ottawa family counselling

Ottawa Family Therapy Services

Families are complicated. It seems whenever you get two or more people together, family relationships, communication, and sibling can all place a strong emotional role in family harmony or family conflict. Family counselling can help take care of life’s precious relationships. But families are systems, like dominos: if one element of the family breaks down, all the other elements are affected. Families can also grow and change as a unit. They work best when they work as a team. Understanding family and relationship dynamics, personal and parental wounds, sibling revelry, etc., all help each family member better understand the family dynamics, the family wounds, and thus the road to family healing. Ottawa family counselling can help when family relationships get stuck or there is family conflict.

 

Family Therapy Session With parent, son, and family therapist

Benefits of Family Therapy

The ultimate goal of therapy might change for each family depending on your dynamic. Our goal at Marriage Therapists Ottawa is to help you build a better, stronger, more collaborative family. Family therapy can help improve interpersonal communication and allows for better understanding and support of one another. We spend a significant amount of time in our homes and depending on the relationships within it, our mental health can be significantly impacted for the better or worse. Our team is led by Dr. Martin Rovers who has over 30 years of experience as a psychologist, marriage, and family therapist. Contact us today to book a consultation to help your family life thrive as best as it can.

 

Family therapy session with mother holding son's hand while entering a therapist's office

Is Family Therapy Right For You?

Family therapy can help no matter what your household situation might be. Whether you’re just looking to improve your family dynamic or have issues or hardships you want to address, the experts at Marriage Therapists Ottawa can help. That being said, below are just a few of the common topics we come across and help families with:

  • Behavioural problems or disorders
  • Sibling conflict
  • Boundaries within the household
  • Parenting disagreements
  • Family communication
  • Marital problems or divorce
  • Developing closer relationships
  • Blended families
  • Techniques and coping tools for difficult situations
  • Problem-solving techniques
  • Substance abuse
  • Grief management
  • Dealing with chronic illness
  • Caregiving for aging parents

 


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from family therapy?+
What are some common issues addressed in family therapy?+
How often will we need to attend family therapy sessions and how long will family therapy last?+
How can family therapy help improve communication within my family? +
Can family therapy be conducted online or through teletherapy?+
How can I find a family therapist in my area?+

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates!






marriage counselling approach

Ottawa Marriage Counselling Services

Our Approach

Our therapeutic method at Marriage Therapists Ottawa is focused on two lines of inquiry:

  • How emotionally connected are you to your significant people, such as your partner, kids, or parents, right now?
  • What childhood scars prevent you from having more solid and loving connections with other people?

We have a wholly original method of therapy called Attachment in Family Therapy (AFT), which draws on emotionally focused relationship therapy and family-of-origin therapy. Our therapists collaborate with couples to pinpoint the fundamental problems in their union and create workable solutions to enhance communication, fortify emotional ties, and increase trust and intimacy.

 

marriage counselling benefits

Benefits of Marriage Counselling

Marriage counselling can be a useful tool for addressing a range of difficulties and problems in a relationship, such as:

  • Communication problems
  • Infidelity
  • Trust issues
  • Sexual problems
  • Parenting challenges

Couples can improve their awareness of their unique and shared needs, as well as their communication and problem-solving skills, by working with our skilled therapists. Marriage counselling can also assist couples in fortifying their emotional ties, increasing intimacy, and regaining trust in their union.

marriage counselling myths

Addressing the Myths About Marriage Therapy

Despite the many advantages of marriage counselling, getting treatment for relationship problems still carries a stigma. Many people are afraid or embarrassed to confess that their marriage is having problems, and they may fear that going to counselling is a sign of weakness. But it’s crucial to understand that asking for help is a brave and proactive move toward repairing your relationship.

  • Marriage counselling is available for couples who want to improve their relationship as well as those who have major problems.
  • Therapy may help even the healthiest relationships.
  • Even while counselling may be an investment, the cost of divorce and the related legal costs may be significantly higher.
  • Seeking therapy is a show of strength and
    determination to repair your relationship, not failure.

We believe that by dispelling misconceptions and stigma associated with marriage counselling, more couples would turn to it when they need it. At Marriage Therapists Ottawa, we’re dedicated to offering a secure, encouraging, and judgment-free environment to assist couples in overcoming obstacles and fortifying their relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can marriage counselling help our relationship?+
How do I know if my marriage needs counselling?+
What should we expect during a marriage counselling session?+
How long does marriage counselling typically last?+
Do both partners need to attend counselling, or can one person come alone?+

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates!






Get Counselling For Divorce And Separation

Marriage Therapists Ottawa offers divorce counselling and divorce therapy for couples or individuals going through a separation. We strive to offer a safe space for our patients to explore their emotions, concerns, and fears related to the divorce process.

No matter what stage in the divorce process you may be, divorce counselling can help individuals gain clarity, make informed decisions, and develop effective coping strategies. Our expert divorce therapists can even help improve communication, manage conflicts, and identify underlying issues that may have contributed to marital problems.

