Question 1

Are these therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

No, these are educational workshops based on therapeutic models. They are not therapy, but they offer tools and skills that support relationship wellness.

Question 2

Do we have to share personal issues in the group?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Workshops are structured for learning, reflection, and couple-based exercises. Sharing is optional and never required.

Question 3

Can we attend a workshop even if we’re struggling?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many couples attend during challenging times. The tools you learn can help shift patterns and bring clarity.

Question 4

Are these suitable for LGBTQ+ couples?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All workshops are inclusive and affirming of diverse identities and relationship structures.

Question 5

I've never been to counselling before, what should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Sessions tend to have a relaxed feel to them.  Typical sessions are focused on you and the issues that you feel are most pressing. 
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In the initial session, I will start off by asking you questions regarding your reasons for coming into therapy and specifically what you would like to work on. 
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In subsequent sessions, what we do will depend on what issues are being addressed and where we are in therapy. We may discuss your thoughts and feelings or the session may be centered around skill-building and psycho-education.  No matter what, the session is always centered around you feeling safe and building hope.
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It takes courage to go and talk to a therapist, but the rewards are usually worth the risk of telling someone else about your life. Most importantly, counsellors and psychotherapists are trained to help people with a wide variety of difficulties and situations.

Question 6

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

A typical individual counselling or coaching session lasts for 50 minutes. Couples sessions may be longer at 80 minutes. It is recommended that couples choose to do the longer sessions, however, if there are time or financial restrictions, then they can also opt for the shorter session time.

Question 7

Are sessions kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Counsellors and coaches are bound by confidentiality, which means that unless you are a danger to yourself or others, what you say in the therapy room stays in the therapy room.
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This usually makes it much easier to discuss your issues. Going to therapy does not mean that you are “crazy”; quite the opposite, it means that you are acknowledging you have a problem in your life you would like to deal with, rather than letting it get worse.

Question 8

How long will therapy take?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on you and what difficulties you are bringing to the office. Some people are focused on short-term therapy while others are open to longer-term work. Some may choose to come in every week, bi-weekly, or even monthly. There may be times where I suggest clients come in on a weekly basis initially and then have the frequency taper off. It will really depend on your needs, whether it be only one session, short, or long term. Regardless of your initial thoughts, it is important to remember that change takes both work and time.

Question 9

What are some common warning signs my relationship may be in trouble?

Accepted Answer

This list is in no way exhaustive! 
 • Communication problems that include lack of progress, shutting down, or increased hostility
 • Fighting about the same things over and over but nothing ever getting resolved
 • Worrying that your future dreams, goals, and aspirations are not aligned
 • Betrayal, infidelity, or trust issues
 • Lack of love, passion, intimacy, affection and romance

Question 10

How many sessions do couples normally need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions and their frequency will be discussed and reviewed periodically. However, with couples counselling, initial assessment normally takes the following timeline:
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Session 1: Couples joint session (90 minutes)
Session 2: Individual A session (60 minutes)
Session 3: Individual B session (60 minutes)
Session 4: Couples feedback session (60 minutes)
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Sessions 2 and 3 can take place in the same day or week so that we can save time. You will see that the assessment portion will take some time and energy but we have found that this is a really important part of our couples therapy and it really pays off to spend this time to identify the issues rather than diving straight in.

Question 11

Does Pre-marital Counselling work?

Accepted Answer

Here are a few facts: 
1. 76% of married couples say they wish they had pre-marriage education.  
2. Couples who do not receive pre-marriage education are more likely to see their problems as atypical and unsolvable. 
3. 41% of divorced couples say lack of pre-marriage preparation contributed to their divorce. 
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So does pre-marriage counselling work? Absolutely. Research conclusively shows that couples who succeed gain the knowledge they need before they settle into destructive patterns that often lead to divorce. In fact, couples are 31% less likely to get divorced if they get some sort of pre-marriage training before they marry. Not only that, couples who participate in pre-marriage programs experience a 30% increase in marital success and fulfilment over those who do not participate.

Question 12

How does the Pre-Marital Program work?

Accepted Answer

The SYMBIS Assessment is online and will take each of you around 45 minutes to complete (separately). The report will then be generated we will be able to go through the report together over a number of sessions. We can usually complete pre-marital counselling in 6 – 10 sessions, depending on the couple, the number of issues and our pace. There's no right or wrong or fast or slow to this. Every couple works at their own speed and have different things to unpack and learn.

Question 13

What will we cover in the Pre-marital Program?

Accepted Answer

Some topics that we will cover include: 
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 • Marriage Mindset
 • Self-concept and Personality 
 • Longevity and Stability
 • Stress
 • Unrealistic Expectations
 • In-law Relationships 
 • Finances
 • Role Expectations
 • Sex
 • Communication 
 • Conflict Management 
 • Parenthood
 • Shared Meaning 
 • and more!

Relationship Workshops

Building Better Relationships with Yourself and Others

Cultivate connection. Communicate with compassion. Grow together.

👫 The Seven Principles Workshop

👶 Bringing Baby Home

💍 SYMBIS Pre-Marital Workshop

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