Photo of Tracey Sebastian, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in N2L, ON
Tracey Sebastian
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MA Cand, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
I know that life can get complicated, messy, and stressful, and we often feel alone in our struggle. It can be difficult to allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and accepted for who we are, and it takes self-awareness, courage, and vulnerability to reach out for help, so I honour you for being here and taking the next step. Sharing your story and your struggles in a safe and supportive space can be empowering and healing. I believe in your capacity for resilience, growth, and healing.
I know that life can get complicated, messy, and stressful, and we often feel alone in our struggle. It can be difficult to allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and accepted for who we are, and it takes self-awareness, courage, and vulnerability to reach out for help, so I honour you for being here and taking the next step. Sharing your story and your struggles in a safe and supportive space can be empowering and healing. I believe in your capacity for resilience, growth, and healing.
(226) 408-4768 View (226) 408-4768
Photo of Tracey Nguyen at Tracey & Co Inc in N2L, ON
Tracey Nguyen at Tracey & Co Inc
MN, RN
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L  (Online Only)
You often struggle in an anxious fawn-freeze response with narcissists in your life, afraid to express yourself for fear of abandonment, rejection and their emotional reactions. You tend to pedestal others, people-please and behave in ways for approval but it is exhausting. Compulsive control, fantasizing, caretaking and perfectionism with people, relationships and life make you live in an arena of constant expectation, the need to keep up appearances and never feeling good enough is tiring. You yearn to feel safe and express your true self, be present and build healthier relationships and trust your life's authentic path.
You often struggle in an anxious fawn-freeze response with narcissists in your life, afraid to express yourself for fear of abandonment, rejection and their emotional reactions. You tend to pedestal others, people-please and behave in ways for approval but it is exhausting. Compulsive control, fantasizing, caretaking and perfectionism with people, relationships and life make you live in an arena of constant expectation, the need to keep up appearances and never feeling good enough is tiring. You yearn to feel safe and express your true self, be present and build healthier relationships and trust your life's authentic path.
(647) 250-1569 View (647) 250-1569

See more therapy options for N2L

Marriage Counselling

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.