Couples Therapy Canada: Understanding Marriage Counselling Options

If you and your partner are facing a challenge, navigating a transition, or trying to improve your emotional connection, you might benefit from couples therapy—but what does that entail? What options do Canadian couples have for getting the relationship support they need? In this article, we’ll explore couples therapy in more detail, including what it can look like, where to find it, and other considerations to keep in mind if you’re seeking counseling in Canada. 

An introduction to couples therapy

Couples therapy (sometimes called relationship counseling) is a form of therapy designed to help romantic partners improve their relationship. In couples therapy sessions, a mental health provider typically helps partners set goals, explore their emotions, discuss relationship challenges, and find practical ways to improve their connection. The length, type, and format of these sessions can vary, depending on your relationship goals and your therapist’s particular specialty. Couples therapy most often includes both partners, who attend sessions together. However, some therapists may also conduct separate sessions with each partner to gain additional context and perspective. 

Is couples therapy the same as marriage counselling?

You may have heard the terms “couples therapy” and “marriage counselling” used interchangeably. While both aim to improve relationship health, marriage counseling is often considered a specific type of couples therapy focused specifically on marriage and marriage-related challenges. For instance, married couples might choose to work with a marriage counselor (instead of a more general couples therapist) to discuss a potential divorce or navigate infidelity. In situations involving children or parenting, marriage counseling may also overlap with other specialized treatments, like family therapy.

Why Canadian couples might seek relationship and marriage counselling

Not every couple has specific reasons for seeking couples counselling. Some may attend couples therapy to grow closer, while others might start counseling with specific relationship goals in mind, such as improving their intimacy or preparing for marriage. 

How couples therapists can support emotional and mental health

It can be common to assume that couples therapy is only for improving relationships. However, relationship counseling can also indirectly support individuals’ mental health, emotional health, and general well-being. In addition to strengthening the bond between partners, couples therapy can:

• Help individuals feel heard, explore their emotions, and build an awareness of their needs
• Provide support for individuals and couples living with mental health challenges
• Reduce stress by improving conflict resolution
• Improve communication skills
• Help partners develop healthy coping mechanisms that may translate to other areas of life

Couples therapy Canada: What to know

Couples therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and can vary significantly across couples and locations. If you live in Canada and are considering working with a therapist, getting familiar with these details can give you a better idea of what to expect. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at what couples therapy can look like, qualifications for Canadian couples therapists, and more. 

Registered psychotherapist, counselling therapist, and more: Types of Canadian couples therapists

According to Job Bank, a resource from the Canadian government, the specific titles for marriage therapists (and other related counselors) in Canada can vary by region. For instance, in Ontario, therapists use the designation of Registered Psychotherapist, while in Nova Scotia, they use the designation of Counselling Therapist. Meanwhile, in Quebec, relationship therapists may fall in the category of Marriage and Family Therapist, Sexologist, or Psychoeducator. Each of these designations is governed by a different regulatory body, and therapists must register with the correct one in order to practice.

In addition, Canadian therapists must also fulfill certain educational requirements. These typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling, psychology, or a related field, alongside a certain amount of supervised client work. It can be helpful to ask your counselor about their qualifications, licensing, and experience prior to starting therapy. 

What types of therapy do couples therapists practice?

Practitioners may use various approaches to couples therapy. The exact type can depend on a couple’s specific challenges and preferences. According to Harvard University, some of the most common techniques used in couples therapy include the following:

• Emotionally focused therapy: Emotionally focused therapy, or EFT, generally focuses on exploring and addressing the underlying emotional needs that may be contributing to relationship challenges. 
• The Gottman method: The Gottman method typically focuses on helping couples improve their communication and conflict resolution skills while building the foundation for a more positive, meaningful relationship. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: Also known as CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy usually focuses on helping clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns.
• Integrative systemic therapy: This form of therapy normally combines multiple techniques and approaches based on clients’ unique needs and dynamics. 

