Relationship Issues therapy illustration

Relationship Issues Therapists in Canada

Support for people navigating conflict, communication difficulties, trust issues, and recurring patterns in their relationships with partners, family members, or close friends.

What to look for in a Relationship Issues therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Training in relationship-focused approaches such as EFT, Gottman, or attachment-based therapy
  • Experience with your specific concern, whether that is couples conflict, family dynamics, or recurring patterns
  • Clarity about whether sessions are individual, couples, or both
  • Comfort working with communication, conflict, and emotional vulnerability

30 therapists for Relationship Issues in Canada

Browse 30 therapists specializing in Relationship Issues. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Cordelia Mejin

Cordelia Mejin

Hi, I’m Cordelia and I’m honoured that you are here. I desire to provide gentle and compassionate care, empathy and a safe place as I believe that we as humans have longings to feel seen, heard, known, understood, felt, accepted, and cared for, especially in difficult moments. The one thing that remained constant throughout my life is that I have always found meaning in connecting with others on an authentic, deep, heart level and in making meaningful impact in the lives of others. A longing to lead a life in alignment with who I am at the core of my being led me to pursue counselling not just as a profession, but as a calling and passion. I love what I do and am honoured that I get to hold space for my clients and see transformation happen in their lives. It makes my heart full to know that I am making a daily difference, one person at a time. I consider it an honour to walk alongside you and to meet you where you are at – be it a time when you are navigating everyday difficulties, a time when you feel lost, a time of grief, loss and transitions, a time when hope feels out of reach, or a time when you find that you are desiring growth and change within yourself and in your relationships. Although I am experienced in my work a generalist, I have specialized training and extensive experience in the area of grief and loss. Additionally, I have special training and extensive experience in various areas of concern. My personal experience of grief and painful loss of my family member’s death led to my deep devotion and passion to people who are grieving a death and/or non-death losses. Through my own journey of integrating grief into my life story, I developed a strong desire to support others in carrying their grief, remembering their person and integrating their grief into their life story. As one who grew up in a multicultural community, I have strong cultural awareness and strive to provide culturally sensitive therapy from a place of cultural humility. I value holding space for your story to be told and acknowledged in a supportive space where your experiences are validated, honoured, processed and integrated into your life story in a way that is fitting for you. In sharing your stories and allowing them to be witnessed in the presence and safety of a therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that what may have once felt unbearable becomes less heavy and eventually more bearable. On A Personal Note As one who is nearing my mid-30s, I have navigated various challenges, including life transitions, chronic pain, endometriosis and grief of all kinds (death and non-death losses). I cherish beautiful moments that unfold in life while also seeing the value of holding space for feelings that emerge from the difficult places of life. It is from my lived experiences and my own human-ness that I draw my compassion for each person I encounter in the therapy room. I live in beautiful British Columbia with my husband whom I have been married to for almost a decade. I treasure spending quality time with my family and friends. I am an avid reader, and am most fulfilled when I am outdoors in nature. I enjoy hiking, biking, playing the piano, listening to music and visiting new places around the world. I look forward to getting to know you and to connecting with you. It is my honour to meet you. Warmly, Cordelia

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Nita Agustin

Nita Agustin

Get to know your Burnaby LGBTQ Therapist Alo, my name is Nita Agustin, and I go by she/they pronoun. I’m your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ therapist based in Burnaby, BC, ready to help you find yourself on this journey called life. If you’re expecting a typical, “professional” looking counsellor, I will warn you, that’s not me. I show up the way I want my clients to show up - as my whole self. I laugh loudly. I speak openly and I encourage my clients to do the same :) I’m committed to creating a space to make mycurious youth clients feel safe, heard, validated, and affirmed no matter what they bring into the room. As an LGBTQ therapist, I draw a lot on my personal experiences to guide me in my work with my youth and young adults clients. Growing up queer in Indonesia and making a big move to Burnaby, BC, in 2011, has framed a lot of how I view the world and given me valuable insight on navigating LGBTQIA2S+ issues, cross-cultural changes, life transitions, and finding yourself. When you come see me, I want you to feel at home and welcome to be yourself. I’m not here to be an authority in your life, but an ear to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, and a voice of compassion, understanding, and motivation.

