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Why start couple therapy?

Life as a couple is rarely a smooth journey. Over time, misunderstandings set in, communication erodes, or difficult events (grief, infidelity, career changes) shake the foundations of the relationship.

Starting couple therapy creates a neutral space to express this suffering. It is not a court where we look for a culprit, but a place to understand the dynamic that has settled between you and find a way forward.

The 4 mandates of couple therapy

Depending on your situation, we will define together the mandate best suited to your needs. There are generally four main orientations:

1. The Reconciliation Mandate

You wish to stay together, but the relationship is painful. The goal is to identify the issues (communication, emotion management, intimacy) creating the deadlock. Both partners commit to making changes to rediscover the joy of being together.

2. Managing Ambivalence

One of you (or both) no longer knows if they want to continue the relationship. We explore the part that wants to stay and the part that wants to leave. This work helps clarify fears and frustrations to make an informed decision: recommit or separate.

3. Crisis Management

Infidelity, illness, major conflict, or a sudden event has destabilized the couple. The urgency is to manage the emotional storm, understand what is at play, and stabilize the situation to avoid impulsive and regrettable decisions.

4. Separation Accompaniment

The decision has been made, but you wish to separate successfully. This mandate helps close the story with respect, give meaning to what was experienced, and manage practical aspects (children, assets) without unnecessary tearing apart.

How does the process work?

It all starts with a first assessment meeting. This is an essential moment to establish a climate of trust. The psychologist ensures that everyone is heard and their point of view respected. This is where we define the goal of therapy together.

Sessions generally last 50 to 60 minutes. Although most meetings are held as a couple, the therapist may suggest occasional individual sessions.

These solo moments sometimes allow clarification of elements that are difficult to name in front of the other (deep fears, secrets, shame) in order to unblock the marital situation afterward.

A space to move forward

Whether to save your couple or to leave each other without destroying yourselves, the presence of a professional third party allows you to break out of sterile loops of blame. It is an investment in your well-being and, where applicable, that of your family.


Make an appointment

Telephone : 514 - 497 - 8014

Courriel : info@psychologues-montreal.net

Adresse : 120-2222, Rene-Levesque O, Montreal, H3H 1R6

Montreal Psychologist Network inc. – Professionals listening to your relationship.