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Couples & Relationship Counselling

Strengthening All Forms of Relationships Through Research-Based Interventions.

At Alberta Counselling Centre, we believe that therapy can be a powerful tool to strengthen relationships, whether you are in a traditional marriage, a long-term partnership, or a nontraditional relationship such as consensual nonmonogamy or polyamory. Our therapists are committed to supporting all types of relationships with tailored interventions that cater to the unique dynamics of each couple or group.

The Gottman Method: A Proven Approach to Couple Counselling

We primarily use the Gottman Method in our couple counselling sessions. Dr. Gottman is a world-famous psychologist who created the Gottman Institute. Gottman revolutionized marriage research by publishing findings from a large number of studies where he applied rigorous scientific procedures to observe and document the behaviours of married couples.

He became popular by being able to predict with over 90% accuracy whether couples would divorce. Together, Dr. Gottman and his wife, Dr. Schwartz Gottman, created innovative methods to evaluate, strengthen, and maintain marriages. Their theoretical approach relies on scientific research to explain why marriages succeed or fail, and offers practical suggestions to strengthen a new relationship, or help save a relationship that is in trouble.

What Are the Benefits of Couples Therapy?

Using the Gottman Method of relationship therapy, our therapists will help you to evaluate your relationship and assist you in learning methods to increasing intimacy, disarm conflict, remove barriers that cause stagnation, and increase the level of empathy and understanding.

In addition, you will be shown how to detect attitudes that doom couples and lead to breakups or divorce — contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling. We will teach you how to detect and avoid these destructive patterns and maintain your long-term relationship.

Therapy sessions will give you and your partner the opportunity to learn and practice practical exercises and simple communication techniques that will help you to understand your partner, manage conflict, enhance trust, and make the most of your relationship.

The Gottman Method is designed to:

  • Increase intimacy, respect, and affection between partners.
  • Teach effective communication skills to manage conflict.
  • Help couples build a stronger foundation of friendship.
  • Identify and change negative patterns that can lead to divorce, such as contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Gottman's practical tools and strategies have helped countless couples enhance their relationships. Through this method, our therapists will guide you and your partner in learning to better understand each other, manage disagreements constructively, and foster a deeper connection.

What to Expect in Our Relationship Counselling Sessions

Whether you are seeking to rekindle your connection after years together, assess compatibility before a major commitment, or navigate the complexities of a nontraditional relationship, our counselling sessions offer:

  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Our therapists draw from a variety of theoretical orientations to create customized treatment plans that address your specific needs and goals.
  • Practical Tools and Techniques: We teach practical exercises and communication strategies that you can use to enhance your relationship, manage conflict, and build trust.
  • A Supportive Environment: Sessions provide a supportive and confidential space for you and your partner(s) to openly discuss challenges and work towards solutions.

Book Your Session

Our relationship counselling sessions are available at our Calgary office. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, please contact us through our automated online booking system, or reach out via phone, text, or email. Let us help you build stronger, healthier relationships.

Expanding Our Services to Include Diverse Relationship Counselling

In addition to traditional couple and marriage counselling, we are proud to offer specialized counselling for diverse relationship structures. Our psychologists are trained to work with:

  • Consensual Nonmonogamy (CNM): This includes various forms of relationships where partners agree to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with others. Our counselling services provide a safe space to explore boundaries, improve communication, and navigate challenges specific to CNM arrangements.
  • Polyamory: A specific form of CNM where individuals maintain multiple, consensual, loving relationships. Our counselling sessions focus on strengthening connections, resolving conflicts that may arise from multiple partnerships, and fostering mutual respect and understanding among all partners involved.
  • Other Nontraditional Relationships: We recognize that relationships come in many forms, including LGBTQ+ partnerships, and more. Our approach is inclusive, ensuring that all clients receive respectful, knowledgeable, and supportive care tailored to their unique situation.

Counselling for Unique Challenges in Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy

Individuals practicing polyamory and ethical non-monogamy may face unique challenges in their relationships. These can include:

  • Navigating Jealousy: Learning to manage feelings of jealousy in a healthy way is crucial in non-monogamous relationships. Our therapists can help you understand the roots of jealousy and develop strategies to cope with it constructively.
  • Establishing Boundaries: Clear communication about boundaries is essential in maintaining trust and harmony in CNM relationships. We assist clients in defining and respecting each partner's boundaries.
  • Time Management: Balancing time and emotional energy between multiple partners can be challenging. Our counselling sessions provide tools to help prioritize and manage time effectively to ensure all partners feel valued.
  • Dealing with Stigma: Individuals in non-monogamous relationships often face societal stigma. Our supportive environment allows clients to explore their relationship dynamics without judgment, fostering resilience against external pressures.