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Lauren Little

Lauren Little

Hi, I’m Lauren (she/her). Sometimes life can be hard, and we can struggle to navigate our current challenges. I know that taking the step into therapy can feel overwhelming, however, remember that you are not alone in this and you and you are capable of doing hard things. Together we can create a safe space where you feel comfortable to share, explore and begin your healing journey. I encourage you to bring all parts of yourself - the hurt, the messy, the unseen - into this process. Honouring each client’s unique story, I work closely with them to meet their specific needs and goals to ensure clients feel validated, understood, and supported. As someone who has lived experience of anxiety and divorce, I understand the importance of practical self-support strategies and the value of a non-judgmental space to discuss vulnerable issues. I believe establishing a positive, empathetic and compassionate environment is essential for fostering personal growth. I guide clients in reconnecting to themselves, rediscovering their authentic self, and living a life that feels genuinely aligned with who they are. I draw on various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), nervous system regulation, body practices, mindfulness, family systems, attachment and nature-based practices. I have experience supporting individuals, youth, and families in navigating various challenges including anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, grief/loss, self-esteem, relationship challenges, dating and new relationships, deepening intuition, personal growth/emotional awareness, and life transitions. At the moment, I provide online sessions using the secure video platform Jane and offer supports to individuals located in beautiful British Columbia. I have availability Monday - Fridays (day/evenings). I offer a discounted rate to students. I look forward to connecting with you and hearing your story!

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Maddie Skidmore

Maddie Skidmore

Hi! I'm Maddie, I'm a Registered Social Worker providing in person and virtual services in the lower mainland. I specialize in supporting women who are seeking to reach their goals, overcome obstacles, and create healthier relationships with themselves and others. I believe that every woman has a unique story and possesses the strength, knowledge, and resilience to achieve positive change. My approach to therapy is grounded in trust, compassion, and connection, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where women can explore their experiences and emotions. My work is holistic and integrative, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, as well as mindfulness techniques to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit. I cater my approach to the needs and goals of each client, and I am committed to developing long-lasting relationships with each person I work with. Whether you are new to therapy or seeking a fresh perspective, I am dedicated to supporting women in their journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery.

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Jackie Dodd

Jackie Dodd

Hello! I'm glad you're here. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#11949) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#11249171) and am able to support clients who reside in within Canada. My aim in any therapy session is to support you in a way that you find helpful, while holding a safe enough space to challenge beliefs and behaviours you deem unhelpful. I have varied work experience in the field of mental health, including several years working alongside individuals who live with the lasting impacts of trauma, substance use, mental health diagnoses, poverty, and homelessness. I am Canadian born and Indian, and part of my work is rooted in my lived experience existing between cultures to support clients who face similar struggles. My Masters of Counselling Psychology degree is supplemented by additional postgraduate training in cognitive behaviour therapy, mindful self-compassion, anti-oppressive psychotherapy, narrative therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and strengths-based listening. I incorporate an intersectional feminist lens in my work, and am continually learning to be a more effective ally to multiple communities (including Black, Indigenous, people with racialized identities, and LGBTQ2SIA+). Outside of Counselling work, I enjoy spending time with friends, animals, and my niece and nephews. I see clients in person or virtually at my Vancouver office on Monday evenings and Fridays, and offer virtual only sessions on Thursday evenings. If you would like to know more about how we could work together or know more about what the counselling process could look like in general, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation session (virtual or over the phone). My hope is that I can offer support that is helpful to you! Areas of Practice: - Depression - Anxiety - Stress Management -Identity and Cultural Concerns - Mental Health Diagnoses - Difficult Life Transitions - Grief and Loss - Trauma - Substance use Approaches Used: - Strengths based listening - CBT - Mindful Self-Compassion - Anti-Oppression Psychotherapy - Narrative Therapy - Dialectical Behavioural Therapy -Intersectional Feminist Lens The land I work, live and play on is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and the Stó:lō Nations.

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Ashley Greensmyth

Ashley Greensmyth

The people who come to work with me are looking for a therapist who not gets it, but can also help them figure out how to move forward in life. I often hear things like, "I can't seem to stop worrying," "I feel overwhelmed," and "things seem fine on the outside, but really I'm just holding it together." If this resonates with you, you might benefit from counselling sessions with me. Working with me in therapy often feels like finally making sense of a long-unsolved puzzle—you begin to understand not only what you’re feeling, but why. Understanding how we view ourselves and the world on a deeper level can help with personal transformation. For example, some patterns that we have to undo in our own behaviour can come from secondhand experiences like ancestral trauma and relationship patterns. Gaining this level of self-awareness can create a comfortable space to challenge anxieties and your ideas about being a worthwhile person. Clients often come to therapy feeling anxious, overextended, or stuck in patterns that leave them feeling overwhelmed, empty, or exhausted, and they leave with a deeper sense of clarity, confidence, and self-worth. Through our work together, you’ll learn practical tools tailored to your real life, and shift any long-held beliefs keeping you stuck, so that you can begin to show up in your relationships with more ease and authenticity. My practice is gender, body, ability, sexuality, and race inclusive. I reside and provide services on the unceded ancestral territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh first nations peoples that was not surrendered. I offer direct billing to many insurance providers and I am registered with ICBC and FNHA. You belong.

