fbpx

The Power of Couples Counselling

Let’s face it – relationships are hard work. It can feel scary to admit this because we equate “hard” with meaning something is wrong. But this is not always true! With intimate relationships, hard can simply mean you need to team-up and find a new way forward together. The challenge is that so many of us don’t know how to do this, or when we try, we get stuck or end up in a fight with our partner. This cycle is frustrating and keeps us from finding a way forward.

The relationship counselling we offer is designed to help you and your partner create the kind of relationship you want — whatever that looks like for you. We work with you to identify your personal relationship goals and develop strategies to achieve them. We help you to walk towards a relationship that feels connected, nourishing and fulfilling.

Whether you are in crisis and need help navigating those rough waters; or simply want to strengthen your steady relationship with counselling check-in’s (or maybe something in-between) — our relationship counselling can be a great first step towards building what you want, together.

What is Couples Counselling?

First off, couples counselling is no longer just for conventional relationships. Relationships take many forms — dating, married, common-law, co-parenting, polyamorous, open-marriage and more. All people, in all relationships deserve support when they get stuck.

During your counselling journey, you and your partner(s) will have the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a safe and supportive environment. Our counsellors are trained to help you communicate more effectively, deepen your emotional and physical intimacy, and work through past traumas (both individual and relationship traumas). You will also receive support to navigate life’s transitions — such as becoming parents, losing loved ones, and adjusting to retirement and more.

Cookie cutter is not how we do things — every relationship is unique and we tailor our approach to work with your specific struggles and desired goals. Our approach is collaborative, non-judgmental and focused on what you need to make things better, together.

Benefits of Couples Counselling

Couples counselling can benefit your relationship in so many ways — here are just a few:

1. Improved Communication:
One of the most common roadblocks relationships hit is a breakdown in healthy communication. Feeling misunderstood, unheard, or having differing realities are some of the most common struggles we hear about. Couples counselling can help you slow down, communicate more clearly, listen more openly, increase awareness of the underlying issues in the communication breakdown (your own and your partners’), and practice new ways of communicating and connecting.

2. Increased Intimacy and Closeness:
Repetitive struggles and disconnection do not leave much space for closeness or intimacy. Couples counselling can help you identify the underlying issues that are contributing to this disconnection, and develop strategies to help you reconnect emotionally and physically.

3. Conflict Resolution:
When conflict arises in relationship, all good behaviour and healthy strategies can go out the window. It’s hard to access the best parts of you when you are “seeing red” or feeling shut down. Much of conflict resolution begins with nervous system regulation, then understanding yourself and your partner(s), and finally making active changes. Counselling can be helpful with all three of these steps.

Why Choose Breathing Space Counselling in Port Moody?

At Breathing Space Counselling, we offer relationship counselling that is responsive to the unique struggles you face in your relationship. Our therapists will work with you and your partner to help you identify the underlying struggles and challenges you face (individually and as a couple) in your relationship and develop new ways forward, together.

Our team of therapists make use of a variety of approaches and modalities – this allows for each couple to receive exactly what they need each time they come to session. Sessions are available in our Port Moody offices or online.

Our therapeutic approach emphasizes emotional safety, empathy, and collaboration. We believe that by working together, we can help you and your partner develop the practical and emotional skills you need to move through your challenges and build a stronger, healthier, more connected relationship – a relationship that will weather the storms of life.

We welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ couples, as well as those in polyamorous or non-traditional relationships.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

How I Got Myself Into Hot Water as a Couples Counsellor

By Nasreen Gulamhusein

I remember the first time I found myself in a big ethical bind with a couple I had been seeing for a few months. 

I was sitting across from one of the partners who had just revealed a big secret to me. The problem? The other half of the couple was not in the room to hear it. So, now I knew a secret the other partner did not know. I could literally feel myself break into a sweat because this had happened 20 minutes into the session. I still had 40 minutes to go. 

