Couples & Relationship Counselling in Vancouver
Relationship counselling is often thought to be ‘couples counselling’ only, but this is not the case. Relationship counselling is suitable for any individual or couple interested in understanding their previous or current relationship.This can include family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, sexual relationships and work relationships
Our counsellors at Blue Sky Wellness Clinic have extensive training in various modalities and real-world experience with multiple relationship types. We aim to provide our clients with a safe and compassionate space no matter the stage of their journey
What does relationship counselling help with?
- Relationship counselling can help with a variety of concerns including:
- Communication Issues
- Trust and Infidelity
- Intimacy
- Pre-Marital & Marriage
- Divorce & Separation
- Parenting Concerns
- Relationship Dynamics
- & More...
Types of Approaches
The Gottman Method is a form of couples therapy developed by Dr. John Gottman and his wife, Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman. It’s based on research conducted over 40 years that focuses on the emotional connection between couples, and the behaviours and communication patterns that underlie it. The Gottman Method aims to help couples create and maintain successful relationships and was initially based on Dr. Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory, which outlines nine components that make up the foundation of a strong relationship.
This approach was developed in 1980 by two Canadian psychologists, Dr. Susan Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg. According to Dr. Susan Johnson, the goal of Emotional Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is “to create a more secure emotional bond.” In other words, this approach looks for hidden and negative emotional patterns affecting the whole relationship. Sometimes, couples express their anger, longing, insecurities, resentment, or fears by arguing over tiny things. EFT affirms that most of the time, those heated fights about who did the dishes or took out the garbage last night have nothing to do with the actual chores but with deeper unmet emotional needs. EFT focuses on that deeper layer. Its goal is to restore the sense of healthy attachment, safety, and love in the couple.The efficacy of EFT is well-researched, and has been beneficial in helping depressed couples, couples enduring trauma or those facing a child’s illness.