Couples Counselling Therapists in West Toronto, Toronto, ON

Photo of Victoria Sabo, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Victoria Sabo
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
Individuals, couples, and partners of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and family structures are welcome.
Virtual Only - Have you been feeling the impact of stress, anxiety, sadness, or low self-esteem lately? Do you struggle to find love, keep love, or feel safe in your current relationships? Do you feel the need to go into your history to better understand who you are? Don't know where to start, but want to get it all out? Whether you're looking to build skills, gain a fresh perspective, or just have someone to talk to, I can help. I offer individual and couples counselling, with a safe, open, and non-judgemental space. Let's sort through the fog and find some clarity.
Individuals, couples, and partners of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and family structures are welcome.
Virtual Only - Have you been feeling the impact of stress, anxiety, sadness, or low self-esteem lately? Do you struggle to find love, keep love, or feel safe in your current relationships? Do you feel the need to go into your history to better understand who you are? Don't know where to start, but want to get it all out? Whether you're looking to build skills, gain a fresh perspective, or just have someone to talk to, I can help. I offer individual and couples counselling, with a safe, open, and non-judgemental space. Let's sort through the fog and find some clarity.
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Photo of Dr. Iris Antonopoulos, Psychologist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Dr. Iris Antonopoulos
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6G
Waitlist for new clients
As a Clinical Psychologist, I work collaboratively with individuals and couples by drawing on their capacity for growth to help them gain greater self-understanding and meet their desired goals. I believe therapy should offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where clients can explore their inner worlds.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I work collaboratively with individuals and couples by drawing on their capacity for growth to help them gain greater self-understanding and meet their desired goals. I believe therapy should offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where clients can explore their inner worlds.
(437) 747-3979 x227 View (437) 747-3979 x227
Photo of Sonia Pahwa, Registered Social Worker in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Sonia Pahwa
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6J  (Online Only)
Individuals, couples, and families are welcome.
Welcome. Looking for creative ways to make meaningful change? Or a safe place to sit with the uncertainty of the moment? Therapy and counselling is a place that can help you voice your thoughts, explore and move through challenges, and grow in your desired direction. Our work together will look at your unique experience, and what is meaningful in your life. My approach is emotionally-focused, neurobiological, and trauma-informed.
Individuals, couples, and families are welcome.
Welcome. Looking for creative ways to make meaningful change? Or a safe place to sit with the uncertainty of the moment? Therapy and counselling is a place that can help you voice your thoughts, explore and move through challenges, and grow in your desired direction. Our work together will look at your unique experience, and what is meaningful in your life. My approach is emotionally-focused, neurobiological, and trauma-informed.
(289) 272-0903 View (289) 272-0903
Photo of Stacian (Staci) Watts, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Stacian (Staci) Watts
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
I have a Masters of Science in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph and over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and couples with navigating a range of personal and relational concerns.
"Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge." Audre Lorde. Using various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, I'm here to help you trust and listen to yourself more deeply and with self-compassion, while guiding you to apply the tools you need to lead a life in alignment with your values, dreams and goals. From an anti-oppressive lens we explore and make meaning of your unique story within your cultural and relational contexts. I am committed to ensuring my clients feel heard and respected in our sessions and will meet you where you are and move at the pace that feels right for you.
I have a Masters of Science in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph and over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and couples with navigating a range of personal and relational concerns.
"Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge." Audre Lorde. Using various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, I'm here to help you trust and listen to yourself more deeply and with self-compassion, while guiding you to apply the tools you need to lead a life in alignment with your values, dreams and goals. From an anti-oppressive lens we explore and make meaning of your unique story within your cultural and relational contexts. I am committed to ensuring my clients feel heard and respected in our sessions and will meet you where you are and move at the pace that feels right for you.
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Photo of Kelly Stephenson, Registered Social Worker in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Kelly Stephenson
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M5V  (Online Only)
I specializing in treating individuals and couples with a wide variety of backgrounds and presenting issues. I utilize various modalities, as well as psychotherapy, to help you improve your emotional well-being. My focus with individual clients is aimed at finding more self through the use of Internal Family Systems Therapy. Increased access to self results in feeling more calm, curious, and connected in the world around you, it may also be experienced as feeling more balanced or content. I help couples improve communication, manage conflict, make repairs, build fondness, and increase intimacy using Gottman Couples Therapy.
