Our Relationship Counselling Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Relationship Counselling

Welcome to Your First Step

Taking the first step toward healing your relationship is an act of courage. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we understand that reaching out can feel vulnerable. That's why we've designed our initial contact process to be warm, welcoming, and completely judgment-free.

What Happens When You Contact Us

Your journey begins with a simple conversation. When you reach out, you'll connect with Kotone Frankowski, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with deep expertise in relationship dynamics, emotional healing, and trauma informed care. She'll listen to what brings you here and answer any questions you have about how counselling works.

There's no pressure, no lengthy forms to complete, and no rush. This is about understanding your needs and ensuring we're the right fit for your situation.

Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

We offer every couple a complimentary 20-minute consultation before booking your first full session. During this time, you can:

• Share what's happening in your relationship
• Learn about our approach to relationship counselling
• Ask questions about how sessions work
• Discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve
• Understand our therapeutic methods and how we support couples

This conversation helps us both determine if we're a good match for your needs.

How to Reach Us

You can begin your journey in several ways:

• Online Booking: Visit our secure booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling to schedule your free consultation
• Email: Send a message to info@turningtidestoday.com with a brief note about what brings you in
• Phone: Call us at (778) 321-6058 to speak directly with Kotone
• WhatsApp: Message us at (778) 321-6058 for a quick, convenient conversation

What to Expect in Your First Full Session

Once you've had your consultation and decided to move forward, your first full session is 50 minutes. Here's what typically unfolds:

Creating Safety and Connection

We begin by establishing a calm, welcoming space where both of you feel heard and respected. Kotone will explain how the session works and what confidentiality means for your relationship.

Understanding Your Story

You'll have the opportunity to share your relationship history, what brought you to counselling, and what each of you hopes will change. This isn't an interrogation. It's a genuine conversation where Kotone learns about your unique situation, your communication patterns, and the challenges you're facing.

Exploring What Matters Most

Together, you'll identify what's most important to address first. Whether it's rebuilding trust, improving communication, managing conflict, or reconnecting emotionally, we focus on what matters to you.

Introduction to Our Approach

Kotone will explain the therapeutic methods she uses, which include Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed work, somatic approaches, cognitive behavioural techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. She tailors these approaches to fit your specific needs and relationship dynamics.

Setting Collaborative Goals

By the end of your first session, you'll have clarity on what you're working toward together and how counselling will support that journey.

Our Therapeutic Approach to Relationship Counselling

We believe that relationships can heal and transform when both partners feel safe and understood. Our care is informed by trauma research, meaning we recognize that past experiences often shape how we show up in our relationships today.

We use evidence-based methods that help couples:

• Communicate more honestly and vulnerably
• Understand each other's emotional needs
• Heal from hurt and rebuild trust
• Manage conflict in healthier ways
• Reconnect on emotional and physical levels
• Navigate life transitions together

Our approach is inclusive and affirming. We work with couples of all kinds, including LGBTQ+ partnerships and ethically non-monogamous relationships. Your relationship is valid, and we honour it.

Session Details and Logistics

Where Sessions Happen

All sessions are conducted online via secure, encrypted video conferencing. This means you can access counselling from anywhere in British Columbia or beyond, in the comfort of your own space. Online sessions are just as effective as traditional settings, and many couples find them more convenient and comfortable.

Session Length and Frequency

Each session is 50 minutes. Most couples benefit from weekly sessions, though we'll discuss what works best for your situation and schedule.

Cost and Payment

Relationship counselling sessions are affordable and accessible. We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and Interac e-transfer. A sliding scale option is available if you're experiencing financial hardship.

Insurance Coverage

Coverage may be available based on your individual policy with providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific coverage. You'll pay us directly, and we'll provide receipts you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Between Sessions

Counselling doesn't end when your session does. Between appointments, you'll have access to email support from Kotone. If questions arise or you need guidance, you can reach out. We also send post-session follow-up emails to help you reflect on what you've discussed and integrate insights into your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we both need to attend every session?

For relationship counselling, yes. Both partners attending creates the space for real dialogue and mutual understanding. However, there may be times when individual sessions are beneficial to address specific concerns. We'll discuss this with you.

What if we're not sure we want to stay together?

That's okay. Counselling isn't about forcing a relationship to continue. It's about creating clarity. Some couples discover they want to rebuild and reconnect. Others realize separation is the healthier path. Either way, we support you with compassion and help you navigate the decision together.

How long does relationship counselling typically take?

Every relationship is different. Some couples see significant shifts in 8 to 12 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work. We'll check in regularly about your progress and adjust as needed. You're always in control of how long you continue.

