Our Marriage Counselling Services

Taking the First Step Together

Starting marriage counselling can feel both hopeful and vulnerable. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we understand that reaching out for support is a courageous decision. Our compassionate marriage counselling serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and communities across British Columbia begins with creating a safe, welcoming space where both partners feel heard and valued.

Your initial contact is simple and pressure-free. We want you to feel comfortable from the very first moment.

How to Connect With Us

Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Before committing to full sessions, we offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation where you can:

• Share what brings you to counselling right now
• Ask questions about our approach and what to expect
• Get a feel for whether we're the right fit for your relationship
• Learn about session formats, scheduling, and investment
• Discuss any concerns or hesitations you might have

This conversation happens online via secure video platform. It's relaxed, confidential, and completely obligation-free.

Ready to Schedule?

The easiest way to book is through our secure online booking platform:

Book Your Free Consultation Here

You can also reach out directly:

• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Website: www.turningtidestoday.com

What to Expect During Initial Contact

When you reach out, here's what happens next:

Step One: Your MessageSend us a brief message through the booking platform, email, or phone. You don't need to share your whole story yet. Just let us know you're interested in marriage counselling and we'll take it from there.

Step Two: We Respond QuicklyKotone Frankowski, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with specialized training in relationship dynamics and trauma informed care, will respond within one to two business days. We'll suggest some times for your free consultation.

Step Three: Your Consultation CallDuring this 20-minute video conversation, we explore whether our relationship counselling services available throughout British Columbia align with what you're looking for. There's no pressure. Just genuine conversation about your relationship and your hopes for counselling.

Step Four: Book Your First Full SessionIf it feels like a good fit, we'll schedule your first 50-minute couples session. You'll receive a confirmation email with the secure video link and any helpful information to prepare.

Common Questions From Couples Getting Started

What if my partner is hesitant about counselling?This is incredibly common. Sometimes one partner reaches out first. During the consultation, we can discuss how to invite your partner into the process gently. Many hesitant partners feel more comfortable once they understand our warm, non-judgmental approach.

Do we both need to be present for the consultation?Ideally yes, but it's not required. If your partner isn't ready yet, you can have the initial conversation yourself. We'll work together on next steps that honour both partners' readiness.

What if we're in crisis right now?If you're experiencing urgent relationship distress, let us know when you contact us. We'll do our best to schedule your consultation and first session as quickly as possible. For immediate crisis support, we can also provide resources.

How do online sessions work?All our sessions happen through a secure, confidential video platform. You'll need a private space, reliable internet, and a device with camera and microphone. Many couples find online counselling just as effective and more convenient than traditional office visits.

Will our information be kept private?Absolutely. Everything you share is held in strict confidence according to professional counselling standards in British Columbia. We use secure, encrypted platforms for all communication and session delivery.

What's the investment for marriage counselling?Couples sessions are an investment in your relationship's future. Detailed information about session fees and payment options is available during your free consultation. Many clients find that coverage may be available based on individual insurance policies through providers like Manulife, SunLife, Pacific Blue Cross, Canada Life, and Green Shield Canada.

How long does marriage counselling take?Every relationship is unique. Some couples see meaningful shifts in just a few sessions. Others benefit from longer term support. We'll discuss your specific situation and goals during the consultation and first sessions as we get to know each other.

What if we've tried counselling before and it didn't help?Past experiences don't predict future outcomes. Our approach through Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's relationship support covering Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, and beyond draws from multiple therapeutic methods. We tailor everything to your unique relationship dynamics, strengths, and challenges.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Our trauma informed marriage counselling recognizes that relationship struggles often connect to deeper emotional patterns and past experiences. Kotone Frankowski brings specialized expertise as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with certification from Evergreen Certificates in trauma professional training.

We use approaches informed by:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand the different parts of each partner and how they interact
• Somatic methods that honour how emotions live in the body
• Attachment theory to explore connection patterns
• Compassion focused approaches that build understanding and empathy
• Mindfulness based practices for present moment awareness
• Acceptance and Commitment strategies for values-aligned action
• Cognitive Behavioral techniques for shifting unhelpful patterns
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for emotion regulation

You don't need to understand these methods. We'll explain everything in plain language as we work together.

You're Not Alone in This

Many couples wait years before seeking support, hoping things will improve on their own. By reaching out now, you're already taking a powerful step toward the relationship you both want.

Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, or anywhere across British Columbia, our online marriage counselling services are accessible and effective.

You deserve support. Your relationship deserves care. And taking this first step is already an act of love.

Ready to begin?

Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Or contact us directly at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058.

We look forward to walking alongside you both.

