couples therapy in ottawa:
rebuilding relationships with lasting change
We understand that relationships are complex and influenced by a range of emotional and psychological factors. Our couples therapy in Ottawa is designed to help partners navigate these complexities, fostering a deeper understanding of each other and building a foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship. We are committed to offering a safe and trusting environment where couples can explore their relationship dynamics and work towards meaningful, long-lasting changes.​
Relationships are not just about the moments of conflict or disconnection you experience on the surface. They are shaped by the more profound emotional worlds both partners bring to the dynamic. Our couples therapy process is rooted in Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy (SIRP), where we work together to uncover the emotional patterns, past experiences, and unconscious dynamics that influence how you relate to each other.
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Our goal in couples therapy is to help you and your partner understand the unique dynamic that exists between you. By exploring these three agents - you, your partner, and your relationship - we aim to break the cycles of conflict or disconnection that may leave you feeling stuck. Our approach is not about assigning blame but about fostering empathy, understanding, and the ability to navigate challenges together.
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What makes our approach unique is that we don’t just focus on the relationship; we also prioritize your individual growth. This includes understanding your own emotional landscape and inner world. By exploring your emotional patterns, past experiences, and internal conflicts, you gain valuable insight into how these factors influence both the relationship and your personal well-being. This parallel process of personal and relational growth is key: as you each develop greater self-awareness and emotional insight, your relationship naturally becomes healthier and more resilient.
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When personal development and relationship growth happen side by side, the change is much more profound and lasting. By understanding yourselves better, you can approach the relationship more clearly and with compassion, allowing both partners to feel heard, supported, and understood. Through this process, we aim to bring lasting change where the relationship and each individual can thrive, moving forward with a greater sense of connection, trust, and fulfillment.
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Our approach to couples therapy is designed to guide you and your partner through a comprehensive yet flexible journey of growth and transformation. We understand that meaningful change is rarely a straight path, so our process unfolds through key phases you may move through at different times. Each phase builds on the last, but the journey is not linear - sometimes, you may revisit earlier phases as new insights and challenges arise. From defining the issues to integrating lasting changes into your daily life, this approach helps both partners deepen their understanding of themselves and the relationship, fostering a more connected and fulfilling partnership at every step.​
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phase 1:
problem definition
In the initial phase, we collaborate to identify the challenges prompting the need for couples therapy or marriage counselling. These challenges may encompass ongoing conflicts, emotional detachment, communication obstacles, or other relational complexities. Additionally, we clarify the treatment goals to ensure alignment between both partners regarding the desired outcomes. This phase is pivotal in fostering a shared understanding of the issues at hand and establishing the trajectory for our forthcoming work. Each partner is afforded the opportunity to articulate their concerns and aspirations, thereby ensuring that their perspectives are acknowledged and validated.
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phase 2:
exploration
During this phase, we conduct an in-depth exploration of both partners' emotional and relational history. Our approach involves a comprehensive exploration of the three key components that influence the relationship: each partner individually (partner A and partner B) and the dynamic between them. We initiate the process with individual sessions for each partner, focusing on gaining insight into their distinct emotional landscapes, past experiences, and unresolved emotions that may impact the relationship. By delving into each partner’s personal history and emotional constitution, we strive to better understand how these individual elements contribute to the relational dynamic. Concurrently, we analyze the interaction between both partners to comprehend how these personal histories intertwine, giving rise to unconscious cycles of conflict and disconnection. This comprehensive assessment of all three components enables us to uncover underlying emotional patterns that may not be readily apparent but are essential to grasping the challenges within the relationship.​
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phase 3:
insight awareness
As the unconscious elements of both partners and the relationship dynamic are explored, insight begins to emerge. This phase is about recognizing how past emotional wounds, unmet needs, and early life experiences play out in your current relationship. Both partners will start to see how their individual histories are contributing to the relational patterns that drive conflict. The clarity gained during this phase helps each partner take responsibility for their role in the dynamic and opens the door for meaningful change. Insight Awareness is key to understanding not just what’s happening in the relationship but why - and this knowledge sets the foundation for transformation.
