Photo of Randall Guiterrez, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Thunder Bay, ON
Randall Guiterrez
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Thunder Bay, ON P7C
I am accepting NEW patients! I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which has been proven to be very effective in a wide variety of situations, particularly with traumatic memories. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations (refugees, newcomers, trauma victims & LGBTQ+ communities) and front-line staff (police officers, paramedics, firefighters, doctors, nurses, veterans etc). I have helped many people reclaim their lives and move forward after the unimaginable happens-I look forward to helping you do the same.
I am accepting NEW patients! I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which has been proven to be very effective in a wide variety of situations, particularly with traumatic memories. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations (refugees, newcomers, trauma victims & LGBTQ+ communities) and front-line staff (police officers, paramedics, firefighters, doctors, nurses, veterans etc). I have helped many people reclaim their lives and move forward after the unimaginable happens-I look forward to helping you do the same.
(289) 273-7987 View (289) 273-7987
Photo of Jessica L McMillan, Registered Social Worker in Thunder Bay, ON
Jessica L McMillan
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Thunder Bay, ON P7A  (Online Only)
Over the past fifteen years, I have worked with a variety of populations including adults, youth, and children all with diverse personalities, cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and complex needs. I have experience in mental health and addiction counselling, child welfare, disability supports, and community social work.
Over the past fifteen years, I have worked with a variety of populations including adults, youth, and children all with diverse personalities, cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and complex needs. I have experience in mental health and addiction counselling, child welfare, disability supports, and community social work.
(807) 788-1477 View (807) 788-1477

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Couples Counselling

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.