Couples Counselling

Relationships take work… and sometimes therapy.

We humans are hard-wired for connection and yet, being connected is not without its challenges. Whether you are just starting out or have been together for a lifetime, working with a therapist can help you navigate the inevitable conflicts that arise in relationships. Whether you need tools to communicate more effectively with each other or you are looking to create more intimacy in your relationship, couples counselling can help.

Effectively expressing our needs is a learned skill.

Communicating our needs is not as easy as one might think. Most of us are not taught to even identify our needs let alone take the vulnerable next step of sharing those needs with another. As a result, many of us suffer in silence. Hurt feelings can lead to conflict or unsustainable feelings of resentment and mistrust. Couples counselling that draws on evidence-based approaches, such as non-violent/compassionate communication, can help put an end to harmful patterns of interaction that are not serving your relationship.

In addition to a graduate degree, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Paula de Wit, has advanced training in working with couples, including Gottman Levels 1 & 2, Emotionally Focused Therapy Levels 1 & 2, and The Sexually Competent Therapist.

Communication truly is the first step to a healthy relationship.

Astraea can assist couples in building effective communication strategies to help lessen instances of conflict, and restore confidence and a greater level of intimacy in your relationship. Our collaborative approach to couples counselling can help you:

Identify your needs & express your feelings in a way that enables your partner to hear you
Enhance your emotional closeness

Discuss challenging topics that you may be afraid to broach without the support of a neutral third party

Increase your sexual intimacy & improve your sex life
Address desire discrepancies

“To achieve a lasting loving bond, we have to be able to tune in to our deepest needs and longings and translate them into clear signals that help our lovers respond to us.”

~ Dr. Sue Johnson, Clinical Psychologist &
Developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy

Connect with a Registered Clinical Counsellor

Call:

250-858-4804

Email:

paula@astraeacounselling.ca

Hours:

Flexible & By Appointment. Available for in-person & virtual sessions.

Location:

Victoria, BC, Canada