Couples & Marriage Counselling
Marriage Counselling • Vancouver
What is Couples Counselling and Marriage Counselling?
- Pre-marital counselling
- Family dynamics
- Intimacy concerns
- Spiritual growth
- Cross-cultural dynamics
- Second & subsequent marriages
- Mediation for separation & divorce
- Grief & loss
- Life transitions
- Blended families & co-parenting
- Parent-child conflict
- Intergenerational family dynamics
Couples Counsellor / Marriage Counsellor • Vancouver
Counsellors specializing in couples and marriage counselling at BCG
Approaches to Couples & Marriage Counselling
At BCG Counselling Group, we offer a variety of approaches (or modalities) to marriage counselling Vancouver and marriage counselling Burnaby, including:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
In couples work, CBT looks at how the thoughts you have about each other shape the way you react. Your counsellor helps you notice assumptions that fuel conflict, such as "they never listen" or "I always have to fix things," and practise more useful ways to communicate and solve problems together. Couples often leave sessions with something concrete to try at home.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT sees most couple conflict as a struggle to stay emotionally connected. Your counsellor helps you spot the cycle you get caught in, like one partner pursuing while the other withdraws, and the needs and fears underneath it. As that cycle becomes clearer, partners learn to ask for what they need in ways the other can actually hear. It's one of the most widely researched approaches to couples therapy.
Family Systems Therapy
Each partner brings a family history into the relationship, including habits, roles, expectations and unspoken rules. Family Systems Therapy looks at how those patterns, along with relationships with in-laws, children and extended family, play out between you now. Seeing the bigger picture often makes recurring conflicts easier to understand and change.
Narrative Therapy
Over time, couples can end up defined by a problem, such as "we're the couple who always fights." Narrative Therapy treats the problem as something separate from you both. It helps you notice the moments that don't fit that story, and shape a shared story built on the values you want your relationship to reflect.
Spiritual Formation
For couples who want their faith to be part of counselling, some of our counsellors integrate spiritual practices and shared values into the work. This is always guided by what each partner is comfortable with, and it's never assumed. Couples who prefer a non-faith-based approach will be matched accordingly.
Most counsellors draw on more than one approach. In your early sessions, you'll work out together what fits your relationship best.
Getting Started
What to Expect in Your First Session
It's normal for one or both of you to feel nervous before the first appointment. Once you reach out, our intake team will match you with a counsellor and set up a time that works for both of you.
The first session is mostly about getting to know you. Your counsellor will ask what brought you in, how you met, what's working, and what each of you hopes will change. You won't be asked to settle who's right. Some counsellors also meet briefly with each partner on their own early on, so each person can speak freely.
By the end, you should have a sense of how the counsellor works and what the next few sessions might look like. You're always welcome to ask questions or raise concerns about fit.
Cost & Coverage
Fees, Insurance Coverage & Subsidized Sessions
Session fees vary depending on the counsellor you see and their level of training. Full details are on our Rates & Subsidized Sessions page.
Insurance
Many extended health benefit plans include counselling. Coverage usually depends on the provider's designation, such as RCC, RMFT or Registered Psychologist, so it's worth checking with your provider before you book.
You'll pay for each session at the time of your appointment, and we'll issue a receipt for you to claim. We don't bill insurers directly.
Subsidized sessions
BCG is a registered charity, and our donors make it possible to offer reduced-rate counselling to couples facing financial barriers. Some clients may also be eligible for third-party funded counselling.
If cost is a worry, just mention it when you contact us. We'd rather talk about options than have you go without support.
Preparing for Marriage
Premarital Counselling
Premarital counselling helps engaged couples, and couples considering marriage, build a strong foundation before the big day. Sessions often cover communication and conflict, finances, expectations around family and children, faith and values, and the habits each of you brings from your own upbringing.
Many couples start a few months before their wedding, which leaves time to work through anything that comes up. We also work with couples entering a second or subsequent marriage, where blending families and past experience bring their own questions.
Ask about premarital counsellingFind a Location
Couples Counselling Across BC
Vancouver
In-person couples and marriage counselling at our Vancouver office, with counsellors who see couples at every stage.
Burnaby
Our main office, now at 7375 Kingsway, serves couples from Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities.
Langley
In-person counselling for couples in Langley, Surrey and the Fraser Valley.
Kelowna
Couples and marriage counselling for the Okanagan, in person or online.
Common Questions
Couples & Marriage Counselling FAQ
How do we know if it's time for couples counselling?
If the same conflicts keep returning, you feel distant more often than close, or something has shaken your trust, counselling can help. You don't need to wait for a crisis. Couples who come in earlier often find change comes more easily.
Will the counsellor take sides?
No. Your counsellor's role is to support the relationship and help each of you be understood. That sometimes means gently challenging both partners, but never siding with one against the other.
What if we're not sure we want to stay together?
That's a common reason couples come in. Counselling can help you get clear on what each of you wants and make a thoughtful decision either way. For separating couples, we also offer Collaborative Coaching.
Can we ask for a specific type of counsellor?
Yes. If you'd prefer a counsellor of a certain gender, background or approach, or one who offers faith-based counselling, let our intake team know and we'll match you as closely as we can.
Is what we share in counselling confidential?
Yes, with a few legal exceptions, such as a risk of serious harm. Your counsellor will explain these at your first session.
Do we have to come in person?
No. In-person sessions are available to B.C. residents at our four offices. Video and phone sessions are available anywhere in Canada.
Book an Appointment
Please fill out the form or give us a call at 604.430.1303, and you’ll be matched with a therapist who best suits your needs. If you do not receive an email within 48 business hours please check your spam/junk folder.
This form is for new client contact only. Please do not use this form to contact us about internship or practicum placements.
*If you are in crisis and need immediate attention, please call 911, the crisis hotline (604.872.3311) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Please note: Counselling appointments for all locations (Burnaby, Langley, Kelowna, Vancouver and virtual) are booked through our main office in Burnaby.
We are not able to provide service to individuals residing outside of Canada.