Couples therapy Canada: Cost and payment options

In Canada, couples counseling can cost anywhere from CAD $150 to $200 or more per hour. It is typically not covered by Canada’s public healthcare program. However, non-public and employer-sponsored healthcare plans may provide additional coverage for therapy, and certain therapists may offer sliding-scale fees based on income level and other factors. Some providers may also offer a free consultation prior to starting treatment. This can be an opportunity to decide whether a specific therapist is the right fit for you, which can keep costs down by minimizing trial-and-error. 

Setting yourself up for success with a registered psychotherapist, counselling therapist, or other relationship therapists 

There are no set requirements couples must fulfill prior to starting therapy. However, taking a few simple actions ahead of time may set you and your partner up for success in your therapy journey.

• Reviewing your health benefits to understand your coverage options and what, if anything, you can expect to pay
• Sitting down with your partner ahead of time to discuss what you want to get out of counseling
• Talking to your therapist beforehand to explore your goals, which can help you get a sense of whether they’re the right fit for your relationship needs
• Reflecting on your role in the relationship, your dynamic with your partner, and any patterns you’ve noticed in the relationship that you would like to change
• Completing any assigned homework, paperwork, or pre-counseling exercises your therapist sends you in advance

Tips for success after starting therapy

In addition to pre-counseling preparation, you may also find it helpful to be intentional once you’ve started relationship therapy. Being conscientious throughout your journey can promote a more positive and productive experience for you and your partner. 

• In each session, try to be open and honest about your experiences, feelings, and concerns.
• Make an effort to implement your therapist’s suggestions in your everyday life and daily interactions, rather than just during your sessions.
• Actively listen during your sessions when your partner is talking, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak.
• Check in with your partner periodically about how each of you believes your therapy journey is going.
• Focus on solving problems rather than assigning blame.
• Manage your expectations, be patient with the process, and recognize that the goal of couples therapy is to create lasting changes, rather than implement quick fixes.
• Stay mindful of your goals and reasons for seeking therapy, and don’t hesitate to raise any concerns with your therapist.
  

Options for finding an in-person therapist in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you’ve never participated in relationship counseling before, you may wonder where you should search for a couples therapist. There are several resources you can consider, depending on your needs, location, and preferences. 

• Referrals from your doctor: If you’re unsure where to seek support, you can start by bringing up your relationship concerns with your primary care doctor. They may be able to recommend therapy practices targeted to your needs and situation. 
• Professional associations: Consider contacting your province’s or territory’s professional psychology association to learn about in-person counseling options in your area. They may be able to direct you to appropriate providers. 
• Government websites: The Canadian government maintains lists of mental health and wellness resources. Consider using its provincial and territorial resources directory to explore relationship counseling options near you.
• Online directories: Various websites and organizations maintain directories of providers, which you can filter by location, specialty (including couples counseling), and other preferences. 

What other support options are available in Canada?

Beyond in-person therapy, several other options exist to help Canadian couples improve their relationship health. While the options below may not replace professional counseling, they may be a useful supplement to traditional therapy. 

• Support groups: Support groups for couples and romantic partners can supplement formal therapy and provide a safe space to discuss challenges with others. If you’re in search of a couples therapist, attending support group meetings can also be a way to get counselor recommendations and word-of-mouth referrals from other couples.
• Couples education classes: Relationship workshops, classes, and conferences may be available through your school, employer, or other community programs. These can provide short-term education for couples looking to improve specific aspects of their relationships. 

Online therapy for relationships and mental health 

In addition to the options above, working one-on-one with a therapist can be a valuable way to explore your relationship, its effects on your mental health, and any other challenges you’re facing, even without your partner present. However, attending counseling in person may not always be practical for people with busy schedules or long commutes. With online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples, you can receive therapy from the comfort of home via voice call, video call, or online chat. You can also message your therapist between sessions, and they will respond as soon as they are able. This may make it easier to stay accountable and address challenges as they arise.

Research shows that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for supporting mental health and well-being. In 2023, researchers studied over 27,000 individuals to compare the effectiveness of in-person cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with an internet-based CBT program. They found that online therapy was just as effective at addressing various mental health concerns as face-to-face therapy.