What is relationship counselling?

Relationship
Counselling Pricing

Relationship Counselling provides pathways to improve communication, resolve conflicts constructively, enhance intimacy, foster understanding and empathy, renew commitment, and build resilience against life’s challenges. The success of couples counselling relies on both partners’ willingness to engage and invest in their relationship.

$175-$190

Per clinical hour

relationship counselling
relationship counselling with couples

How Relationship counselling can help?

It allows couples to heal, grow, and thrive, creating a solid foundation for a lifetime of love, connection, and happiness. It is a valuable resource for couples facing the natural ups and downs of a partnership. It offers support when:

Communication becomes difficult

Communication becomes difficult, leading to frustration and tension from feeling misunderstood or unable to express thoughts and feelings.

Unresolved conflicts

Unresolved conflicts persist, threatening to deepen resentment and drive a wedge between partners.

Intimacy diminishes

Intimacy diminishes, whether physically or emotionally, indicating a need to reconnect and rekindle the relationship's spark.

Trust is compromised

Trust is compromised by betrayal or other breaches, shaking the relationship's foundation and fostering insecurity.

Life transitions

Life transitions such as marriage, parenthood, or career changes challenge the relationship's dynamics, requiring adjustments.

Past traumas or issues

Past traumas or issues influence the present, hindering a healthy and intimate connection.

Misconceptions about Relationship Counselling

Relationship Counselling is only for Separation or Divorce

A common belief is that counselling should only be sought when separation or divorce is looming. But Relationship Counselling is valuable for navigating any size or kind of conflict or even maintaining healthy communication. Sometimes we need help or an outside perspective. There is nothing to be ashamed of when coming to or considering relationship counselling. 

Relationship Counselling Fixes All Problems

Another common myth is that counselling will automatically fix all relationship issues. While it provides the tools and guidance for improvement, the real change comes from the commitment and effort of both partners. Sometimes those seeking counselling fear judgment or bias from the counselor. This is not the case. Professional therapists are trained to provide a neutral, supportive environment, focusing on the well-being of the relationship without taking sides.

relationship misconceptions

Meet Our Expert Therapists

Elliot Fraser

Elliot Fraser

Registered Psychotherapist, MA - He/Him

My specialties: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method Certified Relationship Counsellor, Brief-Solution Focused Therapy

Age groups I work with: 14 years old and up
Serving:
Listowel

Low Self-Esteem
Anxiety
Depression/suicide ideation
Grief
Trauma
Relationship Counselling
Learn More

Life can take us to unexpected places, but I want to meet you where you are. Together, we can learn to accept where that is, and learn how to navigate where to go next. If you’re dealing with overwhelming emotions, recurring anxious thoughts, or confusion about the past, present, or future, we can face it together.

Think of me as a guide, empowering you to take control of your journey going forward. I want to create a safe space so that you can be fully witnessed. Whether you need to explore your inner self, or require specific strategies to help navigate your current situation, I’m here to assist you with various evidence-based methods and a trauma -informed perspective that address anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationships.

The first step can be the hardest, but oftentimes it's the most worthwhile. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation to give us a chance to meet, and plan an approach that works best for you. Together, we can embark on a new path on your journey.

Elliot Fraser (4 reviews)

Joy Borutskie

RP (Qualifying) - She/Her

My specialties: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy

Age groups I work with: 9 years old and up
Serving:
Waterloo & Listowel

Substance Use
ADHD
Relationship Therapy
LGBTQ2S+ struggles
Narcissism
Spiritually-Based Trauma
Learn More

Joy has been in the social services and counselling field for over five years. She has recently become a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and enjoys seeing clients of all ages 8 and up. With children (and with adults that find it of interest), Joy loves to incorporate creative and expressive art into therapy, using various art mediums, toys and sand play to facilitate a client’s self-expression. With adults, Joy’s warm and compassionate approach provides a safe and therapeutic environment for a client’s exploration and laying out of the difficulties they face and hope to find solutions for and/or cope with.

Joy Writes
“Let me tell you about Joy. As lovely as my name is, it can also be a difficult one to live up to. Because, if joy (as I understand it anyway), is contentment – like, the down-to-your-very-core knowing ‘it is well with my soul’ - no matter what’s happening in my past or present circumstances - then yeah, … even my name mocks me at times. Life is hard – and it’s not easy to feel ‘joyful’ when you’re in the throes of the storms and stuff of regular life. Sometimes just surviving is a major accomplishment let alone feeling any sense of happiness or contentment. None of us can control all the variables of life or be totally prepared for the things we face. But we can explore where the cracks are forming in the foundation of our well-being– where the roots of ourselves are dry and neglected – and that - can be tended to. It would be an honour to sit with you and hear your story. We can sort through the pieces together, at your pace, and reassemble them to best represent what your new ‘joy’ could look like now (despite your circumstance, struggle, or loss). Whatever you are wrestling with, reaching out and talking about it is a really healthy step – not keeping your fears, anger, pain, or needs secret any longer is a strong step closer to finding the treasure of your own deep down in your soul, contentment.”

Joy Borutskie (17 reviews)

Joy
Kevin O'Boyle

Kevin O'Boyle

RP - He/Him

My specialties: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, informed Emotional Focussed Therapy 

Age groups I work with: 14 years and up.

