Relationships are hard.

We are all in them, from romantic relationships, boundaries, to processing our own stories, parenting, separation, divorce, communication, conflict resolution, relationship strengthening, and more. 

Are you feeling stuck in your relationship?
Do you want help improving your relationship?
Are you wanting to grow in communication and to resolve conflict in a healthy way?
Have you just experienced a breakup, or trying to process a breakup?
Needing help with healthy boundaries?

We are here for you.

Our team at Alive Counselling creates a safe space for couples to feel heard and work through issues they may be having.

We all work in relationship counselling, marriage counselling and couples counselling (also called couples therapy) in Kelowna, BC and Online Counselling across British Columbia. The right fit with your therapist and schedule is the most important part. We often draw from a variety modalities including EFT from Dr. Sue Johnson, Attachment perspective, and the Gottman method. That is why we have a great team of therapists to find the right fit for you, including daytime, evening, and weekend times for in person counselling and online counselling.

What do you do in couples counselling? Who can benefit from couples counselling?

Couples counseling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help couples improve their relationships and resolve conflicts. The specific techniques and approaches used in couples counseling can vary depending on the therapist’s theoretical orientation and the unique needs of the couple. However, there are common elements often found in couples counseling sessions:

• Communication skills: Therapists often focus on improving communication between partners. This may involve teaching effective listening skills, helping couples express their needs and feelings clearly, and providing tools to navigate difficult conversations.

• Conflict resolution: Couples counselors assist couples in identifying and resolving conflicts. This involves helping partners understand each other’s perspectives, finding common ground, and developing healthier ways to manage disagreements.

• Problem-solving: Therapists work with couples to identify specific issues or challenges within the relationship and help them develop practical solutions. This may involve setting goals, creating action plans, and monitoring progress.

• Exploration of emotions: Couples therapy provides a safe space for partners to express and explore their emotions. Understanding each other’s emotional experiences can lead to increased empathy and connection.

• Building empathy and understanding: Therapists help couples develop empathy for each other by encouraging them to see situations from the other person’s point of view. This can foster a deeper understanding and connection.

• Intimacy and connection: Couples counselors often address issues related to intimacy and emotional connection. This may involve exploring ways to enhance emotional and physical intimacy, rebuild trust, and strengthen the emotional bond between partners.

• Setting goals: Couples may work with the therapist to establish specific goals for their relationship. These goals could be related to communication, trust-building, or other areas that the couple wants to improve.

• Addressing individual concerns: Sometimes, individual issues or personal challenges can impact a relationship. Couples therapy may involve addressing individual concerns that are affecting the dynamics of the relationship.

• Education and skill-building: Therapists may provide education on relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and healthy relationship skills. They may also teach practical techniques for managing stress, conflict, and other challenges.

• Developing a plan for the future: Couples counseling often includes discussions about the couple’s vision for the future, both individually and as a couple. This may involve setting long-term goals and working towards a shared vision.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of couples counseling depends on the willingness of both partners to actively engage in the process and make changes. Additionally, the specific approach used by the therapist may vary, as there are different therapeutic models and techniques employed in couples counseling. We often draw from a variety modalities including EFT from Dr. Sue Johnson, Attachment perspective, and the Gottman method.