Couples Counselling and Couples Therapy Services

Couples counselling at Upstream Counselling is a specialized form of therapy aimed at helping couples and families navigate relationship challenges, improve communication, and build a stronger connection. Our couples counselling centre offers a wide range of services designed to address the unique needs of each relationship.

Types of Issues Addressed: Couples counselling can help with various relational challenges, including infidelity, lack of connection, communication breakdowns, and sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction. Couples may also seek couples therapy to address life transitions, like moving to a new city, dealing with postpartum depression, or coping with the stress of parenting. Therapy helps partners explore and resolve issues related to past hurts, disconnection, and even physical or emotional distance.

Therapists and Approaches: At Upstream Counselling, our couples counsellors include licensed psychotherapists, social workers (RSWs), and marriage and family therapists, all of whom have years of experience working with couples. Our therapists are trained in various techniques and approaches, including the Gottman Method, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and trauma-informed care. We offer couples both in-person and online therapy sessions, making professional help accessible to those in Greater Vancouver and beyond.  Our therapists are dedicated to supporting individuals and couples through effective, personalized care.

Therapeutic Techniques: The therapy process is tailored to meet the specific needs of each couple. Our therapists offer a combination of evidence-based techniques such as EFT, which focuses on understanding and changing relationship dynamics, and the Gottman Method, which helps couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance overall relationship satisfaction. We also offer sex therapy for couples facing sexual difficulties and individual counselling for partners needing support with personal issues that impact the relationship.

Convenience and Accessibility: Upstream Counselling provides therapy sessions both in-person and through a secure online platform, allowing couples to access support from the comfort of their own homes. This flexibility assists couples continue to engage in therapy consistently, making it easier to fit sessions into their busy schedules.

Couples counselling at Upstream Counselling offers a supportive environment where partners can work on their relationship dynamics, guided by experienced professionals dedicated to helping them build a strong, healthy connection.

Effective communication is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship, and couples counselling at Upstream Counselling focuses on enhancing these skills between partners. Our couples and relationship counsellors specialize in couples therapy that addresses patterns of communication, assisting couples to communicate effectively and feel heard.

Addressing Communication Patterns: Many couples experience communication issues that lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and a lack of connection. Couples and relationship counselling can help identify these patterns of communication and provide tools to change them. For instance, techniques from the Gottman Method and EFT guide couples in understanding each other’s perspectives and developing healthier ways to express emotions.

Skills Development: In our therapy sessions, couples will learn skills like active listening, expressing needs and emotions clearly, and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner. This can include role-playing exercises where each partner practices responding in ways that promote connection rather than disconnection, leaving you feeling more understood and emotionally connected. These skills are crucial for couples and families alike, as they create a foundation for strong, lasting relationships.

Therapeutic Approaches: Our counsellors are trained in various approaches to couples counselling, such as emotionally focused therapy (EFT), which assists couples connect on a deeper emotional level, and the Gottman Method, which emphasizes practical tools for everyday communication. These approaches are designed to guide couples address not just the symptoms of their communication problems but also the underlying causes.

Virtual Accessibility: Through our online therapy platform, couples can participate in therapy sessions from anywhere, making it easier to maintain regular communication-focused sessions. This flexibility ensures that therapy remains accessible and can fit into the couple’s schedule, even if one partner may travel frequently or if the couple lives in different locations.

By improving communication, couples counselling can help partners better understand each other, resolve conflicts more effectively, and build a stronger emotional connection that supports their overall mental well-being.

Couples counselling at Upstream Counselling is designed to address a wide variety of relational issues, providing support for both common and complex challenges. Here’s how our services can help you address specific concerns:

Relational Challenges: Couples therapy helps with issues like infidelity, disconnection, and ongoing conflicts that affect the quality of the relationship. Our counsellors are experienced in working with couples who face challenges such as lack of intimacy, trust issues, and difficulties in maintaining a healthy communication pattern.

