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Couples Therapy

On-line Couples Therapy Across Ontario and In-Person in Mississauga (In-Person also coming to Sarnia soon!)

If you are feeling disconnected or stuck in the same conversations over and over again, we can help you to find each other again.

We help couples to realize emotional safety to feel more at ease with difficult conversations. You can re-gain more intimacy emotionally and physically. 

Has there been a betrayal in the relationship? Or do you have past hurts to work through so that you can finally feel like you can move forward in your relationship? We have a proven blueprint to help you with that.

How Couples Therapy Can Make A Difference

You're in the right place. With couples therapy, you’ll learn how to communicate your feelings and needs, and both ask for what you need out of your relationship. You will have the opportunity to heal together.

Over time with couples therapy, you will notice:

  • a closer bond and stronger friendship
  • better ability to navigate differences 
  • distinguish between solvable and unsolvable issues
  • have the tools to better manage conflict
  • experience more peace 
  • have increased warmth and tenderness
  • communicate more clearly and effectively
  • have less negative interactions and more positive interactions
  • less anxiety and tension
  • more hope and positivity
  • greater empathy and understanding
  • stronger emotional and physical connection
  • gain greater insight into your own triggers and your partners triggers

If you are a premarital couple, we can also help you to establish a solid foundation for a lifetime together!

At The Couple Wellness Experts, we provide evidence-based tools and strategies to help you restore communication, regain closeness, manage conflict effectively, and establish a future vision of your lives together. 

We lean heavily on the Gottman Method, which is an evidence-based Couple Therapy approach based on over 50 years of research!

Contact us today for a free consultation. We would love to speak about how we may be able to help you reconnect and rekindle your love for one another.

Gottman Method

Our team leans heavily on the Gottman Method. This helps you to improve your relationship by coaching you and your partner in practical ways to communicate better and manage disagreements effectively. In applying proven couple strategies, you and your partner can strengthen your friendship connection, discuss difficult issues, and create a happy long-lasting relationship.

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Discover and better understand the negative cycle that you and your partner find yourselves in. Build empathy and insight to better understand each other's triggers and deeper longings in the relationship. Together we can work towards stepping into a positive cycle in your relationship

Techniques That We Use in Our Couples Therapy Sessions

Let's connect online and get started!

Why Should You Work with The Couple Wellness Experts?

We are passionate for helping couples! This is our specialty. With over 20 years of combined experience, we provide a warm and caring atmosphere to support you in achieving your optimal relational potential. 

We use proven research-based strategies to help you in your relationship. We are all trained in the Gottman Method. Some of us also have Emotionally Focused Therapy training, and some of us also have Prep-Enrich (premarital) training. 

You will find that communication and conflict management skills that you gain in couples work will also spill over to other relationships too, such as with friends, family, and colleagues!

Therapists Who Offer This Service

Melissa Johari

Melissa Johari

Melissa Johari, Clinic Director of The Couple Wellness Experts, BA, MSW, MTS, RSW, CF
Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we know if couples therapy is right for us?

We believe every couple can benefit from couples therapy, whether you are at the premarital stage or been married/together for a number of years. Even maintaining a healthy relationship takes effort. With the Gottman Connect Report, it saves time in therapy by pin-pointing what areas could be strengthened. 

If you are frustrated by having the same argument over and over again, have experienced a betrayal, or feel disconnected and lost, we are here to help you. We are all well-trained in couple-specific therapy that is evidence-based. There are proven strategies that can help you deepen your connection and improve conflict management. 

"What should I expect for next steps in couples therapy?"

Our team is made up of Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists (Susan is Qualifying), which is covered under many benefit plans. It is highly recommend that you inquire with your benefit program first to verify your coverage before we begin. You would claim for reimbursement with the receipt provided. The credit card is processed through our secure therapy platform.

If you would like to book a free 15 minute video consultation before booking in a session, or would like to go ahead and book an appointment, you can click here:

Book an Appointment

Once your initial session is booked, you will each receive a consent/intake form to fill out. Please complete this at least 48 hours before the first session.

After that, you will each be sent the Gottman Connect questionnaire. Please fill this out independently of each other. This is approximately $40USD, that you pay directly to the Gottman Institute. This will help us to identify your strengths and areas of growth as a couple, according to over 50 years of Gottman's research. Please complete this at least 48 hours before the first individual session. The report will not generate until both people have completed it.