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Lexie Morgan

Lexie Morgan

Are you looking for a ‘hype you up’ but call you on your shit therapist? I might just be your gal! Are you dealing with perfectionism? Going through a break up? Contemplating making a big life change? Experiencing grief, stress, overwhelm or loneliness? I prioritize authenticity in therapy, and aim to help people untangle themselves from problems that hold them back. I work with you as we navigate the peaks & valleys of life experiences. I often support, students, hospitality workers, parents, teachers, nurses, shift workers, ski patrollers, guides & 'first timers' to therapy. Life can be messy & complex. Are you looking for a ‘hype you up’ but call you on your shit therapist? I might just be your gal! Are you dealing with perfectionism? Going through a break up? Contemplating making a big life change? Experiencing grief, stress, overwhelm or loneliness? I prioritize authenticity in therapy, and aim to help people untangle themselves from problems that hold them back. I work with you as we navigate the peaks & valleys of life experiences. I often support, students, hospitality workers, parents, teachers, nurses, shift workers, ski patrollers, guides & 'first timers' to therapy. Life can be messy & complex. My office located in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver at 4th & Arbutus. I offer virtual counselling via telehealth throughout BC. *Insurance* Counselling is covered or reimbursed by many extended benefits programs. I am registered with many major Canadian insurance providers: Canada Life | Great-West Life Green Shield Canada Manulife Medavie Blue Cross Mines & Associates SunLife AMS - UBC Student Benefits Vail Resorts EAP *Education & Registration* I hold a master's degree in counselling from City University and a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. I am dual licensed with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). License Numbers: RCC # 20414 CCC # 11250646 *A bit more about how I work & my background* Lexie (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing on the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories. Lexie’s approach to counselling is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and compassion, with a goal of fostering a relaxed environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Lexie roots her work in a trauma informed, anti-oppressive, social justice lens. This may involve looking beyond the individual to understand their experiences within broader social and cultural contexts, as she joins clients on the path to self-discovery, healing, and change. Lexie has over ten years of experience working in the field of mental health. She draws on her experience providing counselling and practical supports to diverse communities, including children and families with complex medical and mental health needs, new immigrants and LGBTQQ2S+ folx. She has worked as a grief and loss counsellor at a hospice, provided crisis and suicide prevention support and developed industry specific work place mental health trainings for the hospitality and tourism sector. Montira Mental Health was born out of Lexie’s own experience as a hospitality manager at different backcountry lodges across British Columbia. As a lodge manager, Lexie observed the intersection of mental health and personal challenges within remote and isolated live/work environments which lead to high rates of burnout amongst her staff. ​​The transient nature of tourism dependent communities, seasonal employment, high cost of living and limited access to low barrier community mental health offerings further impacted her staff. Lexie’s connection to the outdoor community is born out of years of living, working, and recreating in the Rocky, Purcell, Selkirk and Coast mountains. She is an avid backcountry skier, trail runner, and hiker who finds a deep sense of connection to herself and her community through time spent in the outdoors. To learn more, please see my website: montiramentalhealth.com

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Amy Kobelt

Amy Kobelt

My journey to becoming a counsellor started with my own appointment in a counselling office. I remember feeling nervous about the process, but eventually felt inspired by my own healing journey to support others in the same way that counselling has helped me heal and grow. I am passionate about self-growth and discovery, and I love supporting you to better understand your past, make connections and build skills for a better and stronger future. I work from a trauma informed and attachment model and I strongly believe that part of the healing process that happens in counselling is through the therapeutic relationship. I work collaboratively with you to meet your goals in counselling, and I am truly honoured every time someone chooses to invite me into that journey – I know it is not easy! I welcome working with diverse clients of all ages, cultures, genders, sexual orientations and abilities and I currently work with clients ages 12 and up. I specialize in relational and childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationship concerns and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR, OEI and Lifespan Integration Therapies - all of these therapies are designed to help you process traumatic events or negative self beliefs and bring you healing from your past. Trauma disconnects us from ourselves and our bodies and so part of our work will be to help you become more connected to yourself, your feelings and your body. If you have any questions about this please reach out for a consultation call - I would love to chat with you to see if I'm the right fit for you.