Step 2: Your First Sessions & Getting to Know Each Other

The beginning of your marriage counselling journey is about building connection, understanding, and hope. Your first few sessions create the foundation for meaningful change in your relationship. This is where we slow down, listen deeply, and begin to understand what brought you here and where you want to go together.

What Happens in Your Initial Sessions

Your first sessions are designed to be welcoming, safe, and collaborative. There's no judgment here. Just two people who care about their relationship, and a counsellor who's here to help you find your way back to each other.

During your first session, we'll explore:

• Your relationship story - How you met, what drew you together, and the journey that brought you to counselling today
• Current challenges - The patterns, conflicts, or disconnections that are causing pain in your relationship right now
• Individual perspectives - Each partner's experience, feelings, and needs within the relationship
• Hopes and goals - What you want your relationship to look like and feel like moving forward
• Strengths and resources - The positive qualities, shared values, and resilience you already have as a couple

Our specialized marriage counselling services serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and throughout Metro Vancouver are available online, making it easy for couples across British Columbia to access support. Whether you're in Kelowna, Victoria, Kamloops, or Prince George, you can connect with our trauma informed care from the comfort of your own space.

Understanding Our Approach to Getting to Know You

Instead of formal paperwork or clinical questionnaires, we use thoughtful conversations and reflective discussions to understand your relationship. This feels more natural and less like a medical appointment. You're not filling out forms. You're sharing your story.

Our collaborative process includes:

• Relationship history conversations - We'll talk about your journey together, the good times and the hard times, to understand the full picture of your relationship
• Communication pattern observations - We'll gently explore how you talk to each other, listen to each other, and handle disagreements
• Emotional safety check-ins - We'll make sure both partners feel heard, respected, and safe throughout our sessions
• Strength identification discussions - We'll uncover the positive qualities and resilience that already exist in your relationship
• Goal setting reflections - Together, we'll clarify what you hope to achieve and what healing looks like for you both

This approach is rooted in care informed by trauma research. Many relationship struggles are connected to past hurts, unmet needs, or painful experiences. Our counsellor, Kotone Frankowski, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with certification from Evergreen Certificates in trauma work, brings deep understanding of how individual wounds affect partnerships.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

You don't need to bring anything except yourselves and an open heart. That said, a little preparation can help you get the most from your first sessions.

Helpful preparation steps:

You don't need to have all the answers. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or how to fix it. That's what we'll discover together. Just come as you are, with whatever you're feeling right now.

Setting Goals Together

Goal setting in marriage counselling isn't about creating a rigid plan. It's about clarifying your shared vision and identifying the steps that will help you get there. This happens collaboratively, with both partners contributing their hopes and needs.

Common goals couples work toward include:

• Improving communication - Learning to talk and listen in ways that bring you closer instead of pushing you apart
• Rebuilding trust - Healing from betrayal, dishonesty, or broken promises
• Reconnecting emotionally - Finding your way back to intimacy, affection, and feeling like a team again
• Managing conflict better - Reducing destructive arguments and learning to disagree without damaging the relationship
• Healing from past hurts - Addressing unresolved pain, trauma, or resentment that's affecting your relationship today
• Strengthening your bond - Deepening your connection, appreciation, and love for each other
• Navigating life transitions - Supporting each other through changes like parenthood, career shifts, or loss

Your goals might be clear from the start. Or they might emerge as we talk and explore together. Either way is fine. The process of getting to know each other in counselling naturally reveals what matters most and what needs attention.

Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's marriage counselling available in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and across British Columbia uses approaches based on strengths and informed by the latest research in relationship therapy. We focus on what's working, not just what's broken.

Session Details You Should Know

Duration: Each marriage counselling session is 50 minutes. This gives us enough time to go deep without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Format: All sessions are conducted online via secure, confidential video platform. This means you can attend from anywhere in British Columbia, whether you're in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, or Northern BC.

Frequency: Most couples benefit from weekly sessions at the beginning. As progress unfolds, we might adjust to every other week. We'll decide together what rhythm works best for your relationship and your goals.

Investment: Marriage counselling sessions are affordably priced. For specific rates and payment options, please visit our Services section or contact us directly. Coverage may be available based on your individual policy with providers like Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross.

Common Questions About the First Sessions

What if we're nervous or unsure?That's completely normal. Starting counselling takes courage. Many couples feel anxious, vulnerable, or uncertain at first. Those feelings usually ease once you experience the safety and support of the counselling space. Remember, you can always start with our free 20-minute consultation to get a feel for the process before committing to full sessions.

Will we be judged or blamed?Absolutely not. Marriage counselling at Turning Tides is a judgment-free zone. We don't take sides or assign blame. We're here to understand both perspectives, honour both experiences, and help you move forward together. The focus is on patterns and healing, not fault-finding.

