Couples Therapy

At our clinic, here in Orillia, we believe in the power of connection and understanding. Our Couples Therapy is designed to help couples navigate their relationship struggles, improve communication, and foster a deeper emotional connection. We aim to provide a space where you can explore your feelings, rebuild trust and connection, and shape a healthier relationship.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to "disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship." It was developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman after doing decades of research on couples dynamics. It consists of a full relationship assessment, identifying the specific needs of your relationship, and going through a step-by-step process to resolve underlying sources of misunderstanding, conflict, and resentment.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

EFT is recognized by the American Psychological Association as having “Strong Research Support” for resolving relationship issues. It was developed by leading researcher and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sue Johnson to help provide couples with a road map to building loving and connected relationships. It is proven effective for couples experiencing emotional distance, infidelity, distress, conflict, communication difficulties, issues with intimacy, and difficulty connecting.

Integrative Behavioural Couples Therapy (IBCT)

IBCT is a relatively new approach to couples therapy. It is a research-based approach designed to help couples navigate conflict, improve communication, and strengthen emotional connection. IBCT is different from other couples therapy approaches in how it promotes both acceptance and change as a means to improving relationships. IBCT recognizes that not everything is changeable and sometimes it's important to focus couples therapy on emotional acceptance rather than change. It's also one of the few therapy approaches designed to address persistent personality conflicts between partners and help them find a better way to reconcile their differences.

Discernment Counselling

Discernment Counselling is a short-term, specialized approach for couples who are uncertain about the future of their relationship. It helps partners gain clarity and confidence in deciding whether to work on their relationship, separate, or take time before making a decision. Unlike traditional couples therapy, which focuses on improving the relationship, discernment counselling explores each partner’s perspectives, concerns, and motivations. The goal is not to fix the relationship but to understand what has brought the couple to this point and what steps to take next. Sessions are structured to honour both partners’ viewpoints and provide guidance in making an informed choice.