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Sam Srijani

Do you find yourself constantly on edge, overcome with anxiety, work-related stress, low self esteem, or people pleasing? Are you putting yourself on the back burner while you struggle to keep up with the demands of your busy life? Are you stuck in a cycle of setting high expectations and never feeling good enough? If you’re feeling like this you may even be experiencing guilt and shame about these feelings. Maybe you're craving the chance to shed your responsibilities and just be yourself. If you’re nodding along, you're not alone. And you've just taken an amazing step in seeking help. I'm passionate about helping you build your confidence and regain control of your life. I specialize in anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, and ADHD. My therapeutic approach is personalized to meet your unique needs. My LGBTQ+ affirming culturally sensitive approach honours your unique experience, beliefs, and identity. If you're looking for a therapist who you can be real with; who is there with you through both the tears and the laughs, please reach out! I offer a free 15 minute video consultation so we can touch base and see if we're a good fit to work together. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to your best self.

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Micah Jakobs

Micah Jakobs

My name is Micah, and I identify as a female first-generation immigrant. s a Filipino-Canadian, I am motivated to create a safe space for other people of colour individuals to feel fully seen and heard. Concurrently over the last 16 years, I have spent 5 years working with the elderly community (specifically those with dementia and Alzheimer’s), 5 years in healthcare helping families work through grief and loss, 11 years working with adults with acquired brain injury, and 10 years working under a social service capacity with youth across Bangladesh, Africa, India, and Nepal. In my professional identity thus far, I have gained valuable insights and skills that have contributed to my therapeutic journey. As a result, I have developed a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy that integrates evidence-based, strength-based, mindfulness, and somatic-based practices. I believe this approach best equips me to meet your specific concerns and needs. To me, therapy is a space where we can explore, discover, and tackle distressing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that may be holding you back. In our sessions, you can expect me to provide you with tangible tools and strategies to foster meaningful change, and to create opportunities to experience vulnerability in a safe space. Our work together will focus on raising awareness in the present moment so that you may accept and live a life full of clarity and authenticity.

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Amber Lum

Amber Lum

I’m Amber (she/her); I am an Asian, settler, cisgender woman living and practicing on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I welcome diverse clients of all cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. I appreciate that we all come with unique stories and histories, and I think it is important to recognize and celebrate how these shape the way that we experience the world. I feel honoured and privileged to walk alongside my resilient clients in their personal healing journeys. I am passionate about EMDR, art therapy, play therapy, and other trauma-informed practices because of their potential to support the transformation and healing of both ourselves and our communities. My role is to hold space for you to come as you are and for your experiences to be met with compassion, curiosity, and tenderness. I believe that we all have the capacity to heal and grow especially in relation to others. Together through our work, we can begin to undo the aloneness that often comes with having negative experiences. I have a deep compassion and respect for the experiences that my clients entrust in me and through a collaborative approach, I hope to honour your lived experiences. Together we will establish a direction in our work that feels supportive of your goals and values. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, my Bachelor of Education, and my Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at UBC. I have additional training in the areas of trauma, attachment theory, emotion-focused therapy, and narrative approaches. In addition to counselling, I have also worked as an elementary school teacher in Vancouver. I have a special appreciation for the unique challenges experienced by children, adolescents, and their families. I believe connection, non-judgement, and trust are vital to building a strong therapy relationship.I think every piece of ourselves is important and together we will work with, rather than against, your experiences and emotions. It is important to me that you feel both safe and empowered throughout this entire process. In my spare time you can find me curled up with my dog Yuki watching musicals and reading fantasy novels.

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Christy Liu

Christy Liu

Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship issues, trauma, or burnout, therapy is a space where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes. My approach to therapy involves exploring all parts of your life and uncovering the hidden emotions and meanings. I believe therapy is a reflection of real life, where the challenges, patterns, and growth we experience in session often reflect our everyday experiences. Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship issues, trauma, or burnout, therapy is a space where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes. My approach to therapy involves exploring all parts of your life and uncovering the hidden emotions and meanings. I believe therapy is a reflection of real life, where the challenges, patterns, and growth we experience in session often reflect our everyday experiences. I take an integrative approach, meaning I tailor therapy to your unique needs. Though I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, the most meaningful work happens when we co-create a personalized approach. That often means taking pieces from different methods and using your strengths to form a puzzle that fits your unique life story. You are the expert in your own life, and my role is to guide and support you. Let’s explore how we can work together toward meaningful discovery and growth! If you feel we are a good match, feel free to connect for a free 15-minute consult where we can discuss your goals and ways I can support!

