Couples Counsellors
At Turning Point we are guided by and trained in a number of therapy approaches and we continue to stay updated on research about what works in our relationships today. These include;
- Relational Life Therapy by Terry Real,
- Developmental Couples Counselling developed by Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson,
- Gottman Approach,
- Emotionally Focused Therapy by Sue Johnson,
- Work by Ester Perel, and Stan Tatkin.
Facilitators Delyse Ledgard and Tamsen Simon
Jodie Read RCC
she/her/hers
Relationships are one of the most rewarding aspects of our lived experience. They have the capacity to bring with them a deep sense of fulfillment, security, and connection. It takes effort to maintain and recover these healthy qualities in a relationship when we get off track. Jodie aspires to bring couples back to the root of what brought them together. She helps couples identify the negative patterns that trapped them and threw the dynamic of the relationship into disarray. They come to discover the root of common, debilitating, and perpetuating patterns that prevent them from connecting, understanding one another, feeling heard, and communicating in effective ways. Some of these challenges include trust, communication, prior relationship/family trauma, and attachment; as well as shifts in sexuality or identity which necessitate change within the relationship.
Jodie is trained in Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy which she uses to create permanent, positive change in relationships. Through her practical, empathetic, and direct therapeutic approaches and interventions she helps them recover, reconnect, and work in partnership towards each individual having their needs met in the relationship.
Jodie provides couples counselling for those in non-monogamous, monogamous, polyamorous, and kink.
Pender St Location
Available Monday, Thursday and Friday
Tamsen Simon
they/them
Pre-registration
Reduced Rates until registration.
Relationships are as unique as the individuals engaged in them which means one-size-fits-all answers do not exist for resolving relational differences. Couples therapy expands the field from a you-and-me dynamic to temporarily including a mediating therapist to facilitate through those issues that otherwise overwhelm us.
As a couples therapist, I hope to debunk the myths and prominent cultural beliefs that disrupt intimate connections and work with those seeking skills for relational intimacy challenges. In sessions, we will discuss your different unique styles of relating and what might be challenging topics, so you know how to help one another and make sure you cover the ground with important discussions.
Vancouver Location
Online and In-person sessions Available
Tuesday - Friday
Michelle Carchrae RCC
she/her/hers
Intimate relationships can be some of the most challenging relationships we find ourselves in. Not only are we told that they should be “happily ever after” and completely fulfilling, but we often don’t know how to navigate conflict in a healthy way when it does appear. Add in the stress of raising children, balancing work/life issues, sexuality, cultural oppression and any baggage we might have picked up from our family of origin, and it’s no wonder that we find ourselves fighting constantly or pushing each other away.
Michelle works with couples to support them in learning how to identify where they are getting stuck, where they want to go, and what tools are needed to get there. Her work focuses initially on compassionately understanding and naming the pattern between partners, then facilitating focused change that will bring the relationship to a place that is healthy, resilient, heart-centered and skillful. This work can address deep places and can also be practical and useful right away.
Michelle is trained in Non-Violent Communication and Relational Life Therapy and brings these skills to her work with couples in all types of intimate relationships, including consensual non-monogamous and polyamoury.
Online Only
Tuesday - Friday
Making relationships work is a life-long process of compassion, commitment, and communication. Finding the real flavour of dynamic relationships is essential, yet it can at times feel distant and unattainable. It takes time and effort to become skilled at relational living and heal the wounds caused by ineffective communication.
Relational therapy invokes your lived experience in the present to guide the session. Through effective non-violent communication in real time, you will have a chance to speak the difficult truths in ways that can be heard and received. This can lead to paths of healing and growth which can reliably shift the present dynamic and move you and your partner out of your stuck places.
What to expect
The beginning stages of couples therapy involve becoming clear on the presenting problems and how they became what they are now. This might mean exploring your past, your family of origin, and traumatic events which may affect your current relationship. After this we explore the present dynamic and the ways in which it can improve. This includes processing conflict in session, building emotional skills, non-violent communication, and other practices that can enhance your relationship and develop trust.
Aron received training in Terry Real's Relational Life Therapy and Non-Violent Communication.
Burrard St Location
Available Monday - Saturday
Alisa Chirpicinic RCC
she/her/hers
There are times when couples have difficulty sustaining intimate and emotional connections with each other. It may be hard for partners to feel truly seen, loved, understood, and cherished during such moments of disconnection. Loving and intimate relationships need to be carefully and skillfully nurtured by couples’ ongoing work and commitment.
When couples slow down and feel recognized and understood by one another, they create space for healing and transformation. As a couples therapist, Alisa believes healing is a relational discovery process that brings to light the unsuccessful patterns and stances where many couples find themselves stuck, unconsciously.
She will help you identify your specific relationship issues and gain insight into patterns that cause relationship distress. You will learn various tools that will help you to restore trust, enhance intimacy, improve communication skills, and strengthen mutual respect. Alisa has the experience and welcomes the opportunity to work with couples in monogamous, non-monogamous, same, and opposite-sex relationships.
She has been trained in Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy and in Gottman’s Couples Therapy Method.
Vancouver Location
Online and In-person sessions Available
Tuesday - Friday 11am - 8pm
Delyse Ledgard RCC
she/her/hers
Delyse has experience working with many relationship issues and types of relationships including, polyamory and non-monogamy. Turning your relationship around when it has been infused with mistrust, betrayal, and retaliation is a challenge. There is no failure in reaching out for help and guidance. Delyse's approach is a mixture of support, understanding, and clarity. She will give you a push and clear direction when needed and give space for slowing down and connecting. Delyse works on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Delyse has extensive training and is a Certified RLT Practitioner. Relational Life Therapy was developed by Terry Real.
North Delta Location
Tuesday 11 am - 8pm
Wednesday 12 - 8 pm
Saturday 11 am - 4pm.