Couples Therapy Near Me: Canada-Based Resources for Relationships and Mental Health

Disagreements can be common in relationships, but if you and your partner are consistently fighting, are experiencing frequent miscommunications, or are unsure how to move forward together, couples therapy may help. In Canada, there are many options for partners to pursue couples therapy services. Keep reading to explore a brief explanation of what couples therapy is, how it can strengthen relationships, and how to access in-person and online couples therapy in Canada, whether in rural areas or major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Ottawa. You can also learn about different therapeutic methods that mental health professionals and psychotherapists may use during sessions.

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy—also called couples counselling or relationship counselling—is a form of therapeutic intervention that involves two individuals in a romantic or otherwise intimate relationship with one another. Anyone of any gender identity or sexual orientation can participate in couples therapy with their partner, and both partners are typically treated by the same therapist at the same time.

Some of the difficulties and disagreements commonly addressed in couples therapy may include:

• Money
• Children or parenting
• Housework
• Physical intimacy
• Previous relationships
• Health challenges
• Difficulty with family 
• Plans for the future
• Life transitions
• Careers and personal growth goals
• Substance use
• Stressful circumstances

How couples counselling can improve relationships

Couples therapy can help you and your partner work through relationship issues or disagreements, plan for the future together, and build more meaningful relationships with one another and the people around you. Some of the relationship benefits couples might see as a result of couples therapy include:

• Understanding: Speaking openly and honestly during sessions can help you and your partner gain a deeper understanding of one another, including your thoughts, feelings, and goals.
• Communication: A couples therapist can guide you and your partner through exercises to improve communication during sessions, which may translate into better communication outside of sessions as well.
• Conflict resolution: From small disagreements to major disputes, couples therapy can help you and your partner talk through relationship struggles, find an agreeable compromise, and learn skills that can help settle future conflicts.
• Future plans: Couples therapy can help you and your partner get on the same page about future plans together, including marriage, moving in together, or having children.
• Stronger bond: Participating in couples therapy can show you and your partner how much you care for one another and how committed you each are to making the relationship work.

How couples counselling can improve mental health

In addition to improving the relationship bond, couples counseling can also have mental health benefits for both you and your partner. Some of the mental health benefits couples may experience as a result of couples therapy include:

• Coping skills: A couples therapist can help you and your partner learn healthy coping skills that can be applied both in the relationship and in other contexts.
• Self-esteem: Improved communication and recommitting to your relationship can make both you and your partner feel heard, loved, and supported by one another, potentially improving self-esteem.
• Stress: Working through disagreements—especially if they’ve been weighing on you—can relieve stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Empathy: Couples therapy can improve empathy for one another, and research has shown that improved empathy can result in improved mental health.
• Mental health condition management: If you or your partner are living with a mental health condition—such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders—couples therapy can identify those challenges and help you determine the best path forward.

If you’re looking to improve your mental health both in and out of a relationship, individual therapy can also be a helpful option, either on its own or in addition to couples therapy.

Couples therapy versus family therapy

As you consider your therapeutic options, you may be wondering about the differences between couples therapy and family therapy. Both can be effective forms of group psychotherapy; however, they have distinct differences.

Couples therapy is typically for two people in an intimate relationship with one another. The focus of sessions will typically be on the relationship itself, although it may also involve how the relationship fits into the larger family unit. Family therapy, on the other hand, can be between any number of family members—including parents, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. During sessions, a family therapist typically works to understand the entire family dynamic and provide strategies for resolving conflict between the individuals involved.

Can you do couples and family therapy at the same time?

Some individuals may find a combination of both couples therapy and family therapy to be beneficial. For instance, a couple who is experiencing challenges with one another in their relationship in addition to challenges integrating with children, stepchildren, or extended family may benefit from both forms of therapy.

Options for couples therapy near me: Canada

Finding in-person couples therapy near me: Canada

If you’re ready to search for a local therapist offering in-person couples therapy, you might start by asking your primary care provider for a referral or recommendation. Friends, family, and religious leaders may also be helpful resources for finding a provider in the community. If you know of local therapy practices or relationship therapy centers, they may have a website with information about their mission, their fees, and how to access compassionate care. 

