliency of your relationship is in your hands. Learn to cultivate respect and intimacy through scientific intervention. Contact us at 604-449-8549 to speak with a trained relationship Counsellor today. 

With divorce rates on the rise, it remains evident that many couples feel challenged to maintain intimacy, verbal + physical affection, and friendship during their marriage. Research reveals that Premarital Counselling is an effective investment to support a healthy lifelong commitment. Participating in premarital counselling can profoundly change the course of your marriage by preparing you for the life that you and your partner are creating together. Contact us to learn more about the program.