I specializing in treating individuals and couples with a wide variety of backgrounds and presenting issues. I utilize various modalities, as well as psychotherapy, to help you improve your emotional well-being. My focus with individual clients is aimed at finding more self through the use of Internal Family Systems Therapy. Increased access to self results in feeling more calm, curious, and connected in the world around you, it may also be experienced as feeling more balanced or content. I help couples improve communication, manage conflict, make repairs, build fondness, and increase intimacy using Gottman Couples Therapy.
(437) 291-7735 View (437) 291-7735
Photo of Aneta Dzienniak, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Aneta Dzienniak
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
Welcome! I offer individual and couples talk therapy to adults, bringing warmth, empathy and patience into each interaction. My aim is to make therapy a safe, comfortable and non-judgmental space where the healing process can take place. I practice through a strengths-based lens, tailoring my approach to fit each individual's diverse background. I integrate various evidence-based treatments to support my patients in developing better self-awareness, feeling “unstuck” and learning new skills (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, emotional focused therapy, attachment theory and mindfulness techniques).
Welcome! I offer individual and couples talk therapy to adults, bringing warmth, empathy and patience into each interaction. My aim is to make therapy a safe, comfortable and non-judgmental space where the healing process can take place. I practice through a strengths-based lens, tailoring my approach to fit each individual's diverse background. I integrate various evidence-based treatments to support my patients in developing better self-awareness, feeling “unstuck” and learning new skills (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, emotional focused therapy, attachment theory and mindfulness techniques).
(437) 747-6410 View (437) 747-6410
Photo of Emily Reed, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Emily Reed
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H  (Online Only)
I enjoy seeing insight develop as individuals and couples learn new ways to consider how their mood is impacted by their thinking and behavioural patterns.
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? When most of our time is spent juggling responsibilities, working on relationships, and keeping track of all our worries, our own wellness can fall to the bottom of the long to do list. Entering into therapy is a chance to take a breath, reassess and figure out the best ways to move forward. It would be an honour to join you in that journey.
I enjoy seeing insight develop as individuals and couples learn new ways to consider how their mood is impacted by their thinking and behavioural patterns.
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? When most of our time is spent juggling responsibilities, working on relationships, and keeping track of all our worries, our own wellness can fall to the bottom of the long to do list. Entering into therapy is a chance to take a breath, reassess and figure out the best ways to move forward. It would be an honour to join you in that journey.
(289) 210-7050 View (289) 210-7050
Photo of Alan Davis, Counsellor in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Alan Davis
Counsellor, DCTP, MTC
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H  (Online Only)
Everybody from an early age develops a 'story'. The story becomes an accumulation of everything that we experience. Made up of thoughts, emotions and feelings. All stories are similar, how we learn to live with our experiences makes our story unique. We learn to identify, believing that we are our story, creating situations and patterns in our lives that often become problematic. Psychotherapy is extremely beneficial if you are experiencing low self esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, loneliness, anger, forgiveness, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and family struggles.
Everybody from an early age develops a 'story'. The story becomes an accumulation of everything that we experience. Made up of thoughts, emotions and feelings. All stories are similar, how we learn to live with our experiences makes our story unique. We learn to identify, believing that we are our story, creating situations and patterns in our lives that often become problematic. Psychotherapy is extremely beneficial if you are experiencing low self esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, loneliness, anger, forgiveness, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and family struggles.
(647) 977-5892 View (647) 977-5892
Photo of Heyday Therapy Inc, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Heyday Therapy Inc
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P
It is natural to need professional support when struggling with mental health. Here are examples of some issues that our therapists can help you with: anger management, anxiety/stress and depression management, addiction, burnout, relationship counseling, or couples counseling, marital & pre-marital therapy, family conflicts, modern parenting, blended families, children and divorce, teen issues, relationship problems, instability, conflict or communication issues, dating issues, infidelity peer relationships Illness or disease diagnoses bereavement, grief and loss counselling, career and corporate coaching, etc.