 

 

 

How We Can Help

Our goal at Marriage Therapists Ottawa is to offer a safe space where our divorce counselling therapists can provide support, guidance, and the right tools to help individuals cope with the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage or long-term relationship.

The specific focus and goals of divorce counselling can vary widely on the unique circumstances and needs of each person or couple involved. Our experts at Marriage Therapists Ottawa want to help you get to the bottom of any issues you’re experiencing and improve the quality of your life pre-divorce, post-divorce, or during.

 

Is Divorce Counselling Right For Me?

No matter what stage you are in your divorce, divorce counselling can be beneficial for a variety of people, including:

    • Individuals considering or going through a divorce
    • Divorced individuals adjusting to life after divorce
    • Parents dealing with the impact of divorce on children
    • Divorced parents looking to improve co-parenting skills

If any of the situations listed above resonate with you, divorce counselling may provide helpful support and insight. We’ve provided hundreds of patients across the Ottawa area with the tools to help improve their overall quality of life. Contact our team of experts today for any enquiries regarding divorce counselling or divorce therapy in Ottawa.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates!






Gay Men in lgbtq couples therapy

How We Can Help

At Marriage Therapists Ottawa, we understand that due to societal, cultural, and individual circumstances, LGBTQ couples may experience particular difficulties in their relationships. Our LGBTQ couples counselling services are created to respectfully and successfully handle these challenges, encouraging comprehension, resiliency, and progress within your relationship. The following are some typical difficulties that LGBTQ couples could experience:

  • Coming Out and Identity Exploration
  • Family and Social Acceptance
  • Discrimination and Prejudice
  • Communication about Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
  • Intimacy and Sexual Health
  • Negotiating Roles and Expectations
  • Intersectionality
  • Balancing Autonomy and Togetherness
  • Navigating Life Transitions
  • Mental Health and Well-being

 

 

 

Psychologist Listening to Gay Couple - lgbtq couples therapy

Is LGBTQ Couples Counselling Worth It?

We at Marriage Therapists Ottawa are firm believers that seeking professional assistance can result in significant improvements to your LGBTQ relationship. We provide a safe and accepting environment for you and your partner to explore, heal, and strengthen your relationship through our LGBTQ Couples Counselling services. 

Our services offer a venue for direct and sincere communication. Our skilled therapists help you and your partner express thoughts, feelings, and concerns with greater clarity and understanding by facilitating fruitful conversations. You’ll discover new emotional connections as you work through the difficulties unique to your relationship. You and your partner can create a stronger, more fulfilling relationship by encouraging vulnerability and empathy.

We at Marriage Therapists Ottawa are committed to assisting LGBTQ couples in establishing happier, more fulfilling relationships. Our knowledgeable therapists are committed to assisting you in achieving the life-changing advantages of counselling so that you and your partner can succeed separately and jointly.

 

Gay Couple Holding Hands - lgbtq couples therapy

Invest in Your Relationship with LGBTQ Couples Counselling

Your relationship is an adventure—a shared path of development, learning, and connection. We at Marriage Therapists Ottawa are aware of the special journey that LGBTQ couples take, and we’re here to help you along the way. By spending money on LGBTQ couples therapy, you’re demonstrating a strong commitment to the strength and fulfillment of your relationship. A strong emotional foundation is essential for a successful relationship, just as a strong foundation is required for a sturdy building. By addressing fundamental issues, promoting effective communication, and fostering emotional ties, our counselling aids in the strengthening of that foundation. 

LGBTQ couples counselling is an effective investment in your relationship that will help you create a successful union. By contacting us right away, we invite you to start this life-changing journey. Let’s join forces to build a future characterized by affection, comprehension, and enduring ties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I anticipate from a counselling session?+
Is counselling for LGBTQ couples just for those in trouble?+
How long does counselling for LGBTQ couples usually last?+
Do you provide online counselling for LGBTQ couples?+
How can I tell if LGBTQ couples counselling is the best course of action for my partner and me?+
Will LGBTQ couples counselling change our identities as people?+

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates!






[/span]

[/colcontainer]

Challenges in Blended Families

Blended families frequently face a variety of issues as a result of the blending of diverse origins, values, and parenting methods. Some frequent difficulties are:

Communication Difficulties: It might be difficult to adjust to new communication patterns and establish common ground.
Dynamics of Co-Parenting: Balancing the relationships of biological parents, stepparents, and children necessitates care and understanding.
Establishing Limits: When multiple family systems converge, it can be difficult to establish clear boundaries inside the home.
Adjustment of Children: It is critical for children’s emotional well-being to assist them in adapting to shifting family structures and dynamics.

 

 

 

Benefits of Blended Family Counselling

Our counsellors create a secure and supportive atmosphere in which families may productively address these difficulties. Here are some ways that counselling might help:

Open Communication: Facilitating open and effective communication among family members builds empathy and understanding.
Effective Co-Parenting Strategies: Assisting parents in creating ways for peaceful co-parenting for the benefit of their children.
Setting Boundaries: Assisting families in developing healthy boundaries that respect individual needs as well as family harmony.
Children’s Adjustment Support: Providing children with skills and resources to assist them in navigating changes in their family structure.

