Research Shows:

Couples who undergo therapy report significant improvements in communication, learning to articulate their needs and listen actively to their partners, which is foundational for resolving conflicts more effectively.

Lift your Love Story!

Take The First Step

Dr. Sharon Verniero

Clinical Psychologist | Ph.D., C.Psych.

Languages: English

Specialty: Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Psycho-educational Assessments, Assisting students with Learning and Developmental Disabilities in the areas of cognitive, learning, memory and emotional issues and mentoring their families, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mastering Life Transitions and Unexpected Events, Helping parents to understand and navigate the school system and learn about available community resources
Joselin Lai

RSW, MSW

Languages: English

Specialty: Grief and bereavement, Chronic illness, life limiting illness, Anxiety and mood concern due to existential distress, Demoralization as a result of injury or illness, Major life transitions
Dennis Curley

Registered Psychotherapist | RTA, THM, RP

Languages: English

Specialty: General Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood Disorders

Dr. Sharon Verniero

Clinical Psychologist | Ph.D., C.Psych.

Languages: English

Specialty: Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Psycho-educational Assessments, Assisting students with Learning and Developmental Disabilities in the areas of cognitive, learning, memory and emotional issues and mentoring their families, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mastering Life Transitions and Unexpected Events, Helping parents to understand and navigate the school system and learn about available community resources

Joselin Lai

RSW, MSW

Languages: English

Specialty: Grief and bereavement, Chronic illness, life limiting illness, Anxiety and mood concern due to existential distress, Demoralization as a result of injury or illness, Major life transitions

Dennis Curley

Registered Psychotherapist | RTA, THM, RP

Languages: English

Specialty: General Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood Disorders

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What is
Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy is a courageous and wise choice by two mature adults who want to protect what 90% of all Canadians agree are the most important things in their life – relationship and family. This means couples take a positive proactive step to protect their mutual love, trust, and commitment. Therapy is an investment in their love story!

Our couples therapists are here to help strengthen your relationship by creating a safe space for couples to examine the quality of their life together, learn better ways of communicating, and connect emotionally and physically. While resistant feelings are normal when asking for help, it is clearly the wisest choice for most situations.

How Couples
Therapy Works

1Get matched and make a great connection with your therapist.
2Sensitively examine unmet needs or issues. Set goals!
3Provide effective relief through compassionate and sustainable small changes.

What Can You Expect from Your
Marriage Counselling Sessions?

A safe and balanced interchange of thoughts and feelings.
A restored sense of connectedness with your partner.
A fresh lift of hope.
A new perspective for understanding your partner.
New perspective on the stressors in the relationship.
The ability to retain a connection without sacrificing your sense of self.
Enjoying your partner’s company again.

When Is It Time To Seek Couples
Counselling in Kitchener Waterloo?

Signs when you should take action!

Feeling Disconnected: If you realize the connection that bonded you together is no longer present, then emotional repair is essential.
Hurt: Feeling hurt, abandoned, lonely, unhappy and unseen.
Needs Not Met: Feeling like your emotional and physical needs are not being met.
Avoidance of Unresolved Issues: When one or both in the relationship avoid talking about unresolved issues that are now affecting the quality of the relationship.
Bickering: If your relationship is characterized by constant bickering and arguing over small and insignificant things, it may be a sign that there are deeper issues at play.
Walking on Eggshells: If you find yourself constantly walking on eggshells, afraid of saying or doing something that might upset your partner, it may be time to seek couple counselling. This constant fear and tension can lead to a toxic and unhealthy relationship.
Blame and criticism: When blame and criticism become a regular part of your communication with your partner, it indicates a breakdown in the relationship. Couple counselling can help you both address these negative patterns and learn healthier ways to communicate and resolve conflicts.
Cycles of conflict: If you find yourselves stuck in repetitive cycles of conflict, where the same arguments and issues keep resurfacing without resolution, couple counselling can help break this pattern.

When we feel unfulfilled or disconnected from ourselves or others it is an internal alarm that we are either out of balance or there is a pressing need to grow ... to change.

I’m not sure I want to be in this relationship, should we still be seeking couple therapy?

Many people come to couple therapy unsure about the future of their relationship. In therapy, we can work on understanding the underlying issues, improving communication, and gaining clarity on your feelings and needs. This process can help both of you make a more informed decision about whether to continue or part ways amicably. With either outcome, there is great benefit for moving forward.

Can I meet with the
therapist individually?

While the focus of couple therapy is on the relationship connection, it is not uncommon and completely understandable for individuals to want to express themselves to their therapist alone. In such cases it would be imperative for each partner to have equal opportunities to meet alone with the therapist. Your therapist will guide you through this process effectively.

Will the therapist take sides?

This is a great question, especially if you feel unheard or overpowered in conversations! Your therapist’s primary goal is to provide a safe, neutral, and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. It is important that both partners feel not only heard but understood. It’s important to clarify that your therapist’s role is not to take sides.