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Thenujaa Thirumalalagan

Thenujaa Thirumalalagan

My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and an understanding that many people come in feeling pulled in different directions or unsure of where they’re headed. In our work together, I aim to offer a supportive space where you can show up just as you are and explore what clarity, healing, and support might look like for you. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Master of Arts student in Counselling Psychology, providing therapy under clinical supervision. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, viewing clients as whole people rather than a set of symptoms, and value curiosity, reflection, and moving at a pace that feels right. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we may explore patterns in thoughts and emotions, reflect on the stories you hold about yourself, and build on your existing strengths to support meaningful and lasting change. My work is especially attuned to first-generation and bicultural experiences, where transitions often carry added layers of cultural expectations, family responsibility, and identity negotiation. I support individuals who may feel caught between worlds, navigating who they are becoming while staying connected to where they’ve come from. You don’t have to sort this out alone. Growing up in an immigrant household shaped my awareness of how culture, family roles, and unspoken expectations can influence emotional well-being. These experiences deepened my sensitivity to identity, belonging, and the quiet ways people carry their struggles, and they continue to inform my commitment to culturally responsive and compassionate care. I strive to offer a space that honours the fullness of your story, without asking you to simplify any part of it. All parts of you are welcome here.

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Fiona Del Rio

Fiona Del Rio

I support individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, grief, trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns. No matter what brings you to therapy, I aim to help you deepen self-awareness and develop practical strategies that help build resilience and promote healing. As a therapist, my approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for your lived experience. I offer client-centered care that draws from strengths-based and trauma-informed modalities, working with you to build a therapy plan that reflects your values, goals, and vision of wellness. My priority is to foster a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to be your authentic self. My educational background includes a Masters in Counselling Psychology, Masters in Anthropology, and Bachelors in Psychology and Cinema. I possess additional training in several evidence-based and trauma-focused therapeutic modalities. Together, we will design an approach that is tailored to your unique needs and preferences, and one that delivers meaningful results. I worked in public, private, and creative sectors before transitioning to counselling, where I gained experience as a crisis responder and in employment and career advising. My diverse professional experiences along with my own mental wellness journey help me to provide well-rounded support that is grounded in continuous self-reflection.

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Suzanne Paszkowski

Suzanne Paszkowski

Maybe you have tried therapy before and it has helped you work through certain feelings or get through a specific crisis. But maybe you still find yourself repeating the same behaviors in subtle ways—perhaps until they become not so subtle and you find yourself back in therapy, in the midst of another crisis, one that eerily echoes your past experiences. You want not just to work through present issues, but also to delve deeper into your personality and life experiences to come to a better understanding of who you are, where you come from, and what your values are—with the goal of becoming the person you want and are able to be. Together, we will explore your past and present, thoughts and feelings, in order to help you gain a more holistic understanding of yourself and your potential. My background is in ancient philosophy and I am training to become a psychoanalyst because I believe that talk therapy can lead to genuine connection and enable self-discovery and self-understanding. If any of the above sounds intriguing, please feel free to contact me. I am open to new clients, especially those looking to dig deeper. Therapy can be truly transformative; sometimes it just takes finding the right person to connect with.

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Wrenna Prest

Wrenna Prest

Hello and Welcome! My name is Wrenna! I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and believe that human connection can be a powerful foundation for healing and growth, one that is unique to each person. Starting therapy with someone new can be a daunting yet impactful journey. I work to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard and supported. I pull from evidence-based approaches to deepen self-understanding and enhance navigation through life’s challenges. Therapy is a collaborative process designed for YOU, so our time together will be guided by your context, your needs, your direction, and at your own pace. If you feel we may be a good fit, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to meeting with you!

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Daniel Kirzner-Priest

Daniel Kirzner-Priest

Do you have a story you feel you need to share with someone? Maybe it’s your first time opening up, or maybe you tried before, but just never quite felt heard. If there’s something inside of you that needs telling, I’m here to hear you out. I often work with clients who suffer from depression, trauma, anxiety and relationship issues. I can also be particularly helpful to clients who’ve felt they haven’t gone deep enough in therapy, who tend towards dissociation or intellectualization, or who find themselves between cultures—immigrants, children of immigrants, people from interfaith families, and "third culture kids." I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is based on the premise that the more we understand about ourselves, the more freedom we have to make new choices. If you’ve ever felt stuck without knowing exactly why, or even if you understand why but can’t quite seem to change things, psychodynamic psychotherapy can be immensely helpful. Life can be deeply painful, but it can also be joyous. I aim to be witness to all of you without judgment, so that you can come to know yourself more fully, and therefore have all the more freedom to choose not only how to respond to what life throws at you, but also what life it is you want to live.