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phase 4:
commitment
With a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play, both partners are invited to commit to the process of change. This phase involves deepening your engagement with therapy and taking responsibility for personal and relational growth. It’s a time to reflect on the insights gained and prepare emotionally to do the work necessary to shift old patterns. This commitment isn’t just about staying in therapy - it’s about fully investing in the process of transformation, knowing that both partners have a role to play in making the relationship healthier and more connected. At this stage, both of you agree to work actively on your relationship, committing to the hard work of creating healthier ways of communicating, connecting, and understanding each other.
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phase 5:
action
In the action phase, we begin to translate the insights you’ve gained into fundamental, tangible changes in how you relate to each other. In-session, we use a variety of experiential interventions designed to create internal shifts in how you relate to each other. Techniques such as Gestalt work, visualization, and working with transference and countertransference help both partners access and address the deeper emotional layers of the relationship. We’ll also encourage you to practice new ways of interacting with each other in session and between sessions - whether that’s using new communication strategies, applying emotional insights, or behaving in ways that promote deeper connection. The goal is to move beyond the old conflict cycles by applying the insights and emotional shifts gained in therapy. The action phase involves stepping into new territory and building a healthier, more fulfilling relationship through interactional and real-world practice.
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phase 6:
consolidation and integration
As you continue practicing new behaviours and emotional responses, these changes start to feel more natural and integrated into your daily life as a couple. The relational shifts you’ve worked on in therapy begin to take root, becoming a part of your everyday interactions. In this phase, we focus on solidifying these changes, ensuring they’re sustainable and long-lasting. The new ways of communicating, relating, and connecting will start to feel more automatic, allowing you to move forward as a stronger, more harmonious couple. Consolidation and Integration ensures that the growth you’ve experienced is stable and becomes a permanent part of your relationship.
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phase 7:
completion
In the final phase of therapy, we prepare you both for life beyond regular sessions. The completion phase is about reviewing your progress, reflecting on the changes in your relationship, and ensuring you have the tools and strategies to maintain the growth on your own. This phase isn’t just about ending therapy - it’s about making sure you feel empowered to continue nurturing your relationship independently, equipped with the insight, skills, and emotional understanding to handle future challenges together.​
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why choose our services?
— Collaborative Therapy Process:
Our therapists believe in empowering you and your partner to take an active role in your healing journey, fostering a collaborative environment. We work together to understand your relationship dynamics and develop strategies that resonate with both partners.
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— A Holistic Approach:
We aim for sustainable, long-term improvements in your relationship, not just short-term solutions. Our holistic approach addresses the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of your relationship, promoting enduring growth and positive change.
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— Experienced Therapists:
Our team consists of trained therapists who specialize in couples therapy and are committed to continuous professional development. All our therapists engage in ongoing supervision and learning, ensuring they remain at the forefront of therapeutic practices.
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— ​​​Safe and Inclusive Environment:
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive space for all couples. Whether you are experiencing frequent arguments, emotional disconnection, or specific challenges such as infidelity or life transitions, we offer compassionate and supportive guidance tailored to your needs.
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— Convenient Location and Online Therapy: Located in the heart of Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, our clinic is easily accessible to clients throughout the city. For those who prefer or need remote access, we also offer secure online therapy sessions, providing flexibility and convenience while maintaining the same high-quality care.
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areas of practice: couples therapy
communication
post-affair & trust
intimacy & sexuality
parenting
conflict resolution
emotional connection
start your journey towards a stronger relationship
If you’re seeking couples counselling in Ottawa that goes beyond surface-level solutions, Lacasse Counselling is here to help. Our goal is to empower you and your partner to navigate challenges with greater understanding, resilience, and connection. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more fulfilling partnership.