It is natural to need professional support when struggling with mental health. Here are examples of some issues that our therapists can help you with: anger management, anxiety/stress and depression management, addiction, burnout, relationship counseling, or couples counseling, marital & pre-marital therapy, family conflicts, modern parenting, blended families, children and divorce, teen issues, relationship problems, instability, conflict or communication issues, dating issues, infidelity peer relationships Illness or disease diagnoses bereavement, grief and loss counselling, career and corporate coaching, etc.
(647) 797-9743 View (647) 797-9743
Photo of David Kirshner - Adhd And Autism Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
David Kirshner - Adhd And Autism Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6K  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have 5+ years of experience working with ADHD & Autism in children, teenagers, adults, seniors, families and couples.
As a neurodivergent person with ADHD myself, I know some of the difficulties you may face. If you have ADHD and/or are Autistic, you’ve probably spent many years trying to fight your own brain and force yourself to act “normal,” but find this never works in the long run. Or perhaps you have someone in your life who is neurodivergent, and are struggling meet their needs and your own. You may experience painful emotions, difficulty understanding yourself, and frustrating personal relationships. Navigating life can be overwhelming when you're neurodivergent, but I firmly believe there is hope, and I want you to feel hopeful too.
I have 5+ years of experience working with ADHD & Autism in children, teenagers, adults, seniors, families and couples.
As a neurodivergent person with ADHD myself, I know some of the difficulties you may face. If you have ADHD and/or are Autistic, you’ve probably spent many years trying to fight your own brain and force yourself to act “normal,” but find this never works in the long run. Or perhaps you have someone in your life who is neurodivergent, and are struggling meet their needs and your own. You may experience painful emotions, difficulty understanding yourself, and frustrating personal relationships. Navigating life can be overwhelming when you're neurodivergent, but I firmly believe there is hope, and I want you to feel hopeful too.
(647) 696-1259 View (647) 696-1259
Photo of Gillian Frise, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Gillian Frise
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R
Whether you are coming with clear practical goals or for more open-ended exploration, my compassionate therapeutic approach will help you create more stability and move you out of habitual patterns of restrictions and avoidance, towards a meaningful and valued direction. I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years in both private practice and mental health settings. I have experience with a range of issues including, childhood trauma, violence, anxiety, depression, addictions, parenting and relationship issues.
Whether you are coming with clear practical goals or for more open-ended exploration, my compassionate therapeutic approach will help you create more stability and move you out of habitual patterns of restrictions and avoidance, towards a meaningful and valued direction. I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years in both private practice and mental health settings. I have experience with a range of issues including, childhood trauma, violence, anxiety, depression, addictions, parenting and relationship issues.
(647) 559-1486 View (647) 559-1486
Photo of Lynda Ceresne, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Lynda Ceresne
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R
My areas of specialty include: adult family conflict, relationship repair, parenting, career challenges, trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, women's mental health, dating, separation, divorce, intimate partner violence, grief, and living with cancer.
I am a dynamic, highly skilled, and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist. I have over 25 years of experience working successfully with youth and adults, couples, and families. I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help and how important it is to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. We will work together to identify changes you want to make and establish therapy goals. My clinical therapy work is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I act as a facilitator and guide, assisting clients to realize their goals for change, feel happier, and be more effective personally and professionally.
My areas of specialty include: adult family conflict, relationship repair, parenting, career challenges, trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, women's mental health, dating, separation, divorce, intimate partner violence, grief, and living with cancer.
I am a dynamic, highly skilled, and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist. I have over 25 years of experience working successfully with youth and adults, couples, and families. I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help and how important it is to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. We will work together to identify changes you want to make and establish therapy goals. My clinical therapy work is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I act as a facilitator and guide, assisting clients to realize their goals for change, feel happier, and be more effective personally and professionally.