Your therapist’s job is to help facilitate understanding and resolution, rather than judgment or alignment with one perspective over another. Together they will bring effective solutions for both individual issues and relationship concerns. It is our commitment to facilitate sessions that nurture the wellbeing and growth of all parties involved.

What should I look for in a
couples therapist?

Someone who is qualified by being a member of a regulating college.
Someone who is not just nice but skilled and experienced in the issues that you are struggling with.
Someone who can challenge you but also someone you can challenge.
Someone you believe you can trust to respect both of you.
Our ‘therapist match specialist’ can help you identify the right therapist for you.

Browse Our Couples Therapists

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Mark Laing

Registered Psychotherapist | BA | Certified Imago Therapist | Certified Pastoral Counsellor

Languages: English

Specialty: Couples, Relationship Issues, Connection Issues, Affair Recovery, Repairing Disconnection and Learning to Maintain Connection, Pornography Addiction, Trauma

Dan Watterworth

Registered Psychotherapist |
BTh, MDiv, RP

Languages: English

Specialty: Depression and Anxiety, Phobias , Trauma and PTSD, Self-Esteem, Grief, Forgiveness and Spiritual Issues , Couple , Premarital Counselling , Parenting, Conflict Resolution and Communication, Intimacy/Closeness , Emotional Connectedness, Affair Recovery, Family, Child and Adolescent , Blended Family

Jeff Dieters

Registered Psychotherapist | MA, RP

Languages: English

Specialty: Adults, Trauma, Couples/Relationships , Grief, Criminal Justice Issues, Addictions, Spiritual/Theological, Emotional Regulation, Existential Therapy

View All Couples Counsellors

What can I expect in the first session?

The marriage counselling process typically involves several steps. First, you and your spouse will meet with a trained therapist who specializes in marriage or couple therapy. During the initial session, the therapist will gather information about your relationship, including any issues or concerns you may have. They will also discuss confidentiality and establish ground rules for the sessions. Subsequent sessions will focus on exploring and addressing the specific challenges within your marriage, using various therapeutic techniques and interventions.

How long does marriage counselling usually last?

The duration of marriage counselling varies depending on several factors, such as the nature of the issues, the level of commitment from both partners, and the progress made during the sessions. Some couples may find resolution after just a few sessions, while others may require more extensive therapy over an extended period. On average, marriage counselling can range from a few weeks to several months, but ultimately it depends on the unique circumstances of your relationship.

What are the benefits of marriage counselling?

Marriage counselling offers numerous potential benefits. Therapy can help improve communication between you and your spouse, enhance understanding and empathy, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection.

Counselling provides a supportive environment to address and resolve conflicts, develop healthier relationship patterns, and learn effective problem-solving skills. It can also help identify underlying issues that may be contributing to relationship distress and provide guidance on how to navigate them.

What if only one partner is willing to attend marriage counselling?

Ideally, both partners should be willing to attend marriage counselling for it to be most effective. However, if one partner is unwilling, it does not necessarily mean therapy cannot be beneficial. Attending counselling alone can still provide valuable insights and tools for personal growth and relationship improvement.

By working on yourself, you can significantly influence the dynamics within the relationship and potentially inspire change in your partner. Additionally, individual counselling can help you navigate your feelings and decisions regarding the relationship.

What if my partner is not as committed to the process as I am?

One misconception is that both partners must have equal levels of commitment. In reality, commitment can fluctuate. Another misconception is that commitment means never having doubts. In truth, it's normal to question and address concerns. Commitment doesn't guarantee a perfect relationship without challenges or conflicts. Commitment involves compromise but should also respect individual needs and desires. In the end, the only commitment required for couple therapy is curiosity.

Do both of our names need to be on the receipts?

Yes, everyone in the session must be added to the invoice for ethical and legal purposes; however, we can record who paid for the session for insurance purposes.

You and I are at our best when we are highly connected to both ourselves and others. In this way we celebrate our individuality and belongingness. We experience this as fulfillment and happiness.

Why work
with us?

Six Amazing Reasons to Choose Bayridge...

1Our therapy is an invitation to be curious not directive, creative not corrective, and inventive not prescriptive. Together you will discover a brand-new way of thinking, feeling and being.
2We have gathered a diverse team of highly trained therapists using the most advanced methods and tools from proven effective evidence-based therapy.
3We have the experience of over twenty-five years of supporting growth and change in tens of thousands of individuals, couples and families.
4You do not get just a great therapist; you get the benefit of the entire team! At Bayridge, we do not function as lone wolves in independent practices. Rather we work together as a team in concert with each other to support, equip, consult, be supervised and be accountable. We just believe that two heads are better than one. Can you imagine what sixty heads can do?
5We approach our clients through kindness, trust, empathy and relationship!
6We are honoured that you trust us with your growth. Thank you for your trust. Really, thank you!

Made You Mad!