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Natalie McMullen

Natalie McMullen

Top Specialities: trauma, anxiety, attachment issues I believe our life events shape us into who we are today. We weren’t BORN with an inner critic, perfectionism, or people-pleasing tendencies! Something happened in our lives that taught us those behaviours. Maybe we learned that it’s less painful to avoid confrontation than to risk rejection or failure. Maybe we learned that to ensure safety, we must be hypervigilant, constantly looking out for threats. Those behaviours likely helped you survive at one time, but now, they might be causing chronic anxiety, difficulties in your relationships, and low self-esteem. I will help you understand your emotions and unlearn beliefs and coping behaviours that are no longer serving you. We’ll learn how your past and present experiences are contributing to the issues you want to let go of, and carve a path forward. Therapy can help you process your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your reactions and emotions. I have experience helping with anxiety/stress/burnout, trauma, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, depression, emotion regulation, and borderline personality disorder. I’m especially passionate about treating developmental/attachment trauma to improve self-esteem, foster safety and security, and move towards secure attachment patterns. My Approach/Style As a therapist, I have a friendly, authentic, and warm demeanour. I believe a strong connection with your therapist is of crucial importance, so I take extra care to ensure I’m understanding your needs and perspective. (This doesn’t mean I’ll never challenge you!). I’m also happy to share appropriate information about my own life if helpful and relevant. I believe everyone has inner wisdom and resilience. I respect your autonomy, so I will always support you in coming to your own conclusions and finding your own solutions. But I also don’t shy away from sharing different insights and perspectives, or giving guidance and advice if needed. Types of Therapy After spending some time getting to know you, I’ll apply the therapy techniques that best suit your concerns. I use techniques informed by schema therapy, inner child work, IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and attachment theory. I am also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy, which is an evidence-based and WHO-recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out for a free consultation! *Please note, I am located in Toronto, and my working hours are as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am-7pm Eastern Time Thursday: 1pm-7pm Eastern time Friday: 10am-5pm Eastern Time

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Jan Krynicki

Jan Krynicki

Hey there, I'm Jan! I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and unbiased space for therapy and counseling in an easy-going, relatable way. I have done my BSc in Psychology at the VU Amsterdam and finished my MSc in Clinical Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I have worked as a therapist/counselor in Cape Town, South Africa which exposed me to working with diverse groups of people. I have finished my Master's thesis on mindfulness practice and its effects on students in regards to burnout and fatigue. However, I am also trained in motivational interviewing, ACT, and CBT with a constant drive to keep learning. I believe that having a great therapeutic relationship is really important for a good outcome in therapy. I aim to be the therapist that doesn’t recite word for word what they learned in university textbooks but one that integrates therapeutic techniques into tailored sessions all while making it feel natural and comfortable for the client. The first intake session is always free! Ask me about my student rate!

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Yaroslav Grechkin

Yaroslav Grechkin

Hi there and welcome! I’m Yaroslav (or Y for short), a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO. Life can feel incredibly heavy when you're carrying the belief that you're somehow not good enough. You may find yourself constantly second-guessing your decisions, comparing yourself to others, struggling with self-criticism, or feeling overwhelmed by shame. Perhaps you've spent years trying to be what everyone else needs you to be, while quietly wondering why you still don't feel worthy, confident, or at peace. You are not alone. Many of the struggles we experience—whether it's self-doubt, shame, relationship conflict, or feeling disconnected from those we love—are deeply human responses to difficult life experiences, unmet emotional needs, and the challenges that come with navigating relationships, family life, and personal growth. These struggles do not mean there is something wrong with you. They often reflect the ways you've learned to cope, survive, and make sense of your experiences. As a therapist, I bring not only professional training but also a deep understanding of what it means to navigate life's challenges, uncertainty, and the ongoing work of self-discovery and growth. Like many people, I have experienced moments of self-doubt, vulnerability, and the complexities that come with balancing relationships, responsibilities, and personal well-being. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing happens not through perfection, but through self-compassion, connection, and the courage to face our struggles with curiosity rather than judgment. I help individuals, youth, and couples create lasting change by addressing the deeper emotional patterns that drive distress and disconnection. I offer in-person therapy in Hawkesbury and virtual therapy across Ontario, providing a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. My work with individuals and youth focuses on overcoming feelings of inadequacy, shame, self-criticism, anxiety, and emotional pain through the evidence-based approaches of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Together, we explore the origins of painful beliefs such as "I'm not good enough," understand the emotions beneath the struggle, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. As therapy progresses, many clients begin to experience greater self-acceptance, emotional resilience, confidence, and freedom from the patterns that have kept them stuck. For couples, I specialize in helping partners navigate parenting challenges, communication difficulties, recurring conflicts, and emotional disconnection. Parenting can place enormous pressure on even the strongest relationships, often leaving couples feeling more like teammates managing responsibilities than partners deeply connected to one another. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we identify the negative cycles that create distance and frustration, helping both partners better understand their own needs and each other's experiences. Through this process, couples often strengthen their emotional bond, improve communication, rebuild trust, and rediscover a sense of connection and partnership. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth and healing when they feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported. Therapy is not about fixing you—because you are not broken. It is about helping you better understand yourself, heal old wounds, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and the people who matter most. Whether you're struggling with shame, low self-worth, anxiety, relationship challenges, or the demands of parenting, you don't have to navigate it alone. Meaningful change is possible, and support is available. If you're ready to take the next step toward greater self-compassion, confidence, and connection, I invite you to reach out. Contact me today to book a consultation and discover how therapy can help you create the lasting changes you're looking for.