What if one partner is hesitant about counselling?

This is common. Sometimes one person is more ready than the other. During your consultation, we can discuss how to approach this. Often, when the hesitant partner sees that the space is safe and non-judgmental, they become more open.

Is everything we say confidential?

Yes, with very few exceptions. We maintain strict confidentiality. The only times we're required to break confidentiality are if there's immediate risk of harm to you, your partner, or others. We'll be transparent about these boundaries from the start.

Can we do sessions at different times if our schedules don't align?

We encourage couples to attend together when possible, as that's when the most powerful work happens. However, we understand life is complicated. We'll work with you to find times that work for both of you.

What if we live in different cities or provinces?

Online sessions make this possible. As long as you both have internet access and a quiet space, you can participate from anywhere. We serve couples across British Columbia and beyond.

Do you offer crisis support if things escalate?

If you're in crisis or experiencing abuse, we can discuss immediate resources and support options. Your safety is paramount. We'll help you access the right help, whether that's emergency services or specialized crisis support.

What Makes Turning Tides Different

We bring several strengths to relationship counselling:

• Trauma Informed Care: We understand that past experiences shape how you relate to each other. We work with this awareness.
• Genuine Expertise: Kotone has over five years of specialized experience in relationship dynamics and emotional healing.
• Inclusive Practice: We affirm all relationship structures and identities. You won't feel judged here.
• Evidence-Based Methods: We use approaches proven to help couples heal and reconnect.
• Accessibility: Online sessions, flexible scheduling, and affordable pricing mean counselling is within reach.

Your Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's what to do:

1. Book Your Free Consultation: Visit our online booking platform or contact us directly
2. Have Your Conversation: During your 20-minute consultation, share what's happening and ask any questions
3. Schedule Your First Session: If it feels right, book your first full 50-minute session
4. Show Up Together: Attend your session with openness and a willingness to explore
5. Begin Healing: Start the journey toward a stronger, more connected relationship

Contact Information

Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching

1451 Burnaby Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W6

Email: info@turningtidestoday.com

Phone: (778) 321-6058

WhatsApp: (778) 321-6058

Online Booking: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

Website: www.turningtidestoday.com

A Final Word

Seeking help for your relationship is a sign of strength, not weakness. It means you care enough to invest in something that matters deeply. We're honoured to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing, understanding, and reconnection. Your relationship deserves this care, and so do you.

Step 2: Getting to Know You and Setting Your Direction

Welcome to the intake and goal-setting phase of your relationship counselling journey. This is where we move beyond the initial conversation and really begin to understand what matters most to you both as a couple. Think of this step as laying the foundation for meaningful change.

What Happens During Your First Full Session

Your first session with us is 50 minutes of focused, collaborative time. We'll explore your relationship story together, understanding how you met, what drew you together, and what's brought you to seek support now. This isn't about judgment or blame. It's about understanding the full picture of your partnership.

During this time, we'll have conversations about:

• How you communicate with each other and where communication breaks down
• The challenges you're facing, whether that's conflict, emotional distance, trust concerns, or life transitions
• Your individual backgrounds and how past experiences shape your relationship patterns
• What you both hope to achieve through counselling
• Any trauma or difficult experiences that may be influencing your connection

We use a conversational approach rather than formal questionnaires. You'll simply share what feels important, and we listen carefully, asking clarifying questions to understand your unique situation.

Our Intake Process

The intake process is really just us getting to know you. We're not looking for right or wrong answers. We're building understanding.

We'll explore how each of you experiences the relationship differently. Often, partners have very different perspectives on the same situations, and that's completely normal. Our role is to help you both feel heard and to identify patterns that might be keeping you stuck.

If trauma or past difficult experiences are relevant to your relationship challenges, we'll gently explore that too. We practice care informed by trauma research, which means we create safety and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you both.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Preparation is simple. You don't need to bring documents or complete forms beforehand. However, here's a helpful checklist to consider:

Before Your Session	What This Helps With
Think about what brought you to counselling right now	Helps us understand your immediate concerns
Consider what you each hope will be different after counselling	Gives us direction for your goals
Reflect on moments when you felt most connected as a couple	Helps us identify your strengths
Notice communication patterns that frustrate you both	Gives us concrete examples to work with
Bring an open mind and willingness to be honest	Creates the safety needed for real change

You don't need to prepare speeches or come with all the answers. Genuine conversation is what matters most.

Understanding Our Approach to Getting to Know You

We use several approaches to understand your relationship deeply. These aren't tests or evaluations. They're tools for reflection and discovery.

