Find a Couples Therapist in Ottawa

Yes! Many therapists offer couples therapy virtually through secure video sessions. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions and may feel more convenient, especially if you and your partner have busy schedules or live in different places. What matters most is choosing the option that feels most comfortable and supportive for both of you.

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Couples therapy in Ottawa typically ranges between $150-250 per hour, though the exact rate depends on the therapist’s credentials and experience. Some therapists offer sliding scale pricing, which adjusts fees based on income or financial situation, making therapy more accessible if cost is a concern.

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OHIP does not cover private therapy. However, many extended health and student plans do. Coverage depends on your therapist’s designation (Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker/MSW, or Psychologist), not whether the therapy is for an individual or a couple. Here's a guide to check your insurance coverage.

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Couples therapy (sometimes called marriage counselling or relationship therapy) is a form of psychotherapy that helps partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build healthier patterns of connection. With the support of a trained therapist, couples explore how past experiences, stress, and personal differences influence their relationship dynamics.

Common goals of couples therapy include:

• Reducing conflict and improving communication
• Rebuilding trust after a rupture or betrayal
• Deepening emotional intimacy and connection
• Strengthening problem-solving and teamwork skills
• Navigating major life transitions (parenthood, relocation, career change)

Couples therapy is structured to create a safe, balanced space where both partners feel heard. Early sessions often focus on identifying patterns of conflict and setting goals together. From there, the therapist may introduce tools such as communication exercises, emotion-focused techniques, or problem-solving strategies.

Each session gives space for both partners to share their perspectives while the therapist helps guide the conversation in a constructive, non-blaming way. Over time, couples learn new ways of interacting that feel less reactive and more supportive.

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Yes. Couples therapy can improve relationship satisfaction, reduce conflict, and help partners feel more connected. Evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method are widely used and backed by research.

Effectiveness depends on factors like timing, willingness to engage in the process, and finding a therapist whose style feels like a good fit for both partners. Even couples who aren’t in crisis often find therapy strengthens their bond.

Couples therapy isn’t just for couples on the brink of separation. It can help at any stage of a relationship, whether you’re newly dating or have been together for decades. You might consider couples therapy if:

• Arguments feel repetitive and unresolved
• Communication often breaks down
• You feel emotionally disconnected or distant
• You’re healing from a betrayal or trust rupture
• You’re navigating major life transitions (e.g., parenthood, relocation, loss) 
• You want to strengthen your relationship proactively

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The timeline varies. Some couples notice improvements in communication after just a few sessions, while deeper issues (like longstanding conflict or betrayal) may take several months of consistent work. On average, many couples attend 8–20 sessions, but the right pace depends on your relationship needs and goals.

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This is a common concern about therapy in general, and we can assure you that while tough emotions or conflicts may surface, especially if they've been avoided, that's often a sign of progress. The right therapist will create a safe environment for these conversations and help both partners productively navigate them. The goal is not to increase conflict but to make it more constructive and less painful.

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