Therapy Services for Couples

Therapy services for couples are comprised of various types of sessions. In some sessions, both partners can attend, while in others, one partner can attend. Rarely, family members may be asked to attend, but this is usually discouraged because it might distract you from the core issues facing you as a couple.

Making the Decision between Individual and Couple Therapy

Most often, I see partners who have both agreed to attend therapy sessions together. However, in one phase of the “Relationship Tune-Up” package (see below), I do see each individual separately.

If your partner is unwilling to attend, I can still provide individual counselling to you and help you focus on improving your own life. Contrary to popular opinion, it is also possible to change yourself, and in so doing, improve your relationship.

Couple Therapy Sessions

Some therapists think of your marriage like as being like your car. It needs maintenance in order to function effectively.

The “Relationship Tune-up” Package

How many sessions you attend depends on the severity of the relationship problem, and how much each partner takes responsibility for repairing the problem. This package usually runs for approximately 5 sessions. However, the number of sessions can vary.

During the first session, you and your partner will come for an hour to provide some information to the therapist about your history as a couple, the history of your upbringing, and the stresses you are presently handling. The therapist will then use this information in tailoring the therapy to your specific situation. He will then let you know the choices available so you can make an informed decision that will help you get the most out of therapy.

During the second and later sessions, you and your partner will have numerous choices available to you. You may complete a questionnaire to determine which areas of your relationship are strong and which areas are needing the most attention in therapy.  If you wish or if it is recommended by the therapist, you may choose to attend some sessions together and some sessions separately. Individual sessions can be an opportunity to explore some of the unique characteristics of each partner which can be overshadowed when the couple is together.

Both partners attend to discuss issues identified as concerning each partner and the couple. The identification of these issues usually leads to practicing communication skills taught by the therapist. Through this series of sessions, you can learn to tackle previously unresolved issues in a new and supportive way.

The “Relationship Overhaul” Package

Some people see their relationships as needing an “overhaul”. This would likely involve 10 or more sessions and would provide the opportunity to practice and refine the improvements you have made to your relationship during the first five sessions (as described above).

In the “Relationship Overhaul” package, the second set of five sessions would harvest the seeds planted during the five sessions described above (see “Relationship Tune-Up” above). The “Relationship Overhaul” would focus on deepening your understanding of complex relationship issues, on finding practical ways for you to enjoy each other’s company, and on rebuilding a sense of confidence, security, and quality in your relationship.

Office Hours

My office hours: Mondays 11-7 pm, Tuesdays 11-7 pm, and Fridays 5-7 pm.

Locations

I service Kelowna and the surrounding area, in BC's Okanagan Valley.

Fees

My fees are $80 for the first appointment, and $145 for subsequent sessions. Most people have extended health coverage through benefits at their place of employment. Psychological services also qualify as a medical deduction on your income tax return.