Reflective conversations help us understand your relationship history, your communication patterns, and what matters most to each of you. We ask questions that help you both think more deeply about your partnership.

Strength-based exploration means we're not just looking at problems. We're also identifying what's working, what you both do well, and what you value about each other. These strengths become the foundation for change.

Trauma-informed listening means we understand that past experiences, whether from childhood or previous relationships, often influence how you relate to each other now. We explore this gently and with care.

Values clarification helps us understand what each of you truly cares about in your relationship. Often, couples discover they share more values than they realised, but they've lost sight of them in the midst of conflict or disconnection.

Setting Goals That Matter to You

Once we understand your situation, we'll work together to set clear, meaningful goals for your counselling. These aren't goals we impose on you. They're goals you create together, with our support.

Good relationship counselling goals might include:

• Learning to communicate about difficult topics without escalating into conflict
• Rebuilding trust after a breach in the relationship
• Feeling more emotionally connected and understood by each other
• Managing anger or difficult emotions in healthier ways
• Navigating a major life transition together, like becoming parents or retirement
• Healing from past trauma that's affecting your intimacy
• Developing better problem-solving skills as a team

Your goals will be specific to your situation. We'll write them down so you both have clarity about what you're working toward.

How We Support Progress Between Sessions

Counselling happens both in our sessions and in your daily life. Between sessions, you'll receive post-session follow-up emails summarising what we discussed and any reflections or practices we've suggested. This keeps the work alive and helps you both stay connected to your goals.

We're also here for questions or concerns that arise between sessions. You can reach out via email, and we'll respond within one business day.

Addressing Common Concerns About This Phase

Will we have to share everything about our past? Only what feels relevant and safe. You're in control of what you share. We won't push you to disclose anything you're not ready for.

What if we disagree about what the problems are? That's actually really common and really important information. Different perspectives help us understand the full picture. We'll help you both feel heard.

How long does the intake process take? Your first full session is 50 minutes. Sometimes we continue exploring and goal-setting in a second session. There's no rush. We move at a pace that feels right for you both.

What if we're not sure what our goals are yet? That's okay. We'll explore together. Sometimes just being in a safe space where you can talk openly helps goals become clearer.

Will this feel like we're being judged? No. We practice non-judgmental, compassionate care. Our role is to understand and support, not to judge or blame either of you.

What about confidentiality? Everything you share is confidential. The only exceptions are situations involving immediate safety concerns, which we'll discuss openly with you.

Session Format and Logistics

Your relationship counselling sessions are offered online through a secure, private video platform. You can join from home or anywhere that feels comfortable and private for you both. Sessions are 50 minutes long, and we recommend scheduling weekly or biweekly depending on your needs and preferences.

Payment is straightforward. We accept credit cards and Interac transfers. Coverage may be available through your insurance provider based on your individual policy. We're happy to provide receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

Moving Forward

Step 2 is about building a solid foundation for your counselling journey. By the end of your intake and goal-setting sessions, you'll have a clear understanding of what you're working toward and how we'll support you in getting there. You'll feel heard, understood, and hopeful about the possibility of positive change in your relationship.

Ready to begin? We invite you to book your first session through our online booking platform. If you have questions before booking, we offer a free 20-minute consultation where you can ask anything and get a sense of how we work together.

Book your first session now: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

We look forward to supporting your relationship journey.

Step 3: Your Relationship Counselling Journey Continues

Understanding Your Therapeutic Sessions and What Happens Between Them

You've taken important steps to understand your relationship and what brought you here. Now we move into the heart of the work. Step 3 is where transformation happens through consistent, supportive sessions paired with meaningful practices you'll do together at home.

What a Typical Relationship Counselling Session Looks Like

Each session lasts 50 minutes and creates a dedicated space for you and your partner to explore what matters most to your relationship.

Session Component	What Happens
Welcome and Connection (5-10 minutes)	We begin by checking in with both of you. How are you feeling today? What's been on your mind since we last met? This opening helps us understand where you're at emotionally and what feels most pressing right now.
Setting Our Focus (5 minutes)	Together, we decide what to explore in this session. Maybe it's communication patterns that keep repeating. Maybe it's rebuilding trust. Maybe it's understanding how past experiences shape how you show up in your relationship today. You guide this conversation.
Exploring and Understanding (30-40 minutes)	This is where the real work happens. We look at what's happening between you. We listen to each other's perspectives. We explore the feelings underneath the conflict. We understand how trauma or past hurt might be showing up in your relationship right now. We talk about what you both need to feel safe, seen, and valued.
Learning New Ways (10-15 minutes)	We introduce tools and skills you can actually use. Better ways to talk to each other. Ways to calm your nervous system when things get heated. Ways to understand what your partner really needs. We practice these together so you feel confident using them at home.
Planning Your Practice (5-10 minutes)	We wrap up by talking about what you'll focus on this week. What will you try? What will you notice? We summarize the insights you've had and make sure you know exactly what to do between now and our next session.

