How Does Couples Therapy Work? A Guide to Healing Your Relationship

What is Couples Counselling?

At Rise & Shine Counselling, we view couples therapy as a sanctuary for your relationship. Unlike individual therapy, where the focus is solely on you, couples counselling brings three "clients" into the room: You, your partner, and the relationship itself.Our goal is to act as a neutral, compassionate guide. We don't take sides. Instead, we help you balance the needs of both individuals to heal the dynamic between you. Whether you are dealing with a specific conflict or just feel like you’ve drifted apart, therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to rebuild connection.

What to Expect in a Couples Session

Many clients worry that therapy will be a "blame game." It is actually the opposite.

In our sessions, usually held with both partners present, we move beyond who is right or wrong and look at how you interact.

• We explore the roots: We look at family history and past experiences to understand why you react the way you do.

• We identify patterns: We spot the "dance" you get stuck in (e.g., one pulls away, the other chases).

• We build skills: You won't just talk; you will learn practical tools to manage conflict and express needs without starting a fight

Do I need "Therapy" or "Counselling"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a helpful distinction:

• Couples Counselling is often shorter-term (e.g., 6–10 sessions) and focuses on solving a specific issue, like parenting disagreements or a career transition.

• Couples Therapy digs deeper. It aims to resolve long-standing dysfunctional patterns, heal past hurts (like infidelity), and reshape how you connect emotionally. At Rise & Shine, our Registered Clinical Counsellors are trained to handle both.

The Methods We Use (Evidence-Based Approaches)

We don't guess at what works. We use proven, science-backed methods to help couples reconnect.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is about safety and bonding. When we fight, it’s often a panic response to feeling disconnected from our person. We help you slow down and express the vulnerable feelings underneath the anger (like fear or loneliness), which invites your partner to respond with comfort rather than defense.

Imago Relationship Therapy

This approach helps you understand how your childhood impacts your current relationship. The goal is to move from an "unconscious" relationship to a "conscious" one, where you heal old wounds together through deep listening and validation.

Common Reasons Couples Seek Help

You do not need to be on the brink of divorce to benefit from therapy. We help couples navigate:

• Communication Breakdowns: Feeling misunderstood or unheard.

• Infidelity & Trust: Repairing the bond after a betrayal.

• Intimacy Issues: Physical or emotional disconnect.

• Life Transitions: New parents, career changes, or grief.

• The "Roommate Phase": When the spark feels gone.

Cost & Insurance Coverage for Couples Therapy

How much does it cost?

In Vancouver, couples counselling typically ranges from $150 to $220 per session. Because this work is specialized and involves two people, sessions may sometimes be longer or slightly more expensive than individual therapy to ensure both voices are heard.

Is it covered by insurance?

While provincial healthcare (MSP) does not cover private counselling, most extended health benefits plans do. At Rise & Shine, our therapists are Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs). If your workplace benefits plan covers counselling or psychology services, you will likely be reimbursed for your sessions. We recommend checking with your provider (e.g., Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Canada Life) to confirm your coverage.

Is Couples Therapy Worth It?

Investing in your relationship is one of the most valuable things you can do. Compared to the emotional and financial cost of separation or divorce, therapy is a proactive step toward a healthier future.

Whether you want to resolve a crisis or simply deepen your bond, we are here to help you find your way back to each other.

Book Your Couples Session