Couples

Couples therapy is a form of talk therapy designed to help partners navigate relationship challenges, strengthen their connection, and develop healthier patterns of communication. It can support couples experiencing conflict, communication breakdown, trust issues, infidelity and betrayal, intimacy difficulties, desire discrepancies, neurodiversity in relationships, sexual trauma, or major life transitions (e.g., parenthood, career changes, loss). It is equally well-suited to couples who simply want to invest in and deepen their relationship.

The therapeutic approach will vary depending on your psychologist's training and background. Common evidence-based modalities used in couples therapy include the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Our couples therapist has received intensive training in each of these approaches, including direct training with some of the most highly regarded educators in the field of relationship psychology.

At Grove, we take a strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach to couples therapy, recognising that no two relationships present with the same needs. We believe that both partners bring their own inner wisdom to the room, and that therapy works best when it helps couples translate that insight into meaningful, lasting change.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and involve both partners attending together.

During your initial session, your psychologist will work with both of you to develop a shared treatment plan that reflects your goals as a couple.

Generally speaking, most sessions will involve both partners being present. However, sometimes a couples therapist will meet with each partner individually. If this is something you are interested in or have questions about, please speak with your couples therapist.

We offer both in-person and virtual couples therapy sessions. A virtual format is available for those unable to attend the clinic, those in long-distance relationships, or couples who find it more convenient to attend from home.

Our couples therapy service covers a wide range of relationship concerns, including:

• Communication breakdown and conflict patterns

• Infidelity, betrayal, and trust repair

• Intimacy and sexual concerns, including desire discrepancies and life after sexual trauma

• Neurodiversity in relationships

• Attachment and relational patterns

• Life transitions and major decisions as a couple

• LGBTQ+ relationship concerns

• Individual concerns that are impacting the relationship, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma

Our couples therapist also brings extensive experience working with individuals across a broad range of presentations, which informs a systemic and holistic understanding of how personal history and wellbeing shape our relationships.

Couples therapy is also appropriate for those in non monogamous or polyamorous relationships and our couples therapist is experienced in working with these dynamics.

Not at all.

Many couples come to therapy proactively - to strengthen communication, build shared goals, or prepare for significant life changes such as moving in together, getting married, or starting a family. Investing in your relationship before things reach a breaking point is one of the most effective things you can do.

Therapy can help you and your partner develop tools that support a healthier, more connected relationship for the long term - including increased self-awareness, active listening, clear communication, compassion, and a balance of boundaries and flexibility that builds genuine relational resilience.

At times, couples come in seeking assistance with separating in a safe and respectful environment. Having these hard conversations with someone who can help you navigate a peaceful uncoupling and provide support can make the experience less daunting.  This can include processing the relationship transition as well as navigating decisions regarding how to move forward collaboratively.