Sexual Difficulties: We offer specialized counselling, including sex therapy, to address sexual difficulties like erectile dysfunction and other issues that impact the couple’s physical connection. Addressing these concerns can significantly enhance the overall relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness between partners. Therapy can help by providing strategies and support to resolve these issues effectively.

Life Transitions and Stressors: Major life changes, such as becoming parents, moving, or career shifts, can strain even the strongest relationships. Couples counselling can help partners navigate these transitions by providing tools to cope with stress, align their goals, and support each other through changes.

Family Dynamics: Our counselling psychology approach also includes family systems therapy, which looks at how family dynamics impact the couple’s relationship. This can be particularly helpful for couples who are blending families or managing complex family relationships.

Trauma and Mental Health Issues: Many couples seek professional help to deal with the impact of trauma, whether individual or shared. Counsellors at Upstream Counselling are trained in trauma-informed care and techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help partners heal from past trauma and strengthen their bond.

Couples counselling at Upstream Counselling is a comprehensive service that addresses the many facets of a relationship, assisting couples navigate their challenges and enhancing their connection.

At Upstream Counselling, we understand that every couple has unique needs, and we offer flexible options to accommodate those needs. Our therapy sessions are designed to be accessible and effective, whether conducted in person or online.

In-Person Sessions: For couples who prefer face-to-face interaction, we offer in-person sessions at our couples counselling centre. This option allows for a more traditional therapy experience, where couples can engage directly with their counsellors  in a comfortable, private setting.

Online Therapy: To make our services more accessible, especially for those living in Greater Vancouver or those who travel frequently, we provide online therapy through a secure platform. This allows couples to attend sessions from the comfort of their own home, office, or wherever they feel most at ease.

Session Structure: Each session typically lasts less or more than an hour, depending on the needs of the couple. The therapy process is flexible, allowing couples to choose the frequency and length of sessions that work best for them. Our counsellors work with individuals and couples to set goals and develop a plan tailored to their unique situation.

Counsellors and Specializations: Our counsellors and therapists are providing specialized support in areas like emotionally focused therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and sex therapy. Each couples therapist at Upstream Counselling brings years of experience working with couples, drawing on their background in counselling psychology, marriage and family therapy, and social work (MSW, RSW).

The variety of session options ensures that couples can choose the format that best fits their lifestyle and comfort level, making it easier to seek couples therapy and stay committed to the process.

Choosing Upstream Counselling for your couple or marriage counselling needs offers numerous benefits that can make a significant difference in your relationship. Here’s why many couples turn to us for help:

Experienced and Specialized counsellors: Our team includes counsellors with extensive experience in working with couples, as well as specializations in areas such as the Gottman Method, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and trauma-informed care. Whether you’re dealing with issues related to infidelity, communication breakdowns, or life transitions, our therapists are dedicated to helping you find solutions.

Customized Therapy Approach: We recognize that no two relationships are the same, which is why our therapy sessions are tailored to your specific needs. From the first consultation to understanding your goals, our therapists guide couples through a customized therapy process that addresses their unique challenges and helps build a strong, healthy relationship.

Flexible Access: With the option for both in-person and online therapy, Upstream Counselling offers flexible access to professional help. This makes it easier for couples to continue therapy without the constraints of location or scheduling conflicts. Our online platform is user-friendly and secure, providing a confidential space for therapy. To get started, book a free consultation now to discuss your needs and explore how our services can benefit your relationship.

Comprehensive Services: Beyond couples counselling, Upstream Counselling offers individual counselling and therapy for couples and families, allowing us to address a variety of issues that may affect the relationship. Our clinic offers support for mental well-being, including counselling for postpartum depression, trauma, and other relational challenges.

Supportive Environment: Upstream Counselling is dedicated to assisting couples navigate their relationship journey with compassion and expertise. Our therapists offer a safe, non-judgmental space where both partners can express their feelings, explore their concerns, and work towards positive change.

Choosing Upstream Counselling means choosing a supportive, professional environment where your relationship can thrive. Our focus on evidence-based techniques and personalized care ensures that we can help a couple address their unique challenges, improve communication, and achieve greater overall relationship satisfaction.