Strong relationships do take some work. This is especially true for couples in a love relationship. The unwritten but proven rule is that relationships thrive on clear, positive communication and honesty. When couples have different ideas of what constitutes communication and have contrasting approaches about ways to deal with children, finances, and the dozens of other things that come up every day, it can make a living together tough. Experienced therapists in Ottawa can help you and your partner learn new skills to build a better relationship.
1. What is relationship counselling, and how does it work?
Relationship counselling is a type of therapy in which a couples counsellor works with both parties during counselling sessions. The therapist helps create a safe place for couples to share their feelings and needs with each other. Through active dialogue, the therapist can lead the couple to find solutions without conflict.
2. What to expect during a couple’s therapy session?
Couples counselling in Ottawa typically involves sessions in which you both meet with your therapist together. Your therapist will ask you what your goals for counselling are and help you work toward them. The therapist’s goal will be to help you improve and develop skills you can use within your relationship. You may be given homework such as logging your feelings and emotions through the week as you go through your routine or asking each of you to share something about yourselves or your day, while the other partner listens.
3. What can I do if my partner won’t go to couples counselling?
When your partner refuses to attend couples counselling, you shouldn’t force the issue. Discuss your struggles in your relationships, but don’t blame your partner. Ask if they will consider trying two or three sessions. If your partner still refuses to join you in couples therapy you may want to consider individual counselling to help you learn skills that may serve to put your relationship back on the right track. And hopefully once your partner sees positive changes, he or she may change their mind and come for couples therapy.
4. Is relationship counselling only for couples that always fight?
You don’t go to a gym only to lose weight! Much like going to a gym can improve your overall fitness levels, couples counselling can help you improve your relationship, even if you aren’t fighting. Marriage counselling in Ottawa isn’t just for couples who are struggling, nor is it just for married couples. Any couple that wants to learn new skills for communication, empathy, and trust or give their marriage a tune-up can use couples counselling as a boost.
5. How do I know if my relationship can benefit from couples counselling?
Most couples do benefit from counselling services in Ottawa, even when the relationship may seem broken and beyond repair. Our counsellors are trained to help couples through their toughest times and to find long-lasting solutions for the relationship. If you want to preserve your relationship, but there are problems that you don’t know how to solve, couples therapy is a good place to start.
6. How often is couples counselling successful?
Psychology Today reports that couples counselling has a 75% success rate using EFT when both parties are willing to learn new skills and to become emotionally vulnerable with each other. These results have been seen across cultural lines, with military veterans, and with parents of disabled children. The positive results and new skills you both learn from relationship counselling in Ottawa can help keep your relationship strong for years even after you finish therapy.
Our Dedicated Therapists Can Help You
Don’t give up on your relationship! Timely intervention from a trained professional therapist can help you and your partner communicate better and continue being together. Get more information about our couples counselling services in Ottawa. Set up an appointment by calling our office at 613-287-3799 or emailing us.
