Couples Counselling in Calgary, Alberta (Calgary, AB)

Can relationship counselling really fix my marriage?

American psychologist John Gottman set out to answer the question of whether marital interactions could be used as reliable predictors of divorce after watching a couple for 15 minutes. After studying hundreds of couples, his research revealed he was able to use these marital interactions to determine with 98% accuracy which couples would divorce. Through his research we will help you discover which marital interactions he observed and how you can prevent them in developing a healthy relationship with your partner through couples therapy

How many married couples get counselling?

Couples in Alberta are not immune to the trials and tribulations of relationships, especially when children get involved. Statistics Canada says that 6 out of 10 marriages end in divorce. This number might be higher or lower depending on where you live, what your socioeconomic status is, etc., but it does give you an idea of how many couples seek counselling for their relationship.

What kind of issues can calgary couples counselling address?

The issues that can be addressed are as diverse as the people we serve, but some common examples are communication problems, exploring their feelings, a heightened sense of understanding themselves in new ways, resolving issues with our couples struggling building intimacy, creating greater connection, learning more about their partners, trust issues, questions about how to parent children in a blended family situation, infidelity, affair recovery, concerns about partners struggling with depression, self-esteem, assistance with verbal communication skills, separation anxiety, conflict resolution, grief, respect, setting boundaries, financial problems, and much more.

Not only can couples counselling help resolve these issues but it can also help strengthen relationships to create a new desired future.

How much does couples therapy cost?

Counselling therapy in Calgary costs can vary depending on where you go for therapy. Orchestra Counselling has competitive rates in accordance with recommended fees outlined by the province of Alberta starting at $180 per couple; however, we do operate on a sliding scale to accommodate people’s needs.

What does marriage counselling look like?

Marriage counselling often employs a number of different therapeutic orientations including emotionally focused therapy, the Gottman method, Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, Gestalt therapy, and Solution-focused approaches.

Couples may meet with a marriage counsellor to talk individually as well as together to address the issues they’re facing. In addition to the sessions with couples alone, there is also some time where therapists encourage them to try out new skills in between sessions and talk more openly which helps facilitate lasting change and renew their commitment.

What is the best thing about couples therapy at Orchestra?

In our opinion, it’s watching couples implement new skills and see them having an immediate effect on their happiness. We take a comprehensive approach by looking at how both parties contribute to a problem in a nonjudgemental manner.

We also take a collaborative approach where we work with the couple to identify what strategies they can implement at home, in the workplace, or elsewhere to address their needs. In addition to this, we consider each person’s contribution by looking at how they impact the other party and how old patterns that didn’t work in the relationship can be interchanged with healthy ones that do. Through cooperation you begin to see couples bond in new ways they did not before and we continue to build on that spark.

What is the Gottman method of counselling?

The Gottman method of counselling is a type of empirically-supported, scientifically-informed, marriage counselling model developed by John and Julie Gottman. It views conflict in marital or romantic relationships as the result of problematic dynamics that can be changed. Therapists help couples learn how to interact more constructively with each other while also helping individuals become better communicators and learners about themselves and their partners.

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy and how is it used in relationship counselling?

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is an approach primarily developed by Dr. Susan Johnson and Leslie Greenberg who are well known for their work in the relationship field.

The main premise of this counselling orientation is that good relationships are based on clear communication at all levels between partners, intimacy through being open about one’s feelings, emotional safety and security for both parties, and creating shared meaning.

Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy be used with couples?

It most definitely can. Through discussion, old beliefs give way to new perspectives to better the relationship and value it in different ways.

When should a couple seek counselling?

There isn’t one particular time one can benefit from couples counselling as we all can stand to better the quality of them. However, when people seek us out it’s usually because they’re in distress in their relationship and need some extra support in order to turn things around.

Often times an individual therapy session is needed to discuss how this distress or anxiety is impacting new clients in their current relationships with the intent to seek clarity on building healthy relationships and fulfilling lives with their partner.

What are the benefits of working with a couples therapist?

The benefits of couples counselling are varied. A few include the ability to have intimate relationships, a greater connection with your partner, a renewed sense of vigour and joy, and a deeper sense of contentment.

Orchestra couples therapists can help couples grow together in healthy and sustainable ways and it gives them a new perspective on their interactions and their marriage as a whole.

Is it worth doing relationship therapy?

Without question. When done properly and diligently, relationship therapy has the potential to change lives, families, and even communities for the better.

Is virtual couples counselling an option?

Yes it is. Orchestra couples counsellors offer video chat counselling or phone sessions based on your preference and convenience.