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What is Relationship Issues?

Relationship issues cover a wide range of difficulties that come up in connections with others, including a romantic partner, family members, or close friends. These might include ongoing conflict, a breakdown in communication, difficulty trusting or being close to someone, or a sense that the same problems keep repeating across different relationships. Many people seek therapy not because a relationship has failed but because they want to understand their own role in the patterns they keep experiencing.

Therapy for relationship issues can be done individually or with a partner, depending on the concern and what both people are willing to do. Individual therapy is useful for understanding your own attachment style, communication tendencies, and emotional responses. Working with a partner can help both people develop shared language and address dynamics that neither person can fully shift on their own.

A range of evidence-based approaches are used for relationship issues, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and attachment-based therapy. What works best depends on the specific concern. For example, EFT is well-supported for couples experiencing emotional distance or conflict cycles, while individual attachment-based work may be more useful for someone whose relationship difficulties seem rooted in early family experiences. Therapists often draw on more than one approach depending on what's most relevant.

Seeking help for relationship difficulties is not a sign that a relationship has failed. Many people use therapy to strengthen a relationship that is functional but stuck, to recover from a specific rupture like infidelity, or to understand why they keep ending up in situations that feel familiar and painful.

Who this approach may help

Recurring conflict without resolution

People who find themselves having the same arguments repeatedly without anything actually changing, or who feel like conflict escalates in ways that are hard to recover from.

Communication breakdowns

People who struggle to express needs clearly, shut down during difficult conversations, or feel consistently misunderstood by someone they are close to.

Trust and intimacy difficulties

People who find it hard to trust a partner or allow emotional closeness, whether because of past experiences in the relationship or earlier in their life.

Recovering from betrayal or infidelity

People who are trying to process what happened after a significant breach of trust and decide whether and how to move forward, together or separately.

Patterns repeating across relationships

People who notice they tend to attract or fall into similar dynamics in different relationships and want to understand what is driving that.

Separation, divorce, or post-relationship adjustment

People navigating the end of a significant relationship and working through grief, co-parenting challenges, or rebuilding a sense of self.

Family of origin difficulties

People whose relationship with parents or siblings is causing ongoing stress, or whose early family dynamics seem to be affecting current relationships.

What happens in a session?

  1. 1

    Identify the central concern

    The therapist asks about what brought you in, what the relationship looks like now, and what has already been tried. This helps clarify whether the work is best done individually or with a partner.

  2. 2

    Explore relationship history and patterns

    You reflect on the history of the relationship or relationships in question, including what tends to trigger difficulties and how conflicts or disconnection typically unfold.

  3. 3

    Understand your attachment and communication style

    Many relationship difficulties connect to how we learned to manage closeness, conflict, and emotional need. The therapist helps you see how those tendencies show up in your current relationships.

  4. 4

    Work through underlying emotions

    Beneath many relationship conflicts are feelings that are hard to express directly, such as fear of rejection, unmet needs, or grief over something lost. Therapy creates space to process these.

  5. 5

    Develop new skills and responses

    Depending on the approach, sessions may include practicing different ways of communicating, expressing needs, or de-escalating conflict before it becomes damaging.

  6. 6

    Apply insights outside sessions

    Change in relationships happens between sessions as much as in them. The therapist helps you notice what shifts in your daily interactions and adjust the work based on what you observe.

