Couples Counselling

Relationships

Our therapists can help you connect with your partner, increase the quality of your friendship, manage conflict in a way that helps you understand each other, and restore passion and intimacy.

What Is Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy is a form of therapy that improves communication patterns, helps manage conflicts, and improves your connection to your partner.  Many couples wait years before seeking help for their relationship problems.  Trying to manage problems on your own may lead to emotional injuries, and without repair, start to erode away at the foundation of your relationship.  A couples therapist can help you identify problematic patterns of behaviour and poor communication so that you can understand each other better and improve your relationship.  

What are the Different Types of Couples Therapy?

There are several different approaches to working with couples described below.  Your therapist may integrate more than one approach when working with you and your partner based on what would be most helpful for you.  It is important when choosing a therapist, that both partners feel comfortable.  

1. Gottman Therapy – Gottman Therapy is the most trusted approach to couples therapy.  Founded by Dr. John Gottman and his partner Julie, Gottman therapy involves a couples assessment and structured exercises and interventions proven to improve relationships.  Gottman studied the way couples behave and communicate with eachother over several years and based on his research was able to identify the strongest predictors of relationship breakdown.  A Gottman therapist will help you and your partner learn how to communicate with eachother and dialogue about conflict in a way that brings you closer together.
2. Emotion Focused Therapy – Emotion Focused therapy is rooted in the assumption that conflict is the result of unmet emotional needs and is a great option for couples who want to explore their emotions and strengthen their attachment to eachother.   Recognizing the biological need for safety and connection, EFT helps partners become more accessible, responsive, and engaged, strengthening the attachment bond and deepening emotional connection.
3. Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) – IRT explores how childhood experiences influence adult relationships.  Couples are encouraged to explore past trauma and attachment wounds, bring healing to those wounds and strengthen empathy towards themselves and their partner.  IRT is helpful for couples who have a history of past trauma and are ready to heal those wounds within their current relationship.
4. Solution Focused Therapy – SFT is most helpful for couples who need help with a current issue or conflict.  Couples usually have short-term goals and are otherwise satisfied with their relationship.

When should a couple seek counselling?

Unfortunately, the average couple waits 6 yrs after problems start to emerge before they consider seeking professional help.  This leaves room for emotional wounds that can fester and lead to feelings of resentment over time.  For some couples, by the time they see a therapist, they feel as if there is far to much pain to overcome.  

If you are experiencing problems in your relationship, it is never too early to see a professional.  Identifying harmful patterns and building your emotional connection early in your relationship can be much easier than trying to change the same patterns after years of pain and disappointment.  

Couples who are in the beginning stages of their relationship can also benefit from couples therapy.  Learning how to communicate, connect, listen and understand your partner can build a strong foundation, increase satisfaction, and bring you closer.

Benefits of Couples Counselling

Although couples may consider counselling for different reasons, there are several benefits couples can experience regardless of when or why they choose to do so.  

• Proactively strengthen your relationship
  • Learn what to avoid when communicating with your partner to prevent causing pain
• Learn how to communicate effectively
  • Understand how to communicate with your partner in a way that they will listen and you can have your needs met
• Improve emotional connection and intimacy
  • Learn how to create a safe place where you and your partner are able to express the deeper, emotional parts of themselves, increasing emotional and physical intimacy
• Greater relationship satisfaction
  • Learn how to connect with your partner in a meaningful way and have fun together
• Resolve conflict
  • Build skills to discuss conflict without it turning into a fight, honor and respect your differences, and compromise on important issues
• Learn how past trauma influences your adult relationship and heal from childhood wounds
  • Understand what it means to feel safe, seen and secure in your relationship
• Work towards a solution together
  • A therapist can help you identify where you might be stuck and identify solutions that you can both agree on

Why should you choose Still Waters Psychology for Couples Counselling in Calgary?

Our trusted therapists at Still Waters Psychology have been trained in Gottman couples therapy and are passionate about helping build strong relationships.  We understand the significance and importance a healthy marriage plays in building strong families.  We want to empower you with the skills and support to have long lasting and satisfying relationships.  If you would like more information about couples counselling or would like to book an appointment, please contact us or book now at https://stillwaterspsych.janeapp.com