I was relatively new to couples counselling at the time, and I knew the revelation of this secret had put me in an ethical bind. It was only after I sat with my supervisor and walked her through the details of the situation, that I realized how complicated the bind actually was. After I explained all of the steps I had taken, my supervisor helped me to understand the mistakes I made which could have helped me avoid this challenging situation. 

After three supervision sessions, I had a clear understanding of the steps I had to take to clean up my mistake and provide the couple with steps to move forward. I met with the couple twice more. I made apologies, they had anger and frustration (at me and each other) and we moved through it and forward. 

This couple took some amazingly brave steps despite this challenge and their relationship progressed and grew because of it. AND, it could have gone very differently for all of us had they decided differently. 

After this experience I realized the delicacy and complexity of working with a couple in crisis. What I wished is that someone had walked me through the 101’s of couples counselling — ethics, dynamics, challenges and more. 

So, that is what we are offering you! 

The Art of Couples Counselling workshop explores the emotional dynamic underlying all primary relationships. It will examine common issues and challenges the counsellor may encounter, and discusses methods of supporting the couple’s movement towards deeper emotional contact and commitment.

Please join us on Sunday, June 23rd from 10am to 3pm in East Vancouver for this workshop. 

There are 3 spots left — register today!

<< REGISTER NOW >>

Relationship Counselling: Mend Differences, Strengthen Bonds

In the bustling city of Port Moody, Canada, where life moves at a fast pace, relationships often face challenges that can strain the bonds we hold dear. Whether you’re facing communication issues, struggles with intimacy, parenting dilemmas, or standing at a relationship crossroad, seeking professional help might be the key to healing and growth. Relationship counselling in Port Moody offers a safe and supportive space to address underlying issues, mend differences, and strengthen the love you share with your partner. Let’s explore why relationship counselling is a must and how it can help you overcome the obstacles standing in the way of a harmonious partnership.

  • Are you facing recurring issues in your relationship?

Every relationship goes through rough patches, but when the same problems resurface again and again, it’s time to dig deeper. Relationship counselling can help you identify the root causes of these issues and provide valuable insights into resolving them effectively.

  • Is communication becoming increasingly difficult?

Communication lies at the heart of any successful relationship. Misunderstandings and communication breakdowns can create emotional distance between partners. Skilled therapists can teach you communication techniques to express your needs, emotions, and concerns constructively, fostering healthier dialogues.

  • Have you experienced betrayals or breaches of trust?

Rebuilding trust after betrayals or breaches can be an arduous process. Relationship counselling offers a safe space to address the pain, work on forgiveness, and rebuild trust gradually. Therapists can guide you both through this delicate journey, helping to restore the foundation of your relationship.

  • Are parenting challenges impacting your relationship?

Parenthood can be a joyful experience, but it also brings unique challenges. The added responsibilities and differences in parenting styles can sometimes lead to conflicts between partners. Relationship counselling can provide a platform to address these challenges and find common ground to support each other as parents.

  • Are you at a crossroad in your relationship?

Life is full of transitions, and sometimes, relationships face critical junctures that can define their future. Whether you’re considering marriage, cohabitation, or dealing with other significant life changes, relationship counselling can help you navigate these decisions together, with clarity and understanding.

Finding the Best Relationship Therapists

To find the best relationship therapists in Port Moody, look for practitioners with relevant experience and proper credentials. Seek referrals from trusted friends or family members who have benefited from relationship counselling themselves. Online reviews and testimonials can also offer insights into therapists’ approaches and effectiveness. Additionally, ensure that the therapist you choose provides a comfortable and non-judgmental environment, as trust and rapport are essential for effective counselling.

Final Thoughts

When challenges arise in relationships, seeking professional guidance through relationship counselling can be a transformative step towards healing and growth. In Port Moody, Breathing Space Counselling offers a compassionate and supportive space for individuals and couples to work through their differences and discover new ways to strengthen their bonds. Don’t let unresolved issues weigh down your relationship; take that step towards a brighter future today.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling and harmonious relationship by reaching out to us at [contact details]. Together, let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and love, creating a deeper connection with yourself and your partner.