What if one partner is more reluctant than the other?It's common for one partner to be more eager for counselling while the other feels hesitant or skeptical. That's okay. We work with where you both are. Sometimes the reluctant partner becomes the most engaged once they feel heard and understood. We create space for both voices.

Do we both have to talk equally?Not at all. Some people are naturally more talkative. Others need more time to open up. We'll make sure both partners have the opportunity to share, but there's no pressure to speak a certain amount. What matters is that both of you feel heard and respected.

What if we disagree about what the problems are?Different perspectives are expected. In fact, understanding how each of you sees the relationship differently is often key to healing. We'll explore both viewpoints with curiosity and compassion, helping you see each other's experiences more clearly.

How long will it take to see progress?Every couple is different. Some notice shifts in the first few sessions. Others need more time to build trust and learn new patterns. What matters is that you're moving in the right direction together. We'll check in regularly about what's working and what needs adjustment.

What if things get worse before they get better?Sometimes bringing issues into the open can feel uncomfortable at first. That's part of the process. As you start talking about difficult topics, emotions might intensify temporarily. This is normal and often a sign that real healing is beginning. We'll support you through the discomfort toward deeper connection.

Our Trauma Informed Approach to Marriage Counselling

Many relationship struggles have roots in individual trauma, past hurts, or unmet emotional needs from childhood. Our counsellor understands how trauma affects attachment, communication, and trust in relationships.

This means we approach your relationship with:

• Sensitivity to past wounds - Recognizing that reactions in your relationship today might be connected to pain from the past
• Emotional safety as priority - Creating a space where both partners feel secure enough to be vulnerable and honest
• Compassion for triggers - Understanding that certain words, tones, or situations might activate strong emotional responses
• Healing-focused interventions - Using therapeutic approaches that address underlying wounds, not just surface conflicts
• Respect for individual journeys - Honouring that each partner brings their own history, needs, and healing process to the relationship

Our professional marriage counselling services serving Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and New Westminster integrate Internal Family Systems informed approaches, Somatic methods, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment based therapy, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness practices, relational therapy, approaches based on strengths, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This comprehensive toolkit allows us to tailor our approach to your unique relationship needs.

Between Sessions Support

Healing doesn't only happen during your 50-minute sessions. The real work often unfolds in your daily life together. That's why we offer between-session email support to help you stay connected to your goals and process what's coming up for you.

You might receive:

• Post-session follow-up emails - Brief reflections or reminders of key insights from your session
• Supportive resources - Articles, exercises, or practices that align with your current work together
• Gentle accountability - Encouragement to practice new communication skills or try the approaches we discussed
• Space for questions - If something comes up between sessions, you can reach out via email for brief support

This ongoing connection helps you feel supported throughout your healing journey, not just during scheduled sessions.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Everything you share in marriage counselling is completely confidential. We follow strict professional and ethical guidelines to protect your privacy. What happens in your sessions stays in your sessions, unless there's a legal requirement to report (such as risk of harm).

You can speak freely, honestly, and vulnerably knowing that your words are safe. This confidentiality extends to both partners. We won't share what one partner says individually with the other unless given explicit permission.

Inclusive and Welcoming Space

Our marriage counselling services welcome all couples, including LGBTQ+ partnerships, polyamorous relationships, and diverse family structures. You deserve support that honours your unique relationship, your identities, and your love.

We create a space where you can be fully yourselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Your relationship is valid, your struggles are real, and your healing matters.

Ready to Begin?

Starting marriage counselling is a powerful act of love and commitment. It says, 'This relationship matters. We matter. And we're willing to do the work to make things better.'

Your first sessions are the beginning of that journey. A chance to be heard, understood, and supported as you navigate the challenges you're facing and reconnect with the love that brought you together.

Book your first session today through our secure online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Or start with a free 20-minute consultation to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you. There's no pressure. Just an opportunity to explore whether marriage counselling at Turning Tides can support your relationship's healing and growth.

You don't have to keep struggling alone. Help is here. Hope is possible. And your relationship can heal.

Step 3: Active Treatment & Skill Building

Once we've built a foundation of trust and understanding together, your marriage counselling journey moves into the heart of healing and growth. This is where transformation happens as you and your partner develop new ways of connecting, communicating, and supporting each other through life's challenges.

What Happens During Your Sessions

Each 50-minute session with our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor serving Vancouver and throughout British Columbia creates a safe space for both partners to be heard and understood. Our approach is grounded in research on trauma and relationships, recognizing that past experiences shape how we connect with the people we love most.

