Marriage Counselling in Calgary – The Ultimate Frequently Asked Questions Guide
This guide answers the most common questions Calgary couples ask when considering marriage or couples therapy.
What is marriage counselling?
Marriage counselling, also called couples counselling or couples therapy, is a form of psychotherapy focused on improving the relationship between two partners. A trained therapist helps couples address conflict, communication problems, disconnection, infidelity, stress, and life transitions. The goal is not to “pick sides,” but to improve understanding, safety, and connection between partners.
What is the difference between marriage counselling, couples therapy, and relationship counselling?
The terms are often used interchangeably in Calgary, but there are subtle distinctions:
- Marriage counselling often focuses on issues specific to marriage such as commitment, infidelity, parenting, finances, or decisions about separation and divorce.
- Couples therapy involves any romantic couple (married, dating, common-law, or same-sex) and may involve deeper work around attachment, trauma, and long-standing patterns.
- Relationship counselling is the broadest term and can include non-romantic relationships, though it most often still refers to romantic partnerships.
Most Calgary therapists provide all three; what matters most is the counsellor’s training and fit with your goals, rather than the exact label they use.
Do we have to be married to attend marriage counselling in Calgary?
No. Calgary therapists regularly work with:
- Engaged couples
- Common-law partners
- Dating partners in committed relationships
- Separated partners considering reconciliation
- Long-term partners who do not plan to marry
The focus is the health of the relationship, not your legal status.
When should we seek marriage counselling?
The best time is often before a full-blown crisis. Many couples wait years before seeking help. You should consider marriage or couples counselling if:
- Arguments repeat in the same way and never really resolve.
- Communication feels tense, hostile, or completely shut down.
- You feel more like roommates than romantic partners.
- There has been betrayal or a major loss of trust.
- Resentment, criticism, contempt, or stonewalling are common.
- Sexual intimacy has declined or you have mismatched desire.
- Major life transitions (new baby, job loss, illness, relocation) are straining the relationship.
- One or both partners are thinking about separation or divorce.
Early intervention generally leads to better outcomes and more options for change.
Does marriage counselling actually work?
Yes. Success depends on timing, the therapist’s training, and both partners’ willingness to participate and change. Research shows strong results for evidence-based methods commonly used in Calgary:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – around 70–75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and about 90% show significant improvement.
- The Gottman Method – couples report better communication, conflict management, and relationship satisfaction.
Overall, many couples who complete therapy report less conflict, improved connection, and clearer decisions about their future together.
How much does marriage counselling cost in Calgary?
Costs depend on the therapist’s credentials, experience, and location. As of 2025–2026, typical ranges in Calgary are:
- Registered Psychologists: approximately $220–$300 per 50-minute session (many follow the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta guideline fee around $235).
- Registered Social Workers (RSW) / Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC): approximately $180–$235 per session.
- Provisional psychologists: approximately $150–$200 per session.
- Interns or student therapists: approximately $50–$100 per session at some agencies.
Some clinics also offer group programs or intensive weekend couples retreats at different price points.
Is marriage counselling covered by Alberta Health Care?
No. Private marriage counselling and most private psychological services are not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Free services through Alberta Health Services may be available for severe mental health concerns, but they rarely focus on relationship maintenance and often have waitlists.
Will my insurance or employee benefits cover marriage counselling?
Many Calgary couples use extended health benefits or private insurance to help cover costs. Plans often cover:
- Registered Psychologists
- Registered Social Workers (RSW)
- Sometimes Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC)
Coverage details vary by plan, including:
- Which credentials are eligible for reimbursement.
- Annual maximums (e.g., $500–$2,500+ per year).
- Reimbursement percentage (e.g., 80–100%).
Many Calgary clinics offer direct billing to major insurers such as Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, and Canada Life. Always confirm coverage with your insurer and the clinic before starting.
Are there free or low-cost marriage counselling options in Calgary?
Yes. If full-fee services are not affordable, several Calgary agencies provide sliding-scale or low-cost counselling:
- Calgary Counselling Centre – sliding scale based on income.
- Catholic Family Service – affordable counselling; you do not have to be Catholic to attend.
- Eastside Family Centre (Wood’s Homes) – no-cost, walk-in single-session counselling.
- Community Connect YYC – an online booking platform connecting residents with affordable counselling across multiple agencies.
These services may be provided by residents, interns, or provisionals supervised by experienced clinicians, helping to keep fees lower.
How many marriage counselling sessions will we need?
The number of sessions depends on your goals, the severity and duration of your struggles, and how actively you apply what you learn. As a general guideline:
- 8–12 sessions – for targeted work on communication, conflict resolution, or a specific issue.
- 12–20 sessions – for deeper patterns, trust rebuilding, or attachment-related issues.
- 20+ sessions – for complex trauma, chronic conflict, long-standing resentment, or significant aftermath of infidelity.
Some couples continue with occasional “maintenance” sessions once their primary goals have been met.
What happens in the first marriage counselling session?
The first session is mostly about assessment and planning. Typically, the therapist will:
- Review consent, confidentiality, and clinic policies.
- Ask about your relationship history and how things changed over time.
- Invite each partner to describe their concerns and what brought them to counselling.