This is a teaching practice. Sessions are usually recorded for supervision and/or certification purposes. Recordings are kept safe and secure and then are deleted. Live supervision also typically takes place for one session early in the intervention phase, at no extra cost to you. Interns may also join session, with your consent. Privacy is fully respected as the supervisor and interns are all bound by confidentiality.

At the beginning of our work together, it is ideal to meet weekly, although this depends on all of our availability. A typical schedule starts with three 90 minute sessions and then are usually 75 minutes long after that. For example:

Week 1: 90 minute couple session (Discuss a Conflict, Couple Oral History, Discuss Goals)

Week 2: both individual sessions, 60 minutes each (Individual Stories/Backgrounds)

Week 3: 90 minute couple session (Feedback Session/Finalize Goals)

Week 4: 90 minute couple session (Expressing Needs. This activity may take a few sessions)

Subsequent weeks: 75 minute sessions 

IMPORTANT: Please note there is a 48 hour cancellation policy.

Looking forward to working together!

How does it work? What do we have to do in sessions?

Being open and honest with yourself and each other, and having courage to reflect is a major part of what is required. Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the situation. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs, and collaboratively establish our goals.

We want to get the most out of therapy. What can we do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. Doing work between sessions is helpful, whether that means doing any homework assigned by the therapist, or personal reflection and journalling. We are grateful you are open to the process and that you are allowing us to journey with you.

What does progress look like in couples therapy?

John Gottman says that just making small tweaks and changes will actually alter the trajectory of the relationship. Over time, you will be feeling closer and better able to manage inevitable conflicts.

Every couple will move at their own pace, depending on past hurts and goals. When couples front-end the investment of time and come consistently, that is when you will see the best results. 

It is natural to experience some setbacks at times, especially if there has been a triggering moment or you are working through difficult past hurts. Even though it might feel uncomfortable, it is a key step in achieving your goals in therapy

What if one of us already has one foot out the door?

Good question. If one of you has already decided you're done with the relationship, couples therapy can still help if there is any part of you that is willing to try. If there are children involved, all the more reason to work at it.

Children are negatively impacted by conflict between parents, whether you are together or not. Even if you decide to go separate ways, therapy can help you to still be amicable with each other.

The ultimate decision to leave or stay is up to you. We will provide a neutral space for you to find your truth and be honest with each other about it.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you need to rebook or cancel please let us know more than 48 hours ahead of time, otherwise the full session fee will be charged. The spot is held for you, and someone else waiting for an appointment could have benefited from it. Thank you for your understanding.

Can couples therapy help if there is intimate partner violence?

Couples therapy is often not appropriate if there is intimate partner violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or financial abuse/control.

There are other supports that are better suitable, such as:

  • The Victim Support Directory can help connect you with crisis support for violence or abuse, and you can call them at 1-888-579-2888 or chat online.
  • Assaulted Women's Helpline will help you with finding a shelter or connect you with legal aid: 1-866-863-0511, or on your mobile you can use #SAFE (#7233)
  • The Canada.ca website also has resources on family violence for men, youth, and Indigenous People.
  • If you have been a recent victim of sexual or physical abuse, go to your nearest hospital immediately. You can also access a treatment centre through the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres 
  • If there have already been criminal charges you can seek the PARS program


*Delete your search history if you worry about your partner seeing that you have been looking up these kinds of resources

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Can I follow you on social media?

You are open to like The Couple Wellness Experts page on Facebook, or add on Instagram or follow on Twitter. There is no expectation to do this. Please use discretion. There is a risk involved, as others who also follow these pages may see your user name. Our Social Media Policy prohibits us from connecting on social media with our personal profiles or actively engaging with current or former clients on any social media. We are committed to protecting your privacy and building a trusting relationship with you. Messaging through social media is not a secure platform and so it is best not to engage in this way. If you are a potential client, you can reach out to use through the contact us page on this website. As a client, you can use our secure messaging system for any correspondence. Further, you will never be asked to offer a review or testimonial on-line, as that would be a breach of confidentiality. We want to respect boundaries and protect your right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns, please come to us directly. If there is anything in your on-line life that you wish to discuss with your therapist, please bring that into session where we can discuss it together during therapy time.

Let's connect online and get started!

Do you still have questions before going ahead and booking your free 15-minute consultation? We're here to help! Feel free to send us a message at admin@couplewellnessexperts.com or fill out this form and we'll get back to you promptly!