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Our relationship counselling draws from several evidence-based approaches, all woven together in a way that feels natural and supportive.

• Internal Family Systems work helps you understand the different parts of yourself and your partner. Sometimes we react from a protective part. Sometimes we're coming from our wisest, most loving self. We help you access that wisdom together.
• Care informed by trauma research recognises that past hurts, whether from your relationship or from earlier in life, shape how you connect now. We work gently with this, creating safety so healing can happen.
• Somatic approaches pay attention to what your body is telling you. Where do you feel disconnection? Where do you feel safe? We use this information to help you both feel more grounded and present with each other.
• Cognitive Behavioural approaches help you notice the patterns in your thinking and behaviour that keep you stuck. Then we practice new patterns that serve your relationship better.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you both get clear on what truly matters to you as a couple. Then we build a relationship that reflects those values, even when things are difficult.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills give you practical tools for managing intense emotions, communicating effectively, and tolerating the discomfort that sometimes comes with change.

What You'll Do Together at Home

The real magic happens between sessions. These practices are designed to deepen what you're learning and help you build new patterns together.

Reflective Conversations

Set aside 15 minutes several times a week to talk with your partner without distractions. Use the conversation starters we give you. The goal isn't to solve anything. It's to understand each other more deeply. What did you feel today? What did you need? What did you appreciate about your partner this week?

Communication Practice

We'll teach you specific ways to express yourself that your partner can actually hear. Instead of 'You always ignore me,' you'll learn to say 'I felt hurt when I wasn't asked about my day.' This small shift changes everything. You'll practice this together until it starts to feel natural.

Emotional Regulation Exercises

When conflict heats up, you need tools to calm your nervous system. We'll teach you grounding techniques, breathing practices, and ways to pause before reacting. These might include simple breathing exercises you can do together or individually when you feel triggered.

Journaling for Insight

Keep a brief journal about your relationship. What patterns do you notice? When did you feel most connected? When did you feel most distant? What triggered strong feelings? This reflection helps you understand yourself and your relationship more clearly.

Values Exploration

Individually and together, you'll reflect on what matters most to you. What kind of partnership do you want to build? What are your shared dreams? What do you each need to feel loved and valued? Writing these down and sharing them creates alignment and purpose.

Trying New Interactions

Sometimes we'll suggest specific ways to connect. Maybe it's a weekly date where you focus on enjoying each other. Maybe it's a daily ritual of checking in. Maybe it's a playful activity that helps you both relax and remember why you're together. These aren't rigid rules. They're invitations to experiment and see what works for you.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress in relationship counselling isn't always linear. Some weeks you'll feel a big shift. Other weeks you'll feel like you're going backwards. Both are normal and valuable.

We track progress through ongoing conversations. At the start of each session, we'll talk about what's shifted since we last met. What felt different? What was hard? What worked? We listen for the small changes that add up to real transformation.

We also use reflective check-ins. We might ask you to notice specific things during the week. Are you communicating differently? Are you feeling safer with each other? Are you understanding each other's needs more clearly? These observations become the evidence of your progress.

You'll also notice progress in how you feel. Do you feel more hopeful about your relationship? Do you feel more understood? Do you feel more capable of handling conflict? These feelings matter as much as any formal measure.

We provide written summaries after each session that highlight what you discussed, what you learned, and what you're focusing on next. These become a record of your journey and a tool you can return to when you need reminding of how far you've come.

Between Sessions: We're Still Here for You

The work doesn't stop when your session ends. We offer email support between sessions. If something comes up during the week, if you want to clarify something we discussed, or if you need encouragement, you can reach out. We'll respond thoughtfully to help you stay on track.

We also check in with you via email after each session. We might ask how the practices are going. We might offer a gentle reminder about something you're working on. These touchpoints help you feel supported and accountable to your own healing.

Our Commitment to Your Relationship

Our relationship counselling services serving couples throughout British Columbia are built on a foundation of respect, safety, and genuine care. We believe your relationship is worth the effort. We believe change is possible. And we believe that with the right support and tools, you can build the connection you're longing for.