- Clarify what each of you hopes to achieve in therapy.
- Explain the therapeutic approach and recommend a plan for future sessions.
Some therapists may schedule one brief individual session with each partner as part of the intake process to better understand individual perspectives.
What happens during a typical marriage counselling session?
In ongoing sessions, your therapist will help you:
- Identify recurring patterns of conflict or withdrawal.
- Slow down difficult conversations so both partners feel heard.
- Explore underlying emotions and needs driving your reactions.
- Learn and practice new communication and problem-solving skills.
- Rebuild trust, emotional connection, and intimacy over time.
You may be given exercises or homework to try between sessions so you can apply new skills in daily life. Sessions are not about deciding who is “right,” but about improving understanding and connection.
Will the therapist take sides?
A qualified couples therapist does not take sides. Instead, they treat the relationship as the client and aim to create safety for both partners. They may:
- Challenge behaviours that are damaging the relationship.
- Interrupt conversations that become hostile or unsafe.
- Ensure both partners have a chance to speak and feel understood.
In situations involving abuse, control, or threats, the therapist’s priority becomes safety, and individual support or other interventions may be recommended.
What if my partner refuses to attend marriage counselling?
It is common for one partner to feel more ready than the other. If your partner is unwilling to attend, you can:
- Start individual therapy with a relationship-focused therapist.
- Work on your own communication, boundaries, and coping strategies.
- Invite your partner to join later for a single trial session with no pressure.
- Share that counselling is about improving the relationship, not blaming them.
Changing your own responses can shift the dynamic. Sometimes, seeing the benefits of your personal work helps your partner become more open to joining sessions.
Can marriage counselling help after infidelity or betrayal?
Yes. Many couples in Calgary work through affairs or other forms of betrayal in therapy. The process typically includes:
- Ending the outside relationship and rebuilding basic safety.
- Managing the intense emotions and crisis that follow discovery.
- Exploring what made the relationship vulnerable to infidelity (without blaming the hurt partner).
- Rebuilding honesty, transparency, and accountability.
- Creating a “new version” of the relationship with clearer boundaries and deeper connection.
Recovery from infidelity is challenging and takes time, but with structured support many couples report a stronger, more honest partnership than before.
Is online marriage counselling available in Calgary?
Yes. Online or virtual marriage counselling has become very common in Calgary. Most therapists offer secure video sessions using encrypted platforms that meet privacy standards. Benefits include:
- Reduced travel time and no winter driving concerns.
- Easier scheduling around work and childcare.
- Access to specialist couples therapists even if you live outside central Calgary or one partner is travelling.
Research suggests that for many couples, online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions when delivered by a qualified professional.
Which counselling approaches are most common for couples in Calgary?
Calgary therapists commonly use evidence-based approaches such as:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – focuses on attachment, emotional safety, and creating secure connection.
- The Gottman Method – emphasizes friendship, conflict management, shared meaning, and practical tools.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for couples – works on unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that fuel conflict.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy – goal-oriented and future-focused for specific problems.
- Imago or IFS-informed couples work – explores how early experiences and “parts” of self influence reactions in the relationship.
Many counsellors integrate several of these models based on what fits you best.
Can counselling help if we are already considering separation or divorce?
Yes. Marriage counselling is not only for couples who are certain they want to stay together. If you are unsure, you can consider:
- Discernment counselling – a short-term process designed to help “mixed-agenda” couples (one leaning in, one leaning out) decide whether to commit to therapy, separate, or maintain the status quo temporarily.
- Separation counselling – focused on reducing conflict, improving communication, and supporting healthy co-parenting if you decide to part ways.
The goal is to make clearer, more thoughtful decisions rather than acting only from anger or fear.
Is marriage counselling confidential?
Marriage counselling in Calgary is confidential within the limits of Alberta law and professional ethics. Your therapist cannot share your information without consent except in specific situations, such as:
- Imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others.
- Suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person.
- Court orders requiring disclosure.
These limits are explained at the beginning of therapy, and you can ask questions at any time.
Are there faith-based or culturally specific marriage counselling options in Calgary?
Yes. Calgary offers:
- Faith-based counselling (for example, Christian or Catholic-informed services).
- Culturally sensitive services for Indigenous families, immigrants, and diverse communities.
- LGBTQ2S+ affirming therapists and clinics.
You can search directories or clinic websites for therapists who list your faith, language, or cultural background as part of their practice focus.
What kinds of issues can marriage counselling help with?
Marriage counselling can help Calgary couples with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Communication problems and frequent arguments.
- Emotional disconnection and feeling distant or alone in the relationship.
- Loss of physical or sexual intimacy and mismatched libido.
- Infidelity, secrecy, or financial betrayals.
- Jealousy, insecurity, or trust issues.
- Parenting or co-parenting conflicts, including blended family challenges.
- Financial stress and differences in spending or saving styles.
- Stress from work, health issues, or extended family involvement.
- The impact of trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns on the relationship.
Many couples also use counselling proactively to strengthen an already good relationship, deepen connection, and build skills for the future.
The post Marriage Counselling in Calgary – The Ultimate Frequently Asked Questions Guide appeared first on Curio Counselling.
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