Your typical session includes:

• Opening reflections where you share what's been happening since your last visit, celebrating progress and identifying current challenges
• Focused exploration of the patterns and cycles that keep you stuck, using approaches informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment research, compassion focused methods, mindfulness practices, relational understanding, strength based perspectives, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Skill building exercises that you practice together in session, learning new ways to communicate, manage conflict, and rebuild trust
• Personalized strategies tailored to your unique relationship, cultural background, and individual needs
• Goal setting that keeps you moving forward with clear, achievable steps

Therapeutic Techniques We Use

Our marriage counselling draws from proven approaches that honour both individual healing and relationship growth. We begin with Internal Family Systems informed work, helping you understand the different parts of yourself that show up in your relationship. This might mean exploring the protective part that withdraws during conflict, or the wounded part that fears abandonment.

We integrate body based approaches that help you notice how stress and past experiences live in your nervous system. You'll learn to recognize when you're feeling activated or shut down, and discover tools to return to a state where real connection becomes possible again.

Through communication skill building, you'll practice expressing needs clearly, listening deeply, and responding with compassion even during difficult conversations. We work on breaking negative cycles where one partner pursues while the other withdraws, or where both partners become defensive and disconnected.

Our trauma informed care recognizes that many relationship struggles have roots in earlier experiences. Whether it's childhood wounds, past relationship pain, or recent life stresses, we create space for healing that honours your whole story.

For couples navigating LGBTQ+ identities, non-monogamous structures, or diverse relationship configurations, our affirming approach celebrates your unique partnership while addressing the specific challenges you face.

Between Session Practice & Support

Growth doesn't stop when you leave our virtual session room. The real magic happens when you take what you're learning and apply it to your daily life together.

You'll be invited to:

• Practice new communication patterns during everyday moments, trying out the skills you've learned in session when stakes feel lower
• Notice and reflect on your emotional responses, tracking what triggers disconnection and what helps you feel closer
• Complete relationship building activities designed specifically for your partnership, whether that's scheduled connection time, appreciation practices, or conflict repair exercises
• Journal or discuss insights that emerge between sessions, deepening your understanding of yourself and each other
• Engage with resources like articles, videos, or book recommendations that support your healing journey

We believe in collaborative healing where you're active participants in your own growth, not passive recipients of advice. Between session email support is available when you need guidance or have questions as you practice new skills.

Tracking Your Progress Together

Healing isn't always linear, and that's okay. We honour the natural rhythm of growth, celebrating small wins while staying focused on your bigger vision for your relationship.

We track progress through:

• Regular check-ins about what's shifting in your relationship, what feels better, and where you're still struggling
• Collaborative conversations about your goals, adjusting our focus as your needs evolve
• Reflective discussions that help you notice patterns, celebrate growth, and identify next steps
• Your own observations about changes in how you communicate, resolve conflict, and connect emotionally
• Feedback sessions where we explore what's working in our counselling work together and what might need adjustment

Some couples notice improvements quickly. Others need more time to rebuild trust and safety. We move at your pace, honouring that every relationship has its own timeline for healing.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching's specialized marriage counselling available throughout British Columbia combines deep expertise in trauma with genuine understanding of relationship dynamics. Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor holds certification from Evergreen Certifications in trauma work, bringing specialized knowledge to couples facing complex challenges.

We recognize that relationship struggles often connect to deeper wounds. Past trauma, attachment injuries, and unresolved pain can show up in how you fight, how you connect, and how you love. Our trauma informed approach creates safety for both individual healing and relationship growth.

Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, or anywhere across British Columbia, our online counselling brings expert support directly to you. We work with couples navigating infidelity, communication breakdowns, life transitions, parenting conflicts, intimacy challenges, and the everyday struggles that can erode connection over time.

Your Investment in Healing

Marriage counselling requires commitment, vulnerability, and courage from both partners. You'll be asked to look at painful patterns, try new behaviours that feel uncomfortable at first, and stay present even when you want to shut down or run away.

The work is challenging. It's also deeply rewarding. Couples who engage fully often discover not just a better relationship, but a deeper understanding of themselves and a more authentic way of connecting with the person they love.

Sessions are available online across all of British Columbia, with coverage potentially available through many extended health insurance plans based on your individual policy. We accept major providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross, though coverage varies by plan.

Ready to Continue Your Journey?

If you're already working with us, trust the process. Growth takes time, and you're exactly where you need to be. If you're considering marriage counselling and want to learn more about how we can support your relationship, we invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your unique situation and goals.

Book your session or consultation today:

Schedule Your Appointment

Our compassionate marriage counselling services serve couples throughout British Columbia including Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, the Kootenays, and beyond. Wherever you are in the province, healing and connection are possible.