(647) 360-5122 View (647) 360-5122
Photo of Jennifer Servinis Counselling, Registered Social Worker in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Jennifer Servinis Counselling
Registered Social Worker, LLB, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6G
Jennifer's practice focuses on supporting individuals, couples and families navigating life's challenges and the relationships that are most important to them. She works with clients exploring meaning, purpose and connection in their day to day, as well as with couples and families seeking to strengthen, repair and reconnect in their relationships.
Jennifer's practice focuses on supporting individuals, couples and families navigating life's challenges and the relationships that are most important to them. She works with clients exploring meaning, purpose and connection in their day to day, as well as with couples and families seeking to strengthen, repair and reconnect in their relationships.
(437) 747-0941 View (437) 747-0941
Photo of Moustafa Abdelrahman, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Moustafa Abdelrahman
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MBA
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6J
I work with adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work stressors, challenging life transitions, grief, past traumas, relationship issues, sexual and sexuality issues.
Therapy takes courage. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and genuine. I balance my knowledge of theory and technique with a non-judgemental, compassionate and affirming environment to support goals and work towards where you want to be in life. I work with adults of various ages, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. I have extensive experience working with and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am also proficient in both English and Arabic. Having lived in the Middle East a significant part of my life, I am familiar with the cultural issues.
I work with adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work stressors, challenging life transitions, grief, past traumas, relationship issues, sexual and sexuality issues.
Therapy takes courage. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and genuine. I balance my knowledge of theory and technique with a non-judgemental, compassionate and affirming environment to support goals and work towards where you want to be in life. I work with adults of various ages, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. I have extensive experience working with and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am also proficient in both English and Arabic. Having lived in the Middle East a significant part of my life, I am familiar with the cultural issues.
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Photo of Norette Rene-Gougeon, Registered Social Worker in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Norette Rene-Gougeon
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H  (Online Only)
I work with indivduals experiencing emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, life stage transitions, parenting challenges, low self esteem, stress and relationship difficulties.
You may be feeling stuck in patterns of behaviour, or ways of thinking about yourself and your relationships that leaves you feeling self critical, emotionally overwhelmed or feeling trapped in a negative cycle. Reaching out for support is the first step to exploring and making sense of the struggles that you are experiencing. My role as a therapist is to be your guide in gaining insight into the origin of these struggles and to support you in understanding yourself and your emotions with greater compassion, so that you can make positive changes for your future.
I work with indivduals experiencing emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, life stage transitions, parenting challenges, low self esteem, stress and relationship difficulties.
You may be feeling stuck in patterns of behaviour, or ways of thinking about yourself and your relationships that leaves you feeling self critical, emotionally overwhelmed or feeling trapped in a negative cycle. Reaching out for support is the first step to exploring and making sense of the struggles that you are experiencing. My role as a therapist is to be your guide in gaining insight into the origin of these struggles and to support you in understanding yourself and your emotions with greater compassion, so that you can make positive changes for your future.
(437) 747-5123 View (437) 747-5123
Photo of Jane Dalton, Psychologist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Jane Dalton
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R
As a Clinical Psychologist and a proud co-owner of the Roncesvalles Psychology Clinic, I help adults and couples with emotional, attachment and relationship issues. I specialize in relationships, marital distress, childhood trauma and mood disorders. My therapy style is warm and collaborative. I help people better understand their emotions and use them to be more self-accepting and create closer relationships. I help couples learn to express themselves in ways that prevent conflict and distress, boost intimacy and relationship satisfaction. By working at a deeper level, I help people create lasting change.
As a Clinical Psychologist and a proud co-owner of the Roncesvalles Psychology Clinic, I help adults and couples with emotional, attachment and relationship issues. I specialize in relationships, marital distress, childhood trauma and mood disorders. My therapy style is warm and collaborative. I help people better understand their emotions and use them to be more self-accepting and create closer relationships. I help couples learn to express themselves in ways that prevent conflict and distress, boost intimacy and relationship satisfaction. By working at a deeper level, I help people create lasting change.
(855) 997-1611 View (855) 997-1611
Photo of Counselling 2 Wellness, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Counselling 2 Wellness
Registered Psychotherapist, MSW, RSW, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6S
Trust your care in our hands, we are a team of senior clinicians all having many years of experience providing treatment to individuals, families and couples in private practice and in an outpatient hospital setting.
