
Written by: Dr. Gloria Lee, Registered Psychologist
How do you know if you and your partner need couples counselling? How does it help and what does it entail?
I get asked this question a lot. Just you asking this question tells me that you’ve considered couples counselling because the problems you are experiencing are beyond you, and you need outside help.
The psych-illogical thing is, most couples wait between 7 to 10 years before getting help, thus, causing and perpetuating more pain in the relationship than necessary.
Most couples first try to suck it up, get advice from friends and family, wait and see, or “do it yourself” (DIY) instead of getting help when things start to get bad.
So how do you know when you need couples counselling?
Couples counselling may not be for everyone. But it can be helpful for most couples, even if you are not always fighting. But first, let me note what may be contraindicative to effective couples work:
If these areas are not a presenting concern, then you and your partner are likely good candidates for couples counselling.
You may need couples counselling if:
Couples counselling will help you address these and other issues that prevent you from having the relationship that you want. In a nutshell, the process typically entails:
I hope this will encourage you to seek couples counselling if you need it. Remember, most couples wait 7 to 10 years before seeking help. May you find the courage to reach out sooner and start having the relationship you love now!
If you’d like more information about couples counselling and how it may benefit you, contact us at Brentwood Counselling Centre today.
For over 20 years, Brentwood Counselling Centre has been offering counselling and therapy services for individuals, couples, relationships, marriages, families, and groups, serving clients from Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Surrey, and beyond.
All therapists at Brentwood Counselling Centre have extensive education and training in their areas of practice. Furthermore, they are all registered for clinical practice in BC and adhere to the strictest ethical guidelines as set out by their corresponding governing body.
For more information about our therapists and their areas of practice, please email our office at info@brentwoodcounselling.com. Or click here to view our therapists’ profile, contact them directly, and request an appointment.