 

Early Intervention and Long-Term Benefits

Our mission at Marriage Therapists Ottawa is to help blended families effectively negotiate problems and develop strong, harmonious family units. We recognize that each family is unique, thus our counsellors customize their methods to distinct family dynamics.

Our early intervention enables families to resolve problems before they become major disputes. Families can avoid deeper misunderstandings and more major rifts by addressing these concerns early on.

Our therapists work with families in collaborative sessions, giving direction, support, and practical skills to create better relationships, effective communication, and a successful blended family dynamic. Our objective is not just to alleviate urgent problems, but also to provide families with the tools they need for long-term success and enjoyment.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates!






How We Can Help

Do you find that certain aspects of your relationship can be improved? If you think any of the following issues are affecting your current relationship, contact us today to get help with couples therapy today:

  • Lack of intimacy
  • Sexual desire levels or sexual interest
  • Frequent, heated, and escalating arguments
  • Discussing finances
  • Infidelity
  • Problem-solving and negotiating tasks
  • Problems with mood or anxiety
  • Planning for the future
  • Parenting or co-parenting
  • Problem drinking, drug use, and gambling
  • Lack of boundaries or feeling too distanced
  • Family issues or caring for elderly parents
  • Gaslighting or manipulation
  • Coping and interpersonal conflict

 

family-counselling 

Is Couples Therapy Worth it?

The benefits of couples therapy can vary drastically depending on the people involved. One set of partners might approach couples therapy differently than another. One couple might be experiencing different issues or complex issues that require more work and time. Even if you feel you aren’t experiencing traditional “relationship problems”, getting couples therapy is a great way to check in on how both partners are feeling. All relationships have peaks and valleys, passion followed by boredom, and even unintentional offences can affect the most loving relationships. Don’t wait for your relationship to reach a breaking point and help avoid future problems with early intervention.

Overall there’s a lot that can be gained from couples therapy and the majority of couples find that it improves the quality of their
relationships, gives them the tools to handle tough situations, allows them to communicate more effectively with one another,
and helps with intimacy. However, there is only one way to find out! Here at Marriage Therapists Ottawa, all of our staff specialize in
relationship counselling and have years of experience. Contact us today to book a consultation with our team.

 

Invest in Your Relationship with Couples Counselling

Couples counselling offers an opportunity to discuss your concerns, clarify problems, and move forwards with your lives as a happier, stronger couple. Whether your relationship is struggling in only one area, or you have a few different topics that need discussing, couples therapy can be very useful. It can help improve communication and address underlying issues in even the most healthy relationships. All relationships have room for improvement, all you need to do is take the first step. Contact the team at Marriage Therapists Ottawa by booking a consultation using the form below. Even if you’re not ready for a consultation, we’d be happy to answer any questions you or your partner may have.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does couples counselling last on average?+
Will our therapist take sides or favour one partner over the other?+
If our relationship is about to end, can couples counselling salvage it?+
Is everything said in therapy private?+
How can we tell if couples counselling will be beneficial for us?+
If we are not married, can we still participate in couples therapy?+

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates!






Martin RoversAbout Martin Rovers

Martin Rovers, PhD, is a professor and AAMFT Approved Supervisor in the Faculty of Human Sciences at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. He has been a health care practitioner for over 30 years, as a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, team leader, mentor, writer, and workshop presenter. Martin is the author of Healing the Wounds in Couple Relationships (Novalis, 2005) (find his book online at www.capitalchoicecounselling.com/resources/book, Family’s Many Faces: Contempory Family Patterns and Challenges (2014: co-editor: Peeters, Belgium), and Touch in The Helping Relationships (Editor, 2015 in press) as well as many articles in the area of attachment within couples and family.

Martin’s therapeutic approach is based upon two areas of inquiry: 1) what is the emotional connection between you and your significant others today, such as partner, children, parents, and 2) what wounds of childhood are holding you back from a more loving and secure relationship and connection with others. Using emotionally focused relationship therapy and family of origin therapy, Martin has developed his own approach to therapy called Attachment in Family Therapy (AFT).

Martin’s areas of counselling interest include inter-partner touch in couple counselling, reconciling with aging parents, adult children caregivers, and family of origin dynamics. See some of Martin’s publications at: www.capitalchoicecounsleling.com/resources/books

Martin Rovers’ Counselling Philosophy

There are two reasons why people come into counselling: enough love for self and others or too much pain. Personal learning and growth are courageous acts of people who want to become better people, better partners and better parents. Growth in counselling requires both a deep knowledge of the human sciences and lots of practice of the required skills: my desire, as a counsellor, is to work with each client to seize the opportunity!!! Seize the day!!!!

Our Ottawa Service Areas

Dr. Rovers’ Associates are located across the Ottawa region: Ottawa Central, East, West, and South. Please choose your most convenient location from the drop down menu when you fill out your request form.

 

Book a Consultation with Dr. Rovers or His Associates