We're All Unique
Our experienced team is dedicated to nurturing and strengthening the bonds that unite couples on their journey towards lasting and meaningful connections.
Our caring therapists understand that every relationship is unique, and we are here to provide a compassionate and supportive environment for couples seeking growth and positive change.
Should We Get Couples Therapy?
Although every relationship is different, there are some signs to tell you when to ask for help...
These signs may include a lack of sexual interest, a decrease in quality time spent together, the impact of an affair or betrayal, a decreased ability to manage conflicts effectively, or the sense that you have simply forgotten how to love one another.
Changes in your relationship can be daunting, but they also present an opportunity for personal and mutual growth. Couples counselling in Calgary or (Marriage counselling in Calgary) delves into unhelpful relationship patterns and works toward a more positive experience.
Sometimes, individuals are too close to their situations to see them objectively and having a third party to listen and provide an unbiased perspective can be immensely beneficial. Your relationship issues may not be as insurmountable as they seem – they might just require some guidance, and that's where we come in!
When Should We Seek Marriage Counselling?
This definitely varies for each couple, but some common recurring themes are decreased sexual interest or infidelity; an increase in fighting without resolution; difficulty communicating current and future needs and plans; perpetual gridlock on certain issues; difficulties in parenting; loss of friendship within the couple dynamic; an erosion of interests or values; and negative behaviours, like addiction or gambling. If something is interfering with marital happiness, counselling may be the solution. You can even start with a simple quiz like this.
What Happens at Couples Counselling?
Firstly, you can book a 15-minute, no-obligation consult with a psychologist in Calgary to determine the best way to proceed and what you would be looking for in a therapist. Remember, our entire organization has always been open and welcoming to all relationships – married, common-law, lesbian, gay, and all other LGBTQ minorities – and is a completely judgment-free zone.
From there, we will guide you through combined and individual interviews and sessions, in order to get to the heart of the issues you are experiencing and tailor treatments to your specific situation. We use techniques such as The Gottman Method to deliver verified, proven techniques that will help improve the aspects of your relationship that need it.
What Does Marriage Counselling Even Do?
Marriage counselling helps identify and isolate problematic systems and patterns in relationships, which are often hard to see when you’re in the middle of them. It relies heavily on research and evidence-based practices. The presence of a neutral third-party witness often helps people see their relationship from a different perspective.
Marriage counselling offers a way to better resolve conflicts and strengthen foundations, so that future conflicts are resolved more quickly and with a lessened negative effect. Often, it helps couples feel more connected, and many report that they understand each other’s values and opinions much better.
How Does Marriage Counselling Work?
The process typically starts with an assessment of the relationship, either informal or formal. One of our favourite methods for this is the Gottman Relationship Checkup, based on the work of Drs. John and Julie Gottman. They have a high focus on building foundations for strong marriages, and the Checkup includes an interview with both members of the couple and a psychologist, as well as an online assessment.
Next is when the therapist meets with each person individually, if they would like to do that. This includes getting information on previous relationships, and some family history in order to build a better context database.
Step 3 is where we roll up our sleeves, in order to work on skills-based content that has been discovered during the previous assessment phase. After that, it’s time to enter into more active treatment, based on any “red flags” we’ve found – this entails heavy work in those areas, leading to corrections and, hopefully, lasting changes and a healthy relationship.
Going to Therapy Before Dating?
Yes, this has been on the rise in recent years. One of the factors contributing to this shift in dating behaviour is the slowly-reducing stigma around mental health and treatments. Once upon a time, bringing up a therapist on a first date was a recipe for disaster – but now, it is often viewed as just another part of a person’s health and wellness routine. To learn more we go further in-depth in one of our blog posts.
Different Types of Relationship Therapy
We provide a variety of couples therapy and marriage counselling options tailored to address the specific needs of each partnership. Our Calgary clinic's diverse approaches offer valuable insights and effective tools to navigate challenges and foster introspection within your relationship.
Many of our psychologists are trained in Level 1 Gottman's. Phoenix and Martina are trained in both Level 1 & Level 2 Gottman's Training.
Dr. Phoenix Brill also offers Marathon Couples Therapy in the Bragg Creek and Calgary area.
Our 3 Main Approaches to Couples Therapy
1) Gottman Method
This evidence-based method focuses on enhancing relationship satisfaction through proven assessments and interventions. By prioritizing key principles and communication strategies, couples can build emotional intelligence and strengthen their connection. The Gottman Method offers a concise yet impactful framework for fostering trust, intimacy, and lasting fulfillment in relationships.
2) Emotion Focused Couples Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a dynamic therapeutic approach that prioritizes emotions to bring about positive change. Developed by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg, EFT helps couples process emotions effectively, fostering improved self-experience and relational dynamics. This method, focused on attachment and bonding patterns, aims to create secure and fulfilling connections through empathetic exploration and targeted interventions. EFT provides a pathway to emotional resilience and enhanced satisfaction in relationships.
3) Customized Approach
A customized approach is taken when the presenting concerns are complex, historical, or extremely perpetual to allow the therapist and the couple to utilize interventions that will provide the most relief to couples in distress. At times couples present for divorce avoidance counselling, but do not yet know if they are looking to stay together. This requires a lengthier beginning stage of counselling to help the couple discover their commitment to each other and their relationship. The therapists at Flourish have specific training in modalities for both couples and individuals that can be utilized using this combination, customized approach. For example, some couples have unresolved trauma or addictions that need to be co-currently addressed while the work of couples counselling is occurring.
Scheduling a Couples Counselling Session in Calgary
Scheduling your first couples counselling session in Calgary is simple and convenient. We aim to make the process as seamless as possible – here's an outline of how it’s done:
1
15-Minute Consultation
Start by filling out our user-friendly online contact form, which will set you up with a free 15-minute consultation with a therapist of your choice. That’s where you’ll briefly share your personal concerns and what you hope to achieve. It also gives us the opportunity to make sure we’re a good fit for you, too.
2
Choose Your Therapist
After your free consultation, take the time to reflect on your experience and decide if you feel comfortable and connected with the therapist you spoke with. If so, you can book your first therapy session. If not, we can try someone else, or recommend a different clinic if we feel we cannot provide you with what you need.
3
Choose Appointment
Choose the format – in-person or online – that best suits your comfort level and circumstances. Our virtual sessions are always secure, confidential, and convenient, but if you aren't a fan of online and would prefer face-to-face interactions, we'll warmly welcome you for your appointment!