Whether you're in Vancouver or anywhere across British Columbia, our trauma informed relationship counselling is available online, making it accessible whenever and wherever you need it.

Ready to move forward?

Book your first session through our online booking platform. You can also reach out with any questions about how relationship counselling works or what to expect.

Book Your Relationship Counselling Session

Your relationship deserves this investment. Let's begin.

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone in your relationship counselling journey. Step 4 focuses on evaluating the progress you and your partner have made, recognizing the growth you've achieved, and planning for the future beyond our sessions together.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your time working with us, you've been building new skills and deepening your connection. We'll take time now to reflect on where you started and where you are today. This isn't about perfection. It's about noticing the real, meaningful changes in how you communicate, how you handle conflict, and how you show up for each other.

Progress in relationship work looks different for every couple. For some, it means fewer arguments about the same old topics. For others, it's the ability to have difficult conversations without shutting down. It might be rekindled intimacy, restored trust, or simply feeling heard by your partner in ways you haven't in years.

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

Consider whether these feel true for you and your relationship:

• You're communicating more openly and honestly with each other
• Conflicts feel more manageable and you resolve them more quickly
• You understand each other's needs and perspectives more clearly
• You've developed tools and strategies you can use independently
• You feel safer and more connected in your relationship
• You're able to discuss difficult topics without the same level of reactivity
• You've addressed the core issues that brought you to counselling
• You feel confident in your ability to navigate future challenges together

Readiness for completion is a collaborative decision. We'll discuss your feelings about ending sessions and ensure you feel genuinely prepared to continue this work on your own.

Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Success

The end of regular sessions doesn't mean the end of your growth. Think of maintenance as tending a garden you've carefully cultivated. It requires ongoing attention, but not constant intervention.

Strategy	How It Supports Your Relationship
Regular Check-Ins with Your Partner	Set aside time weekly or monthly to discuss how you're both feeling and what's working well. These conversations keep you connected and help you catch small issues before they become big ones.
Revisit Your Communication Tools	Remember the techniques you learned about expressing needs, active listening, and managing emotions. Use them regularly, especially during stressful times.
Practice Emotional Awareness	Stay tuned to your own feelings and your partner's. Notice patterns and triggers. This awareness helps you respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically.
Maintain Boundaries and Self-Care	Continue prioritising your individual wellbeing. When you're taking care of yourself, you show up better in your relationship.
Celebrate Small Wins	Acknowledge the moments when you handle things differently or better than you would have before. These celebrations reinforce positive patterns.
Stay Connected to Your 'Why'	Remember why you chose to work on this relationship. Keep that intention alive through actions and words.

Ongoing Support Options

Completing regular counselling doesn't mean you're on your own. Our relationship counselling services serving all of British Columbia remain available to you. Here's how we can continue supporting you:

Occasional Check-In Sessions

Many couples find value in returning for a session or two when they hit a rough patch or want to deepen their work further. These sessions can be scheduled as needed, giving you flexibility and continuity of care.

Our Therapy Book Club

Join our online group therapy book club where you'll explore topics related to relationships and healing alongside others on similar journeys. This provides ongoing community support and psychoeducation in an affordable, accessible format.

Email Support Between Sessions

If you return for occasional sessions, you'll have access to between-session email support. This allows you to reach out with questions or concerns as they arise, keeping your progress on track.

Resources and Reflections

We provide you with written reflections from your sessions and resources you can revisit whenever you need them. These become your personal toolkit for maintaining the gains you've made.

Planning Your Path Forward

As we approach completion, we'll work together to create a personal maintenance plan. This plan is uniquely yours. It reflects your relationship's specific needs, the challenges you've overcome, and the strengths you've built.

Your plan might include specific communication practices to maintain, warning signs to watch for, and clear steps for reaching out if you need support again. Think of it as a map you can refer to whenever you need guidance.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Choosing to work on your relationship takes courage. You've invested time, energy, and vulnerability in creating something better. That deserves recognition.

The changes you've made aren't small. They're the foundation of a stronger, more resilient relationship. You've learned to communicate differently. You've healed wounds. You've chosen each other, again and again, even when it was hard.

Carry that forward. Trust the work you've done. Trust each other.

Ready to Book Your Next Step?

Whether you're ready to schedule your completion session, arrange occasional check-ins, or explore our ongoing support options, we're here for you. Our relationship counselling services are available online and serve clients across British Columbia and beyond.

Book your appointment through our online booking platform:

https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

You can also reach out directly to discuss which option feels right for your relationship at this moment in your journey.

We're proud of the work you've done. Your commitment to your relationship matters. And we're always here if you need us.