Relationships & Couples
Couples Counselling
When the same arguments keep coming back, or you feel more like roommates than partners, it can be hard to find your way back to each other. Couples counselling gives you both a structured space to understand what is happening between you and decide what you want next.
In person in Burlington for clients from Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and Hamilton, and online across Ontario.
What is couples counselling?
Couples counselling is therapy for two partners together. The focus is the relationship itself: the patterns between you, how you communicate, and what each of you needs. It is not about deciding who is right.
Some couples come to reconnect, some to repair after a breach of trust, and some to decide whether and how to move forward.
Common reasons couples reach out
The same arguments keep coming back and never get resolved
Feeling distant, lonely, or more like roommates than partners
Rebuilding trust after an affair or broken promise
Stress from a new baby, a move, illness, money, or work
Different expectations about family, parenting, or the future
One or both partners shutting down during conflict
Deciding whether to stay together or separate with less conflict
Pre-marital counselling
Counselling is not only for couples in difficulty. Pre-marital counselling helps partners talk through expectations before marriage: roles, finances, family, faith, children, and how you handle disagreement. It can be a useful way to start a marriage with shared language and fewer surprises.
What to expect
- Free consultationA 15-minute call to talk about what is happening and whether couples counselling is a good fit.
- First session togetherYou each share what brought you in, what you have tried, and what you hope will change.
- Individual check-insMany couples have one session each with the therapist, so each partner can speak openly about their history and goals.
- Working on the patternSessions focus on how conflict starts and escalates, how to repair, and practical skills to try between sessions.
- Reviewing progressYou and your therapist check in regularly on what is changing and adjust the plan.
Many couples start weekly or every two weeks, then space sessions out as things improve.
Couples counselling may not be the right fit when there is fear, threats, coercion or violence in the relationship. If that is part of your situation, the therapist will talk with you about safer options first, such as individual support.
Pricing
Session rates are based on 50-minute appointments, in person at our Burlington office or online by secure video or phone anywhere in Ontario. Appointments are available days, evenings and weekends. Extended sessions are available on request.
Insurance and OHIP Coverage
Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist. Please confirm with your insurance provider before your first session. OHIP does not cover these services, but fees may be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return.
If you both have coverage, ask your insurers whether sessions can be claimed under either plan.
Frequently asked questions
What if my partner does not want to come?
That is common. You can start with individual sessions to work on your side of the pattern, and your partner can join later if they choose.
Will the therapist take sides?
No. The therapist’s role is to understand both of you and the pattern between you, not to decide who is right.
Is couples counselling only for couples in crisis?
No. Many couples come to strengthen communication, prepare for marriage, or work through a life change before problems grow.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on what brings you in and how long the pattern has been there. Your therapist will talk about a plan after the first few sessions and review it with you.
Can couples counselling help if we are thinking about separating?
Yes. Some couples use counselling to decide whether to stay together, and others to separate with less conflict, especially when children are involved.
Are sessions in person or online?
Both. Sessions can be in person at our Burlington office, or online by secure video or phone anywhere in Ontario.
Related reading
Take the first step
You do not need to agree on everything before reaching out. A free 15-minute consultation is a chance to describe what is happening and ask whether couples counselling is the right next step.
Safety disclaimer
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis, an assessment, or a substitute for individual care. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8, available 24/7 across Canada. Booking requests and messages to our office are not emergency services. You do not need to manage an emergency on your own.