couples therapy
We offer virtual couples therapy based in Orillia to support straight and queer couples who are struggling with communication issues, parenting challenges, libido mismatch, and those who are wanting to improve trust and intimacy and deepen bonds in their relationship. Relationships form the foundation of our lives, and it can feel debilitating when we can’t connect in the way we want to with those we care about most.
what couples therapy can help with
Communication
Including boundaries, communicating needs, concerns and desires, understanding yourself and each other better
Navigating Conflict
Including deescalation of fights, addressing avoidance, improving understanding and collaboration, uncovering consistent negative patterns
Building Intimacy
Including emotional intimacy, recovery from past hurt, healthy autonomy, consistent connection, sexual intimacy and kink
Life Transitions
Including loss, becoming parents, moving in together, opening a relationship, empty nest, retirement
when should couples go to therapy?
Lots of couples come to therapy when they are already in crisis, but you don’t need to be at your wit’s end to seek help. Couples therapy can help you build a stronger foundation for your relationship, and give you extra support that you can call on from a trusted third-party when sh*t hits the fan.
when should I do couples therapy vs. individual therapy?
Couples therapy operates differently than individual therapy. In individual therapy, the focus is on you, but in couples therapy, the “client” is the relationship. Because the focus is on repairing the relationship, and not just validating one individual, couples therapy can be more emotionally activating than individual therapy is. Your therapist can help you manage feelings associated with that.
what if we have tried therapy before and it didn’t work?
The biggest determinant of client success is the therapeutic relationship. That means that therapy with different therapists can be a wildly different experience. In addition, different approaches work differently for different people. Even if therapy hasn’t worked for you before, it doesn’t mean it can’t work now. Our therapists are happy to discuss any concerns you have about previous therapy, and help you find an approach that works better for you.
how does couples therapy work?
It can be nerve-wracking to try out a new form of relationship exploration, and we’re here to make the process as easy as we can. Here’s how it goes:
1
we gather background info
The first three sessions (one with the couple and one with each individual) are generally focused on understanding your background. Your therapist will often ask questions about the issues you are having, as well as exploring other areas like family, relationship history and other life stressors. This gives your therapist a fuller picture of you as a human being, and allows them to start creating a treatment plan for you.
Once your therapist has gathered background information with you, they will discuss the patterns and difficulties they see within the couple, and suggest a plan to move forward towards meeting your goals. This is a collaborative process, and the ideal time to ask any questions or address any concerns you have.
2
we come up with a plan
We focus on what you’re dealing with right now
3
We believe that our relationship patterns are always repeating themselves, and that focusing how they are showing up in real time is one of the best ways to gather data, and practice new ways of understanding and functioning. Because of this, your therapist may ask you about what recent issues have come up, and talk about what patterns they observe coming up in sessions.
we find what works for you
4
Throughout the process, your therapist will discuss with you what is working for you, what isn’t, what needs more focus, and places you might be feeling stuck. We always appreciate feedback, and that allows your therapist to better meet your needs, and find the right direction to achieve the changes you are looking for.
we help you understand and resolve your patterns
5
Once your therapists has helped you identify the repeating patterns coming up in your relationship, they will support you in getting to the core needs and painful past experiences beneath them, and help you find better ways to relate to yourself and your partner.
Lisa brings both professional training and lived experience to her work. Alongside training in couples therapy, trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, and ADHD, she has navigated many of the life transitions you may be facing. She creates a thoughtful, grounded space to explore your story, understand what has shaped you, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
We provide secure virtual psychotherapy appointments throughout Ontario and within Simcoe County — Orillia, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Midland, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Coldwater, Washago, Oro-Medonte.
Max McKenzie’s approach to therapy is direct, collaborative and intuitive. They focus on the root cause of issues, rather than just symptoms, to help you maintain long term change. Max strives to hold space for you, challenge you and equip you with the intuitive knowledge and body-informed tools to grow through your areas of stuckness.
We provide secure virtual psychotherapy appointments throughout Ontario and within Simcoe County — Orillia, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Midland, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Coldwater, Washago, Oro-Medonte.