Couples Therapy

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Couples therapy, also known as relationship counselling or marriage therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that helps partners in a romantic relationship identify and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and deepen their connection. It's a collaborative process where both partners work with a trained therapist to explore their relationship dynamics, address concerns, and develop strategies for positive change.

Couples therapy can benefit partners at any stage of their relationship, whether they're dating, engaged, married, or considering separation. It's not just for couples in crisis – many couples use therapy as a proactive measure to strengthen their relationship and prevent future problems.

Couples Therapy in Toronto

At Toronto Therapy Practice, we use evidence-based techniques to help couples achieve their relationship goals. Our therapists create a safe, supportive environment where both partners feel heard and respected. We work collaboratively with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and relationship goals. After couples therapy you will feel more connected, understood, and supported in your relationship. Imagine experiencing a deeper connection, with improved communication, a renewed sense of trust and the ability to resolve conflicts together.

Did you know that couples who attend therapy together have a 75% chance of improving their relationship satisfaction? Even better, these improvements often last for years after therapy ends. It's like relationship fertilizer – a little goes a long way in helping your love grow!

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When to Seek Couples Therapy

While couples therapy can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship, there are certain signs that indicate it might be particularly helpful:

  • Communication has broken down or become negative

  • You feel emotionally distant from your partner

  • Trust has been damaged due to infidelity or other issues

  • You're considering separation or divorce

  • You're experiencing a major life transition

  • You have the same arguments over and over without resolution

  • Intimacy issues are causing distress

  • You're struggling to balance individual needs with relationship needs

It's important to note that couples therapy isn't just for relationships in crisis. Many couples engage in therapy proactively to strengthen their bond and prevent future issues. If you're experiencing challenges or simply want to enhance your relationship, consider reaching out to us.

It's common for one partner to be more hesitant about therapy. We suggest sharing your reasons for wanting to try therapy and perhaps starting with a single session to see how it feels. Remember, both partners need to be willing participants for therapy to be effective.

Effective Approaches to Couple Counselling

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):

  • Focuses on identifying and transforming negative patterns in the relationship by fostering emotional bonding. EFT helps couples develop secure attachments and improve communication, promoting greater intimacy and connection.

Psychodynamic Therapy:

  • This type of therapy delves into underlying emotional conflicts and unresolved issues from the past that may be contributing to postpartum depression. It helps you gain insight into your emotions and strengthen your sense of self.

Imago Relationship Therapy:

  • Focuses on understanding how childhood experiences influence adult relationships. This approach helps couples recognize unresolved issues from the past and guides them in healing emotional wounds to create deeper connection and empathy in the relationship.

Psychodynamic Couples Therapy:

  • Explores how unconscious thoughts, past experiences, and emotional patterns influence the current relationship dynamics. This therapy helps couples gain insight into underlying issues, leading to healthier ways of relating to each other.

Gottman Method:

  • Based on over four decades of research, this method helps couples strengthen their relationships by improving communication, managing conflict, and deepening emotional understanding. It emphasizes building trust and friendship while fostering healthy interactions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

  • ACT encourages you to accept difficult emotions rather than avoid them. By focusing on mindfulness and committing to value-driven actions, you can move through depressive symptoms with greater resilience.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):

  • This approach is future-oriented and focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. SFBT helps couples identify their goals and strengths, working toward practical strategies to resolve conflicts and improve their relationship.

Therapy Helps With:

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What to Expect from Couples Therapy

At Toronto Therapy Practice, our couples therapists are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in relationship counseling.

Initial Assessment: In the first session, we'll discuss your relationship history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps us understand your unique situation and tailor our approach.

Goal Setting: Together, we'll establish clear, achievable goals for your therapy journey. These may evolve as we progress, but having a roadmap helps guide our sessions.

Regular Sessions: Most couples attend weekly or bi-weekly sessions, typically lasting 50-90 minutes. The frequency and duration can be adjusted based on your needs and progress.

Therapeutic Interventions: During sessions we focus on exploring the dynamics within your relationship—such as communication patterns, attachment styles, and emotional responses. Gaining these insights allows us to uncover and shift unhelpful patterns, fostering healthier interactions and deepening your connection.

Progress Evaluation: We regularly review your progress towards your goals and adjust our approach as needed.

Maintenance: As you achieve your initial goals, we may transition to less frequent sessions to maintain your progress and address any new challenges.

Our therapists are committed to creating a non-judgmental, inclusive environment where all couples feel welcomed and supported, regardless of their background or relationship structure. We believe in the power of therapy to transform relationships and are dedicated to helping you achieve your relationship goals.

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Therapist

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Meet the Team

  • Mila Arsenijevic MSW RSW

    Founder and Clinical Director, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist

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  • Ruth Diemer MSW RSW

    Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist

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