What is couples counselling?

 

When one or both partners notice that their quality of life is suffering from unhealthy relationship patterns, it is usually a good time to seek professional help. Here at Next Step, we understand the importance of meaningful relationships. We also recognize that relationships can be difficult to navigate. 

Our counsellors aim to provide you with a deeper awareness of where the conflict is coming from. We provide a space where couples can work together to resolve their relationship stressors. In the process, you learn the necessary tools to communicate effectively and break dysfunctional cycles—and come out stronger as a result.

Ultimately, a successful course of couples counselling leaves clients feeling much closer, safer and secure in their relationship. 

In couples counselling, we offer support in the following areas:

 

  • Communication
  • Boundary setting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Pre-marital
  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Grief and loss

 

Typical issues: We have helped couples who felt that there wasn’t much of a relationship left to save. This was a last-ditch effort to turn things around before taking the next step of filing for divorce. Issues included: volatility, inappropriate fighting, name-calling, and lack of trust.

How we help: We help couples resolve relationship issues through a variety of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and solution-focused therapy (SFT). 

What our clients say: “Next Step therapists are easy to connect with, and have a seemingly natural ability to see what lies behind the conflict. They helped us feel comfortable and supported in a safe, non-judgmental environment.”

Results: As a result of couples counselling sessions with Next Step, our clients are able to label their feelings and emotions, and in turn, properly direct behaviour to their partner in a loving way. Our clients leave feeling confident, more accepted by their partners, and having gained a deeper understanding of their own feelings. 

 

We have had clients share that “For the first time ever, we feel we are growing as a couple—as a team, friends, and lovers.”