Find a Therapist for Navigating Challenging Relationships

Connect with therapists across Canada who can help you work through difficult relationship dynamics with compassion and practical strategies.

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Relationships with family members, partners, friends, or colleagues can sometimes become sources of stress, confusion, or pain. Whether you're dealing with conflict, communication breakdowns, boundary issues, or patterns that keep repeating, working with a therapist can help you gain clarity and develop new approaches. Many people find that having a supportive, neutral space to explore these dynamics leads to meaningful shifts in how they relate to others and themselves.

First Session makes it easier to find a therapist who fits your needs. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and book directly online. All therapists on our platform have their credentials verified during onboarding, so you can focus on finding someone who feels like the right match for your journey.

Amy O'Coin

Registered Professional Counsellor - Candidate
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Surrey, BC)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
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Amy O'Coin

Amy O'Coin

Registered Professional Counsellor - Candidate
She/They
$145/session
Couples Therapy, Emotional regulation, Attachment, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Meaning and purpose, Mind-body connection, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Relationship anxiety, Perfectionism, Relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Self-Regulation, Overwhelm, Couples, Identity and Self-Exploration
Couples Therapy, Emotional regulation, Attachment, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Meaning and purpose, Mind-body connection, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Relationship anxiety, Perfectionism, Relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Self-Regulation, Overwhelm, Couples, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Lisa Schwartz

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in NS and ON.
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Lisa Schwartz

Lisa Schwartz

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$180/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Children/Teens, Familial and social relationships, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Dating challenges, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Navigating challenging relationships, Parental divorce, Parenting, Meaning and purpose, Life transitions, Low mood, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Workplace stress, School challenges, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Children/Teens, Familial and social relationships, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Dating challenges, Childhood trauma, Family Conflict, Highly Sensitive Person, Navigating challenging relationships, Parental divorce, Parenting, Meaning and purpose, Life transitions, Low mood, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Workplace stress, School challenges, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Dale Bricker

Psychologist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Dale Bricker

Dale Bricker

Psychologist
He/Him/His
$240/session
Self-Development, Stress, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Conflict resolution, Effective communication, Family issues, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Workplace stress
Self-Development, Stress, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Conflict resolution, Effective communication, Family issues, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Workplace stress
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Lior Papo

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Richmond Hill, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
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Lior Papo

Lior Papo

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her/Hers
$180/session
Self-Development, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, PTSD, Parenting, Trauma
Self-Development, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, PTSD, Parenting, Trauma
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Cassandra Fezzuoglio

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Vaughan, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Cassandra Fezzuoglio

Cassandra Fezzuoglio

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$185/session
ADHD, Attachment, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Career guidance, Dating challenges, Couples, Competitive anxiety, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, Imposter syndrome, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Depression coping skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Infertility, Vulnerability, Separation and divorce, Neurodiversity
ADHD, Attachment, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Career guidance, Dating challenges, Couples, Competitive anxiety, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, Imposter syndrome, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Depression coping skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Infertility, Vulnerability, Separation and divorce, Neurodiversity
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Michal Goldstein

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Michal Goldstein

Michal Goldstein

Registered Social Worker
$190/session
Children/Teens, Parenting, Relationships, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behavioural Issues, Building Self-Care Routines, Caregiver burnout, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Effective communication, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Grief and Loss
Children/Teens, Parenting, Relationships, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behavioural Issues, Building Self-Care Routines, Caregiver burnout, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Effective communication, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Grief and Loss
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Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
About First Session
What does therapy for navigating challenging relationships involve?

Therapy for relationship challenges typically involves exploring the patterns, emotions, and histories that influence how you connect with others. Your therapist may help you identify what's contributing to difficulties, develop communication skills, and work through unresolved feelings. Sessions often focus on understanding your own needs and boundaries while finding healthier ways to engage with the people in your life.

How do I know if I need individual therapy or couples therapy?

Individual therapy is often helpful when you want to focus on your own patterns, reactions, and personal growth within relationships. Couples therapy may be more appropriate when both partners are committed to working on the relationship together. Some people benefit from both—starting with individual sessions to build self-awareness, then moving into couples work. A therapist can help you determine what approach might serve you best.

Can therapy help with family relationship difficulties?

Yes, many therapists work with clients navigating complex family dynamics. This can include relationships with parents, siblings, adult children, or extended family members. Therapy may help you set boundaries, process difficult family histories, improve communication, or make decisions about the level of contact that feels right for you. Each person's family situation is unique, and therapists can tailor their approach accordingly.

What if the other person in the relationship won't go to therapy?

You don't need the other person's participation to benefit from therapy. Individual therapy can help you understand your own role in relationship patterns, develop coping strategies, and decide how you want to move forward. Many people find that when they change their own approach, it positively influences their relationships—even when the other person isn't directly involved in the process.

How long does therapy for relationship issues typically take?

The duration varies based on your specific situation and goals. Some people gain useful insights and tools within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support for deeper exploration. Your therapist will work with you to assess progress and adjust the approach as needed. Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit can help the process feel more effective from the start.

How much does therapy cost in Canada?

Therapy rates in Canada vary depending on the therapist's credentials, location, and experience. Many therapists on First Session offer online sessions, which can provide more flexibility and sometimes different pricing options. Some extended health benefits cover therapy services. You can learn more about therapy costs and explore therapist profiles to find options that work for your budget.