After a tiring day of work, you find yourself hesitating to open the car door. You stare at your front door, frozen, and think, ‘What happened?’ What happened to the joy we felt when we found this house that was going to be our home? We were so excited! And now you allow yourself to acknowledge, perhaps for the first time, that you have no want or desire to walk through that door. What happened?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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How Often Should We Go to Marriage Counselling?

Marriage counselling is an invaluable resource for couples seeking to improve their relationship and navigate through challenges. But how often should you attend counselling sessions? Here are some guidelines to consider:

Regular Check-ins: Once a Month

Just like your physical health needs regular check-ups, your marriage also requires periodic check-ins with a professional. Consider scheduling a marriage counselling session once a month to ensure that you’re addressing any underlying issues before they become major obstacles. These sessions can serve as a proactive measure to maintain the health of your relationship.

During Significant Life Transitions

Life transitions such as moving to a new city, changing careers, or starting a family can significantly impact a marriage. During these times, it may be beneficial to increase the frequency of your counselling sessions. By seeking guidance during these transitional periods, you can effectively navigate the changes together, strengthen your bond, and develop strategies for managing potential stressors.

When Facing Persistent Conflict

If you find yourselves repeatedly engaging in unresolved conflicts or experiencing communication breakdowns, it might be time to seek more frequent counselling sessions. Engaging in consistent therapy can help you both understand the root causes of these conflicts and learn effective techniques for resolving them. By addressing persistent conflict proactively, you can prevent resentment from building up and create a more harmonious relationship.

After Major Relationship Setbacks

Relationship setbacks such as infidelity or significant breaches of trust can have long-lasting effects on a marriage. In these instances, it is crucial to prioritize healing and rebuilding trust. Consider attending counselling sessions more frequently in the aftermath of such setbacks. The guidance of a professional can provide a safe space to process emotions, work through the pain, and lay the foundation for a healthier future together.

When Feeling Disconnected

If you and your partner feel emotionally distant or disconnected, it may be time to seek more frequent counselling. These sessions can help you reconnect on a deeper level, explore the reasons behind the disconnection, and identify strategies to rebuild intimacy and closeness. By investing time in therapy during these periods, you can revive the emotional connection within your marriage.

Remember, the frequency of marriage counselling sessions ultimately depends on your unique circumstances and needs as a couple. Trust your instincts and openly communicate with your partner to determine what feels right for both of you. A professional marriage counsellor can provide guidance and support throughout your journey, helping you build a stronger and more fulfilling partnership.

Does Insurance Cover Couples Counselling?

Many extended health insurance plans cover couples counselling, which can make it an affordable option for couples seeking help with their relationship.

Factors that Affect Insurance Coverage

Several factors can influence whether insurance covers couples counselling:

Insurance Plan Type: The type of insurance plan you have can influence coverage. Plans with more comprehensive mental health benefits are more likely to cover couples counselling.
Care Provider: Some insurance plans may require you to obtain your care through specific licensed ‘Care Providers’. (Such as Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist etc) Be sure to check the credentials required to meet your insurance coverage requirements.

Some couples suck at arguing! Disagreements quickly turned into power struggles. This can be debilitating. Our Bayridge therapists have the patience and expertise to help you understand your partners underlying triggers with compassion. This can be a game changer.

Who hasn’t said to themselves and perhaps their partner: if my wife/husband ever had an affair on me I would be gone!” Not only do couples not see it coming but they don’t always react like they thought they would. We help people in these situations every single week.

Resourceful and wise couples integrate and invest in a therapist relationship for long-term success. Just as they want a medical doctor or financial adviser to be watching over the most important things in their lives, they see the massive benefits of solid partnerships.

Partnering and marriage can be a difficult but incredible journey. When a couple gets stuck, the last thing they need to do is repeat the same pattern. Like a good golf coach, a therapist can see what a couple is doing that is not productive, so much better than the couple.

Therapists, through their expertise and unwavering acceptance, help you understand the needs of your husband and wife, to help reconnect you with your best friend.

To think that you can learn all there is to know about coupling just through osmosis and observation is underestimating the micro skills required to communicate and problem solve to harmoniously work and live together.

Through every enduring marriage there will be desert periods and rediscovery periods of love and gratitude.

A great marriage therapist has the personal strength to hold space even when the discussions became intense. They then help each one to understand that their partner is fighting hard for you to see what they need. Often it is respect!

Bayridge couple therapists weave ‘firm kindnesses’ into every session to cement each session with respect, allowing partners to hear sometimes difficult truths.

Learning to share with one another without hurting one another is a skill and art of great value.

It is the responsibility of every good partner to care for the condition of the relationship! Passivity, aggression, avoidance, or discomfort are not acceptable reasons not to address issues.

The benefits of online therapy may outweigh the face-to-face experience. One person explains: I would rather watch an entire streaming series than see only a few in high definition. In other words, the benefit of online allows me to meet regularly and consistently, at my convenience. In the end it is all about finishing well!

Since COVID forced our industry to practice online, client feedback shows online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy, and far more convenient and dependable. (exception: serious and complicated mental health issues.) Hence more and more of our clients prefer online therapy.