How it compares to other approaches

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy is done with a partner present. Therapy for relationship issues can be individual, exploring your own role in relationship patterns without requiring a partner to participate.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is one of the most evidence-supported approaches specifically for relationship difficulties. It is used both individually and with couples, and focuses on emotional patterns and attachment needs as the driver of relational conflict.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Attachment-based therapy explores how early caregiving experiences shaped your expectations of closeness and safety. It overlaps significantly with relationship work but focuses on the origins of relational patterns rather than present-day interactions alone.

Gottman Method

The Gottman Method is a structured couples therapy approach with specific tools for communication and conflict resolution. It requires both partners and focuses more on skill-building than emotional processing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT for relationship issues targets thought patterns that contribute to conflict or avoidance, such as assumptions about a partner's motives. It tends to be more skill-focused than emotion-focused approaches.

Family Therapy

Family therapy involves multiple family members and looks at the relational system as a whole. It is more relevant when the concern involves family dynamics or requires input from more than one person.

How to choose a Relationship Issues therapist

Questions to ask before booking:

  1. 1

    Ask whether they typically work with individuals, couples, or both for relationship concerns, and whether their approach would involve your partner at any point.

  2. 2

    Ask about their training in relationship-focused modalities. EFT, Gottman, and attachment-based approaches have specific training requirements, and it is worth asking whether they have completed formal training beyond general therapy.

  3. 3

    Ask about their experience with your specific concern, whether that is infidelity recovery, separation, communication difficulties, or a particular family dynamic.

  4. 4

    Ask how they handle it if both partners are seeing them separately. Some therapists work with individuals on relationship issues but will not also see a partner, to avoid conflicts of interest.

  5. 5

    Ask what the general arc of therapy tends to look like for someone with your kind of concern, including how long it typically runs and what progress looks like.

  6. 6

    If children are involved, ask whether they have experience supporting people through separation or co-parenting difficulties, since that requires a specific kind of expertise.

When this may not be the right fit

If there is ongoing domestic violence or physical coercion in the relationship, couples therapy is generally not appropriate and may increase risk. Individual support and safety planning through a domestic violence resource is a more appropriate starting point.

Couples work is most effective when both partners are willing to participate and willing to examine their own role in the dynamic. If one person is not yet ready, individual therapy for the person who is can still be valuable.

If you are currently in acute crisis, significant depression, or a mental health situation that requires more intensive support, stabilizing that may need to come before relationship-focused work.

Therapy for relationship issues works best alongside a willingness to apply what comes up in sessions to real interactions. If you are looking only to process past pain rather than shift current patterns, a different focus in therapy may serve you better.

Related specialties

Frequently asked questions

What does therapy for relationship issues involve?

Therapy for relationship issues helps you understand patterns in how you relate to others, what drives conflict or disconnection, and how to communicate and respond differently. It can be done individually or with a partner. Sessions typically explore emotional patterns, communication styles, and the history behind recurring difficulties.

Can I go to therapy alone if my partner will not come?

Yes. Individual therapy for relationship issues is valuable even when a partner is not involved. It can help you understand your own attachment patterns, communication tendencies, and emotional responses, which can shift the dynamic in a relationship even if only one person is in therapy.

What types of therapy are used for relationship issues?

Common approaches include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, attachment-based therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Many therapists draw on more than one. The right approach depends on whether the work is individual or couples-based, and what kind of concern you are addressing.

How long does therapy for relationship issues take?

It depends on the concern. Focused couples work for a specific issue may take eight to twenty sessions. Individual work on long-standing relational patterns often runs longer, sometimes six months to a year or more. A therapist can give you a clearer estimate after an initial session.

Is couples therapy the same as therapy for relationship issues?

Not exactly. Couples therapy involves both partners attending sessions together. Therapy for relationship issues can be done individually. Some people start individually to understand their own patterns and later bring in a partner, or the other way around.

Can therapy help after a breakup or separation?

Yes. Therapy after a relationship ends can help you process grief, understand what happened, and avoid repeating the same patterns in future relationships. It can also support people navigating co-parenting or a difficult transition after a long-term relationship ends.

How do I know if I need therapy for relationship issues?

You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If you notice recurring conflict, difficulty feeling close to others, or a pattern that keeps showing up across relationships, therapy can help. Many people come in because they want to understand their role in a dynamic, not because a relationship has broken down.

Is relationship therapy available online?

Yes. Many therapists offer individual relationship therapy online. Couples therapy can also be done virtually, though some therapists prefer at least an initial in-person session. Check each therapist profile to see what formats they offer.

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