Counseling in English

Counseling is a process through which clients work one-on-one with a trained therapist in a safe, caring, and confidential environment to explore their feelings, beliefs, or behaviors, work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change.

Your first step is to call us to schedule your initial appointment. During your first session you will have the opportunity to build rapport with the counselor and provide him/her with some background about yourself and the reasons you are seeking counseling. In addition, the counselor will be able to answer your questions regarding services, fees, confidentiality and what to expect in counseling.
Individual counseling works best when you

• have some idea of what you would like to talk about;
• feel motivated to do so; and
• feel comfortable enough with your counselor to address your concerns.

Couples counselling (which can also be referred to as marriage guidance) is a form of therapy that looks to improve communication and resolve issues within an intimate relationship. While couples counselling is ideally suited to couples attending the sessions together, if your partner is reluctant you can look to speak to a counsellor on your own to begin with. Most of the "work” of couples counseling will take place within your counselling sessions themselves - however sometimes you might also be asked to carry out 'homework'. Typically your counsellor will ask you either to do a task or discuss something specific when you get home. During your next session you will get the chance to talk about your homework, discuss any challenges you came up against and how the experience made you both feel. Successful therapy depends on each partner’s motivation and dedication to the process, and couples can expect to become better listeners and communicators and to find new ways to support one another. Goals will be established by the couple under the guidance of the therapist, and in order to achieve these objectives, each partner must be prepared to acknowledge and understand their role in the relationship.

What couples counselling isn't

In couples counselling you will not simply be told what to do. Your counsellor will not offer her/him personal opinion and you will not be told whether or not you should separate. The role of a couples counsellor is to facilitate change and resolution by helping you both communicate more effectively, explore your relationship dynamics and reach your own conclusions under the guidance of a professional. Counseling is a space free of judgement where you can explore your actions openly.

There are many different concerns that may bring you to couples counselling, ranging from a lack of communication right through to a betrayal or affair. Some common issues that can be explored through couples counselling include:

• lack of trust
• betrayal or affair
• jealousy
• lack of communication
• financial issues
• work-related stress
• different sexual needs or other sexual issues
• family conflicts
• different goals and values
• different parenting styles
• life changes.

However, these are just some examples. In counseling we will look at your specific issues, needs and concerns and seek ways to address them. Whatever the concern is, speaking to a professional is often an incredibly helpful step forward.

Every couple is different. When and if you choose to seek help will depend on the nature of the issue you are facing. However, if you are concerned about your relationship (for whatever reason) and feel you are unable to reach a conclusion alone, it is likely that you will benefit from couples counselling.

Though counseling is recommended as soon as discontent arises in a relationship, for some, the suggestion of couples counselling is considered a 'last resort' to save a relationship/marriage. Studies show partners will not seek therapy until they have been unhappy for an average of six years. The more time has passed, the more difficult it may be to repair the relationship.
In some cases, a couple who has already decided to separate may pursue therapy in order to end the relationship amicably and respectfully.