Are your feeling consumed by your emotions and thoughts? Have you wanted to start therapy for some time, and feeling ready to take the next step to gain direction and support. Are you interested in exploring talk therapy as opposed to taking medication? As a leading organization in treating depression and anxiety disorders, Counselling2Wellness can help you reach your emotional goals. All extended health benefits will be accepted
Trust your care in our hands, we are a team of senior clinicians all having many years of experience providing treatment to individuals, families and couples in private practice and in an outpatient hospital setting.
Are your feeling consumed by your emotions and thoughts? Have you wanted to start therapy for some time, and feeling ready to take the next step to gain direction and support. Are you interested in exploring talk therapy as opposed to taking medication? As a leading organization in treating depression and anxiety disorders, Counselling2Wellness can help you reach your emotional goals. All extended health benefits will be accepted
(647) 360-0676 x34 View (647) 360-0676 x34
Photo of Toronto Counselling Centre for Teens, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Toronto Counselling Centre for Teens
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6S
We offer individual teen, young adult, adult, parent, family, and couples sessions both in-person and online.
We know young people and families well. Helping teens and families feel better is what we do best, and we offer a range of therapy services provided by empathetic, caring staff. Our therapists regularly help our clients with issues such as anxiety, depression, body image, anger management, bullying, self-esteem, self harm, complex family dynamics, school issues and more. In therapy with them, you can expect warm and client-centred care, and they will help you co-create and cultivate new ways of being with improved communication, restored connection, and healing.
We offer individual teen, young adult, adult, parent, family, and couples sessions both in-person and online.
We know young people and families well. Helping teens and families feel better is what we do best, and we offer a range of therapy services provided by empathetic, caring staff. Our therapists regularly help our clients with issues such as anxiety, depression, body image, anger management, bullying, self-esteem, self harm, complex family dynamics, school issues and more. In therapy with them, you can expect warm and client-centred care, and they will help you co-create and cultivate new ways of being with improved communication, restored connection, and healing.
(416) 565-4504 View (416) 565-4504
Photo of Maryam Gholamrezaei, Psychologist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Maryam Gholamrezaei
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6S
In my work with couples, I use Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, addressing negative communication patterns, unmet emotional needs, and infidelity.
I am a licensed Clinical and Counselling Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I hold a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from McGill University and have completed my pre-doctoral internship at Brampton Civic Hospital. I provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment for individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, shame, self-criticism, perfectionism, relationship issues, complex trauma, PTSD, and emotion regulation, among others.
In my work with couples, I use Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, addressing negative communication patterns, unmet emotional needs, and infidelity.
I am a licensed Clinical and Counselling Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I hold a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from McGill University and have completed my pre-doctoral internship at Brampton Civic Hospital. I provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment for individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, shame, self-criticism, perfectionism, relationship issues, complex trauma, PTSD, and emotion regulation, among others.
(647) 692-1630 View (647) 692-1630
Photo of Valerie Campbell, Registered Psychotherapist in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Valerie Campbell
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
We will get to the heart of your concerns through a collaborative, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.
Discover A New Perspective on Your Life. | EMDR Certified Therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). | Chances are, you are searching for answers, ways to cope, emotional regulation, insight, or meaning. Ultimately, you want to feel better about yourself, others, or the world around you. I have extensive experience working with individuals who struggle with self-pressure, a self-critical voice, a sense of guilt or shame, or find security through seeking achievement or perfection.
We will get to the heart of your concerns through a collaborative, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.
Discover A New Perspective on Your Life. | EMDR Certified Therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). | Chances are, you are searching for answers, ways to cope, emotional regulation, insight, or meaning. Ultimately, you want to feel better about yourself, others, or the world around you. I have extensive experience working with individuals who struggle with self-pressure, a self-critical voice, a sense of guilt or shame, or find security through seeking achievement or perfection.
(647) 952-2584 View (647) 952-2584

See more therapy options for West Toronto, Toronto

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.