Couples Therapy
Is Your Relationship Or Marriage Struggling Due To Lack Of Communication And Connection?
Are you and your partner having difficulty communicating? Do you find yourself stuck in a perpetual cycle of conflict? Is this affecting your intimacy? Perhaps previous infidelity has caused a lack of connection, or maybe you’re having trouble adjusting to a major life change, such as having a baby, changing careers, or relocating.
Even newlyweds and engaged couples can encounter challenges. Have you considered premarital counseling or sought guidance to enhance your relationship?
If so, couples therapy can provide counseling and support for the issues mentioned above, especially if you are experiencing any of the following:
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Frequent arguments
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Emotional withdrawal
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Feelings of resentment
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Differences in attachment styles
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Feeling disconnected from one another
Couples therapy is valuable for couples navigating a rough patch or those seeking guidance at the start of their journey together. Therapy can help you heal past wounds, strengthen your bond, and give you both the confidence to face the future.
Have a question? Send us a message!
Relationships That Are “On The Rocks” Can Lead To Daily Stress
If you or your partner are not meeting each other’s physical and emotional intimacy needs, it can lead to unnecessary stress. The stress could result in one or both of you lashing out or turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drinking, substance abuse, or seeking adult content online.
It’s possible that either you or your partner have become so depressed that self-care has taken a backseat. One or both of you may have started neglecting personal hygiene or stopped engaging in activities that used to bring you joy.
You don’t have to go on feeling this way anymore. Couples therapy can provide the tools to communicate your needs and desires without triggering negative reactions or outbursts, helping restore peace within your relationship.
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Why Do Many Of Us Fall Into These Ruts?
When you think about it, most people were never taught how to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships—not us, our parents, our educators, hardly anyone really. And given that the only
relationship models we have to fall back on are those of our parents, it’s like we’re all just feeling around in the dark, doing the best we can not to walk into a wall.
However, sometimes, we do run into walls in our relationships, and that’s why couples therapy can be so insightful. Teaming up with a couples counsellor can shed some light on what’s really going on behind the scenes so you can learn to communicate, navigate conflict, and simply be at peace with each other.
Successful Marriages And Relationships Require Couples To Come Together
In relationships, two unique individuals with their own perspectives, needs, and communication styles come together. It’s natural for conflicts to arise and differences to occur. However, these conflicts do not mean your relationship is failing or that something is inherently wrong with either of you. Instead, they present an opportunity for growth and deeper connection.
Relationships are inherently complex, involving multiple layers of emotions, histories, and expectations. It can be challenging to untangle these complexities and identify the underlying issues, such as not understanding one another, feeling unseen by your partner, or not utilizing effective communication to understand what is going on under the surface.
Through couples therapy, we can explore these problems in a safe and supportive environment, understanding the underlying dynamics at play and finding constructive ways to address them. We will normalize conflict, but that doesn’t mean we will minimize it or dismiss your concerns. Instead, we will acknowledge that conflict is a natural part of life.
Couples Therapy Can Teach You Effective Communication Patterns
At the Therapy Group, we believe that effective communication patterns are fundamental to resolving conflict. Our couples therapists will conduct thorough assessments of your communication patterns to identify areas that need adjustment to achieve conflict resolution. It’s important for our counselors to ensure that your communication process is not harming each other while working towards resolution. Are conflicts being resolved peacefully? Is there an openness to hearing each other out? These are important questions we can think about during our time together.
Your counselor will also evaluate the emotional connection within your relationship. Are you intimate regularly? Do you both feel safe experiencing each other’s physical touch? Can you both express each other’s thoughts and feelings without any conflict?
Roles and expectations also play an important part in healthy relationships. Do you both know your role and what you bring to the table? Are daily tasks and responsibilities divided fairly? Can you effectively handle life transitions together, such as parenthood, a grown child leaving the nest, or a career change?
While discussing these topics may initially be uncomfortable, addressing them with your couples counselor is crucial for effective treatment. Working with a couples therapist is a private experience between the couple and the counselor. Your therapist will create a safe space for both of you to express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions
Treatments Used In Couples Therapy​
When it comes to couples therapy here at the Therapy Group, effective communication is the key. To strengthen couples’ communication skills and to deepen your bond, we may employ any of the following techniques:
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Active Listening Skills: You will learn assertive communication techniques which allow you and your partner to communicate your wants and needs without resorting to hostile or defensive behavior.
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Emotional Regulation Skills: These skills will help both of you better understand and deal with intense emotions, enabling you to confront difficult topics in a peaceful and regulated way.
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Mindfulness: At its core, mindfulness is all about using calming exercises—such as meditation and deep breathing—to help you identify triggers and stay grounded in the present moment.
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Setting Boundaries: Having boundaries can help keep both you and your partner feeling safe throughout your relationship by communicating your limits and respecting them.
Therapy has helped numerous couples find healing, understanding, and renewed connection. By delving into your relationship dynamics, recognizing strengths, and learning new skills, you can surmount obstacles and cultivate a stronger, more satisfying partnership. Let’s explore possibilities together, set meaningful goals, and work towards creating the desired relationship.
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You May Be Interested In Couples Therapy But Have Some Questions…
How expensive is couples therapy?
If you’re reading this page, looking for answers and hope for the future, you most certainly have not failed your relationship. You’re actually demonstrating an incredible amount of care, courage, and resilience that we can build upon in sessions. So please don’t look at yourselves in any kind of negative way. You’ve already taken an important step in healing and restoring the connection you once had.
What if my partner doesn’t want to attend couples therapy?​
It is not uncommon for one partner to think that the two of you don’t need therapy. They may not want to attend therapy due to the social stigma surrounding it. However, one of you showing up and getting positive results could influence the other to join. If your partner sees that you benefit from individual therapy, they may change their mind about it.
Will talking about our issues in therapy make things worse?
It’s natural to feel hesitant to talk about your issues, especially with someone you are meeting for the first time. However, nothing will get better until these issues are addressed. You can take some comfort in knowing that our therapists are educated and specially trained in what you need to fix. What’s more, we know how to guide conversations so that sessions stay peaceful and problems do not escalate.
Are You Ready To Learn Better Communication Skills?
If you want to improve the communication and intimacy in your marriage or relationship, call (514) 418-3353 to set up an appointment, visit our online booking page, or send us an email.
About The Therapy Group
The Therapy Group is a mental health centre located in the West Island of Montreal. Our team provides mental health support through counselling, psychotherapy and coaching for children, teens, young adults, adults, couples, families and groups.
Contact us to book an appointment with one of our clinical social workers, psychotherapists, family and couple's therapist, to participate in a group or to request a workshop for your organization.
(514) 418-3353
Careers
We are always looking to expand our ever-growing team. Feel free to reach out to us, we'd love to hear from you.
Locations
Pointe-Claire Village
Clinical Supervision
We are pleased to offer clinical supervision to new and seasoned practitioners seeking guidance and growth in their clinical practice. Please reach out to discuss how we can work together.
Virtual / Online
From the comfort of your home, office or other private and confidential space.
(514) 418-3353