Serving: Listowel

OCD
Depression
Anxiety
Panic
PTSD
Spiritually-Based Trauma
Learn More

Kevin has been dedicated to collaborating with clients to help them set, pursue, and realize their personal goals. He excels at uncovering hidden strengths in individuals or rekindling long-dormant ones, all while incorporating new skills to aid them on their journey. Kevin employs a client-centred, empathetic, and compassionate approach in his practice.

In his therapeutic work, Kevin adopts an integrative strategy, drawing on a broad spectrum of therapeutic techniques. He is particularly skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), through which he has guided many clients to achieve significant milestones and apply therapeutic principles across various aspects of their lives. Kevin’s educational background is rooted in Family Systems theory, and he specializes in emotionally focused Therapy when working with couples.

Beginning therapy can be a formidable experience, but Kevin believes it need not be overwhelming. He is committed to creating a nurturing environment where clients can truly be themselves and address each of their goals with the necessary attention and care, one step at a time.

Mark O'Boyle

Registered Psychotherapist (RP), MDiv - He/Him

My specialties: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, Family Systems theory, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Age groups I work with: 12 years old and up.
Serving:
Listowel

Anger Management
Relationship Counselling
Depression/Suicide Ideation
Anxiety
Learn More

For the past six years, Mark has been extending his compassionate hand to those seeking solace and guidance on their journey. With an innate warmth and approachability, Mark believes in paving the way for therapy with a gentle and authentic touch, making the first steps feel like a natural progression.

In his practice, Mark seamlessly weaves together a variety of therapeutic techniques, crafting an approach tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Drawing from a diverse range of methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, Family Systems theory, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and an array of others, he ensures that clients have a versatile toolkit to navigate their challenges.

Mark's journey has led him through the complexities of anger management and into the depths of the Partner Assault Response (PAR) program, enriching him with invaluable experience. With genuine empathy and unwavering dedication, he stands ready to support clients as they uncover their inner resilience and stride forward with newfound strength and grace.

Mark O’Boyle (17 reviews)

Mike O'Boyle
Raquel

Raquel Jefferies (Sutherland)

MSW RSW- She/Her

My specialties: Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment and Attunement, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems

Age groups I work with: 4 years old and up
Serving:
Waterloo

ADHD
Anxiety/panic disorders/OCD
Depression/suicide ideation
Emotional regulation
Borderline personality
Relationship Therapy
Family Counselling
Learn More

Making Moments Matter
If you've come across my biography, it's possible that the forces of the universe and the law of attraction are in motion. I genuinely believe, and my experiences have shown me, that there are moments in our lives when we are destined to cross paths and connect with a particular individual. For over a decade, I've had the privilege of being someone who establishes a unique counselling relationship right from day one. This foundation is built on trust, safety, and attunement, setting the stage for a collaborative healing journey. Sometimes we just need someone who “just gets it”.

By profession, I am a Registered Social Worker, and my therapeutic approach draws from my extensive training and certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment and Attunement, and knowledge and understandings in Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems. One size does not fit all in therapy too. As you'll discover, I am passionate about understanding what works best for you and how, together, we can explore and achieve your therapeutic goals.

What I hope I am relaying to you in this mini bio, is that there is hope, there is someone for you (whether it be me, or another helpful soul) who actually works in this profession because I care, because I have chosen to understand and specialize in making your life and healing moments matter.

Raquel Jefferies (Sutherland) (34 reviews)

Sarah Amos

MSW RSW

My specialties: Performance, school, work, and family/relationship issues. Managing anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Navigating life changes. Self-esteem and insecurities. OCD and ADHD. Impulse control and addictive behaviours.
 
Age groups I work with: 18 and up
Serving: Waterloo and Listowel 
Substance use
ADHD
Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Learn More
Sarah has practiced social work for over a decade with a Masters degree in clinical social work with individuals, couples, and groups. She started in the field at 17 working with vulnerable youth and has since had extensive experience with ages 16 and up in addictions and mental health.
 
Using a generalist-eclectic approach, she draws on (and is certified in) evidence-based practice approaches, drawing from the foundations of Acceptance Commitment Therapy. ACT treatment has been found to have long-term benefits for problems related to anxiety and depression and is effective for other significant disorders. Many symptoms and stressors are linked and compound one another. Sarah provides treatment to work through these concerns from a wholistic perspective.
 
Working with Sarah you'll be heard and have opportunities to make sense of what you're going through. While there is no 'right' way to do therapy, Sarah has seen success with clients who because of it have developed better awareness, perseverance and self-determination. She looks forward to connecting with you.

Sarah Amos (50 reviews)

Sarah Amos

We Serve Waterloo and Listowel

We’re proud to serve the communities of Waterloo and Listowel, providing compassionate mental health care to individuals of all ages.

Conveniently located in Waterloo and Listowel, our welcoming office offers a safe and comfortable space to receive the support you need to thrive. 

Relationship counselling is a powerful way to help couples through tough times and strengthen their bond. If you’re struggling with communication, trust, distance, life changes, or past issues, there is help available. Counselling is about learning, growing, and finding ways to connect more deeply with your partner.

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