In person in Calgary · Online
Couples and relationship counselling in Calgary
Support for how you show up in relationships, from how you communicate, disagree and reconnect, whether you come together or on your own.
- Registered Psychologists
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Private and confidential
What is couples and relationship counselling?
Couples counselling is talk therapy with a psychologist that helps partners look at how they communicate, handle conflict and connect. Relationship counselling can also be individual: working independently on a relationship with a partner, family member, friend or colleague. At Synthesis Psychology, you can meet in person at our Calgary office, or online or by phone, starting with a free 15-minute phone consultation.
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from couples counselling. Some couples come to work through a specific conflict, others to understand a pattern they keep falling into, and others to prepare for a big change together.
We can offer counselling in Spanish as well as English.
What people bring to relationship counselling
Every relationship is different. Some of the reasons people reach out include:
Communication
Conversations that turn into arguments, or important things that go unsaid.
Recurring conflict
The same disagreements coming up again and again without getting resolved.
Feeling disconnected
Feeling more like roommates than partners, or drifting apart.
Big changes
Moving in together, having children, blending families or other transitions that shift the relationship.
Beyond your partner
Tension or conflict with family members, friends or colleagues.
Boundaries
Finding it hard to say what you need, say no, or set boundaries with the people close to you.
You don't need to have a name for what's going on. Tell us what you're noticing and we'll take it from there.
Reaching out
When to reach out about your relationship
Couples often wait a long time before asking for support. You don't have to: counselling can be useful early, while things still feel workable, as well as when they feel hard.
You don't need a referral. In an emergency, or if you don't feel safe at home, call 9-1-1. You can also call or text 9-8-8 any time.
It may be time to talk to someone if
- The same arguments keep coming back
- You're avoiding certain topics to keep the peace
- You feel distant from each other
- A big change is putting strain on the relationship
- You want to understand your own part in a pattern
How we help
How counselling can help relationships
The approach depends on whether you come as a couple or on your own, and what you want to work on. Sessions may draw on approaches like these.
Gottman Method couples therapy
A research-based approach to couples therapy that starts with an assessment of the relationship and works to reduce conflictual communication and increase intimacy, respect and affection. Our psychologists hold up to Level 2 certificates in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Assertive communication
Strategies for working through conflict and solving problems together, so you can get your needs met, set boundaries and reach outcomes that work for everyone.
Solution-focused therapy
Looks at what's already working in the relationship, and at the future you want, rather than only at the problem.
Narrative therapy
Sees the problem as separate from the people in the relationship, so you can look at it together rather than blaming each other.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Helps you notice and change the thoughts and beliefs that drive how you react to each other.
Individual relationship counselling
Working independently on a relationship issue or interpersonal conflict, whether or not the other person is in counselling.
What we can work on together
Depending on what you bring, your sessions might include:
- Communication
- Conflict and repair
- Trust and connection
- Assertiveness and boundaries
- Life transitions as a couple
- Cultural differences
- Family and workplace relationships
- Self-esteem
How getting started works
Reach out
Call 403.261.5085 or send us a message. We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, and aim to get back to you as soon as we can.
Talk for 15 minutes
A free phone consultation to understand what you're looking for, so you find the psychologist best suited to your needs.
Start with the right psychologist
We connect you with a psychologist who has the training and experience for what you're facing, and who is a good fit for you. If we don't offer the support you need, we'll refer you to specialized resources.
Questions about couples and relationships counselling
Do we both need to come?
You can come together or start on your own. Visit our team page to find psychologists who work with couples. Relationship issues and interpersonal conflict are also things our psychologists work with in individual counselling.
What is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy. It starts with an assessment of your relationship and uses interventions aimed at reducing conflictual communication and increasing intimacy, respect and affection. Our psychologists hold up to Level 2 certificates in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Can we have couples counselling in Spanish?
Yes. We can offer counselling services in Spanish as well as English. Mention it when you book your free consultation.
How much does couples counselling cost, and is it covered?
Ask about fees for couples sessions on your free consultation call. Many extended health benefit plans cover sessions with a psychologist, but check how your plan handles couples sessions before you book. See fees and insurance.
Can we do couples counselling online?
As well as in-person sessions at our Calgary office, we offer counselling online and by phone. Ask on your consultation call how that works for couples sessions. See online counselling.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Psychologists follow a code of ethics with strict confidentiality rules that protect your privacy, with limits only in exceptional circumstances, as set out by the College of Alberta Psychologists.
If you claim sessions through a benefit plan, the specific reason you're seeing a psychologist stays confidential.
Your next step starts here.
You don't have to work it out alone. A free 15-minute phone consultation is a simple, no-pressure place to start.
We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
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