Understanding the patterns that emerge between us.
Relationships can be deeply rewarding, but they can also become a source of stress, hurt, loneliness, or conflict.
Couples and alternative relationship therapy provides a supportive space where partners can slow down, understand what is happening between them, and work toward creating healthier and more connected relationships.
I work with couples and people in alternative relationships, including ethical non-monogamy, polyamorous, open, queer and kink-informed relationships.
What is couples & alternative relationship therapy?
Couples and alternative relationship therapy is a collaborative process that supports partners in exploring relationship concerns, improving communication, working through conflict, and developing a deeper understanding of one another.
A client-centred approach means that your relationship is understood within the context of both partners' experiences, needs, values, and perspectives. Rather than taking sides or deciding who is “right” or “wrong,” therapy focuses on understanding the patterns that have developed between you and identifying opportunities for meaningful change.
Couples may seek therapy for many different reasons, including communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, changes in intimacy, parenting challenges, infidelity, major life transitions, or simply wanting to strengthen an already healthy relationship.
What can you expect?
The first sessions typically involve getting to know you as a couple, understanding your relationship history, and identifying the concerns that have brought you to therapy. We may explore how you communicate, how conflict develops and resolves, and the experiences, emotions, and needs that may be underneath recurring patterns.
You can expect therapy to be collaborative, respectful, and non-judgmental. Both partners are given space to express themselves and to feel heard. At times, conversations may feel challenging or emotionally vulnerable, but the goal is to create a safe environment in which difficult topics can be explored constructively.
Depending on your goals, therapy may involve learning new ways to communicate, understanding and changing unhelpful interaction patterns, repairing emotional disconnection, developing problem-solving skills, or exploring deeper individual and relationship needs.
The goal is not necessarily to eliminate disagreement. Healthy relationships can include differences and conflict.
There is no single approach that works for every couple.
I draw from evidence-informed approaches and tailor the work to your relationship and goals. An integrative approach allows therapy to be adapted to the particular needs, strengths, culture, values, and goals of each couple.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Focuses on the emotional bond between partners and the cycles that can develop when partners feel hurt, disconnected, rejected, or misunderstood—helping you understand the emotions and needs underneath them and develop more secure ways of relating.
Gottman Method
Uses relationship assessment and research-informed interventions to help couples strengthen friendship and connection, manage conflict, increase understanding and affection, and develop shared meaning.
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
Combines acceptance and change: understanding the emotional and behavioural patterns behind your difficulties while developing greater acceptance, compassion, communication, and problem-solving.
Cognitive Behavioural Couples Therapy (CBCT)
Explores how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours influence relationship difficulties, with practical strategies for communication, conflict, and increasing positive interactions.
A collaborative space for your relationships.
Whether you are experiencing significant difficulties or simply want to strengthen your connection, therapy can be a place to step out of familiar patterns. Couples and alternative relationship sessions are 50 minutes, $220.