Couples, Relationship and Marriage Counselling
I help couples change how they communicate by unlearning harmful habits and learning new, effective ways that build connection.
I help couples repair their relationship by teaching clear, fair rules for arguing and ways to stay calm and responsible during fights. If things go wrong, I show couples step-by-step how to make things right.
Breaking the rules of traditional couples therapy
a direct and honest approach, not hiding behind therapy lingo
organized and structured way to resolve conflicts, resentments
space to talk without judgment, to share and explore
taking sides when needed, not all problems are 50-50. Sometimes they are 90-10
focused on helping couples make drastic changes quickly, to go from disharmony, to repair and back to harmony
Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
RLT is central to our work. It reliably helps couples move from conflict to harmony. Sessions are direct, honest, and focused on the relationship. RLT was developed by Terry Real. You can watch a short clip to learn more.
Founder of Relational Life Therapy
Gottman Method
Dr. Gottman is a famous couples therapist who can predict a couple’s chance of divorce by watching how they argue and talk. He’s known for the “Four Horsemen” idea. Many couple exercises come from the Gottman Method. I am also a certified user of the Gottman Relationship Checkup, an assessment used with most couples.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy & Solution Focused Therapy
CBT and SFT are widely used to help “stuck” couples, especially in individual sessions. Clients learn to challenge automatic thoughts, understand their origins, and adopt new, healthier ways of thinking. SFT suits logical people who prefer practical solutions.
Couples Weekly Sessions
Couples across Ontario meet with us weekly or every two weeks for relationship counselling. Those near Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville and Niagara often come in person. Regular sessions at the start help break old patterns and build new ones. Frequent, consistent appointments are the most effective for repair and growth. I will work to identify the repeating “dance” you’re stuck in, explore why it started, and teach a healthier way of relating.
Couples Intensives
Intensives are growing in popularity because they work faster and better. What might take weeks or months of weekly or biweekly sessions can be done in one intensive.
Couples intensives usually last from 3 hours to two full days (about 8 hours each), based on the couple’s needs.
Intensives are also used for discernment counseling, which helps couples decide whether to stay together or separate. Like other intensives, discernment sessions are structured and focused.
Couples Workshops
Workshops specific to couples and relationships are great add-ons to therapy. You will learn specific strategies and techniques that will help you go from disharmony back to harmony. Some workshops are one-time offers while others will run a course over several weeks.
Upcoming Workshops:
TBD
Couples Counselling for Burlington and Hamilton.
Couples and Relationship Counselling perfectly located off the QEW at Burloak Drive.
What Clients Are Saying…
“Our sessions were very productive. I have gone to counselling before and this time it’s quite refreshing. I like how Paul approaches topics. I never knew before that humor can be part of therapy.”
“I talk to my friends about you. They are amazed on how much I have changed. Thank you for helping me!”
“I will never forget the day when we came in for a session and told you that we are now sleeping in the same bed. You were so happy for us. We slept apart for months. You challenged us to be better people. You kept us on track. You held us accountable. I love my husband so much. Thank you for helping us!”