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COUNSELLING SERVICES

Couples Counselling

Strengthening Relationships with Evidence-Based Care
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Couples Counselling for Kitchener Waterloo


Improve Communication with your partner and strengthen the relationship - Personalized couples counselling and clinically proven interventions based on 40 years of therapy research.

 
Couples Therapy - Process

The Therapy Process

What to expect at each step of your counselling journey

Couples therapy - Benefits

Benefits of Therapy

How counselling can strengthen and support with lasting change

Couples therapy - harmful patterns

Harmful
Patterns

Learn the four patterns that most damage relationships

Infographic showing the different types of issues managed in couples therapy - Communication, Betrayal, stress, conflict regulation, intimacy

"The trust in my relationship has been shattered"

“There is a lot of stress and tension in our relationship”

“We don’t know how to communicate”

“I feel we’re more like roommates’ than partners”

“We keep fighting about the same thing”

Regardless of the difficulty you may be facing in your relationship working through challenges with a therapist can be the first step in rebuilding and strengthening your connection as a couple

Lets us Help you Find the Right Match

  • Heather-Powers-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Katelyn-Regier-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Kisha-Elliston-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Amy-King-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Kait-Stamcos-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Samantha-Kittell-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Megan-Pass-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Bradley-Vasquez-Psychotherapist
  • Caroline-Brousseau-Therapist-Registered-Social-Worker-Trillium-Counselling
  • Carolyn-Dorr-Therapist-Registered-Social-Worker-Trillium-Counselling
  • Lauren-Carrique-Therapist-Registered-Social-Worker-Trillium-Counselling
  • Farzana-Therapist-Couples-therpay-Trillium-Counselling-Kitchener-Waterloo
  • Catherine-Roach-Psychotherapist
  • Melanie-Baker-Therapist-Registered-Social-Worker-Trillium-Counselling
  • Wendy-Therapist-Kitchener-Waterloo
  • Devon-Jorge-Therapist-Registered-Social-Worker-Trillium-Counselling
  • Megan-Hendry-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
  • Milena-Urbanajc-Therapist-Registered-Social-Worker-Trillium-Counselling

Right Therapist, Right Plan, Real Support

Evidence‑based therapy plus the right counselling match helps you move from coping to thriving—on a schedule that sticks. 

Most couples don't realize that their pattern of communication is damaging the relationship, and don't have the effective tools to change. 

Couples Therapy Divorce Statistic - chance of first marriage ending in divorce over 40yr period - 67%

Chance of First Marriage Ending in Divorce (over 40 years)

Gottman et al. - The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999)

Couples Therapy Divorce Statistic - half of all divorces happen in the first 7 years of the relationship

Half of All Divorces Happen in the First 7 Years of the Relationship

Gottman et al. - The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999)

There should be no shame in seeing a couples therapist, relationships can be hard work and sometimes require assistance to navigate complex issues

 
The Gottman Method, the couples therapy model used at Trillium Counselling, identifies four powerful patterns of negativity that can quietly erode even the strongest relationships.

 

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Bring up disagreements softly, without criticism or contempt

Manage Conflict in a style that works for both of you

Do things for your partner because you feel positive about your relationship

Accommodate each others difference and handle them with affection, care and respect

Don’t just ‘get along’, you support each others hopes and aspirations

Support Starts Here

Through therapy, you and your partner can uncover harmful patterns, learn healthier ways to communicate, and build a stronger, more connected relationship

The ultimate goal of psychotherapy is to help you understand the patterns in your behaviour that are negatively impacting your day to day life.

FAQs

Therapy works best when the 'fit' is right with your therapist. That’s why we carefully match you with someone whose expertise fits your needs and preferences. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to creating a supportive and effective experience.

Before meeting your therapist, you’ll complete a brief intake form. Your first 50‑minute session focuses on what brings you in, your goals, relevant history, and what success would look like. We’ll explain confidentiality and co‑create a plan so you know what comes next. It’s normal to feel nervous—your therapist will guide the pace.

The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and goals. Many people start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments and adjust as they make progress. The total number of sessions is unique to you—your therapist will work with you to find the right approach.

Relationships can bring joy, but also stress, conflict, and disconnection. At Trillium Counselling, our therapists draw on two leading, research-based approaches to help couples strengthen their bond:

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy – focuses on identifying harmful communication patterns (such as criticism or defensiveness), building healthy alternatives, and fostering trust, respect, and intimacy.

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – helps partners recognize and shift negative cycles, express underlying emotions, and create a more secure, supportive connection.

Each approach is tailored to your unique relationship, offering a safe space to work through challenges, deepen understanding, and build a stronger foundation together.

Most of our services are covered by extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies with every plan, so please check your specific plan or contact your provider to confirm your benefits.

Most employer benefits cover therapy with a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) or a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). We can direct bill to most major insurers when your plan allows it; otherwise, we email insurance‑ready receipts after your session.

Megan-Pass-Therapist-MSW-RSW-Trillium-Counselling
Last Reviewed Aug 5 2025 by Megan Pass

Megan earned her Master’s in Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to this Megan studied at the University of Waterloo completing her undergraduate degree in Social Development Studies and her Honors Bachelor of Social Work degree. Megan has also completed the Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy – a leading evidence-based approach for working with couples backed by 40 years of research. With this training and lived experience Megan recognizes the complexities of relationships and has a passion for helping couples to navigate various challenges.

Not sure yet? Let’s talk it through.

If you’d like to ask questions or explore your options first, book a free 20-minute matching consult or give us a call (226-752-8857) . One of our team members will help you find the right therapist and next steps that feel comfortable for you.