Alternatively, you could search local directories or the Canadian Certified Counsellor online directory to find a provider in your area. The Canadian Psychological Association also lists various province- and territory-specific associations with their own directories. If you find a therapist who interests you, you might find out more about their therapy approach via a link to their profile. You can reach out to their office directly to see whether they’re accepting new patients. Then, you might schedule your first session to see if they’re a suitable fit for you and your partner.

Once you find a potential provider, you can contact their office directly to see whether they’re accepting new patients. Then, you might schedule your first session to see if they’re a suitable fit for you and your partner.

Finding online couples therapy

If you and your partner are considering online couples therapy—either due to convenience, therapist availability, or another reason—there are many online services available in Canada that can connect you with a credentialed therapist.

One option is Regain, which requires a quick but thorough questionnaire to gain an understanding of you and your partner’s needs and preferences. You can then be matched with a suitable therapist in as little as 48 hours.

Therapeutic methods used by couples therapists

In couples therapy, your therapist may utilize various therapeutic methods and techniques in order to resolve conflict and improve your relationship. Below are some common therapeutic methods used in couples therapy.

Cognitive behavioural couples therapy

Cognitive behavioural couples therapy (CBCT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to help couples. This type of therapy explores the relationship among partners’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying cognitive distortions and other unhelpful thought patterns, CBCT aims to change those thoughts in order to change the resulting emotional reactions and behaviors. 

CBCT also works to improve partners’ communication and problem-solving skills. Together, these elements can improve the relationship quality and reduce overall emotional distress. Studies have shown that CBCT can improve couples’ function as well as have positive effects on partners’ mental and physical health.

Emotionally focused couples therapy

Emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) is a form of therapy used primarily for couples. This type of therapy may work to improve participants’ emotional intelligence, possibly allowing them to express their emotions more clearly and respond to one another in healthy, constructive ways. It also focuses on attachment theory, helping partners build a secure bond with each other through emotional experiences. By engaging in this type of therapy, couples can rekindle their emotional bond and may feel a stronger connection to one another going forward.

Various studies suggest EFCT is effective for couples in distress or coping with post-traumatic stress disorder or chronic illness, as well as those looking to increase partner intimacy.

Additional methods couples therapists may use

There may be other couples therapy forms that a therapist may implement based on their professional expertise and the needs of their clients. Some other therapeutic approaches that may be used in couples therapy include:

• The Gottman Method: Focuses on building trust and friendship as the baseline of a relationship and often involves practical tools and strategies for communicating and resolving conflict
• Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT): Uses behavioral and acceptance strategies to promote understanding and acceptance of one another’s differences and strengthen the relationship
• Creative therapies: Music, dance, and art therapy can help partners communicate and express their emotions through creative means.
• Narrative therapy: Tells the story of the couple’s challenges as separate from the couple, allowing participants to reframe the narrative and change their perspectives on it going forward
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT): Identifies strengths in the relationship and builds on them in order to resolve current conflicts and achieve future goals

Which couples therapy options are right for you?

If you and your partner are considering couples therapy, you might first determine whether you prefer in-person or online therapy. This can give you a starting point for what types of therapists/therapeutic methods are available to you as well as how to find a credentialed provider who meets your needs.

Why some couples prefer online therapy

Online therapy can be preferable to couples for many reasons. For couples with busy schedules or who aren’t residing in the same location, online couples therapy can be easier to fit into both partners’ schedules. Sessions can be joined from anywhere, and individuals don’t need to be in the same place to receive treatment together. Additionally, it can be easier to find a therapist experienced in a specific therapeutic method, as your options may not be limited to your specific location.

Can online couples therapy improve relationships and mental health?

Research suggests that online couples therapy can be an effective form of treatment. One study concluded that both in-person couples therapy and couples therapy over videoconferencing achieved equal outcomes of relationship satisfaction, desired/perceived change, mental health, and happiness—suggesting that both methods are equally effective.