Have you ever noticed how romantic comedies or romance novels usually end as soon as the couple gets together? And we part from the story satiated by the universal sentiment that the couple lives happily ever after. Except…in the real world, that’s not where the story ends. The couple’s story continues through ups and downs, hardships, parenting, job losses, in law issues, infidelity- all the stuff, real life brings. But the audience isn’t privy to the disagreements, problem solving, communication, resolution, and growth that the couple must progress through to maintain their relationship. These are skills and situations that we don’t see normalized in mainstream media. I am here to tell you that happy couples have disagreements. These couples can get into negative cycles that cause them distress. This can result in both partners feeling isolated, shut-out, shut-down, and wondering “how did we get here?”
I work with couples from an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy approach where we dig into the underlying emotions and needs of each partner. In other words, I get really curious and together, we will get clear on what the emotions are that are driving your miscommunication and patterns of disconnection. I lean into your expertise on your own life by collaborating with you to determine what works best for your unique relationship. You determine your path forward. Through this collaboration I am always eager to learn what you hope to get out of couples counselling and what you need from me as your therapist.

Experience:

Alerica is a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying currently completing her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.

Client Focus: Couples, Individuals, Families, Children 14 and up

Types of therapy: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Premarital, Spiritually integrated psychotherapy, Strengths-based, Person-centered, narrative therapy

Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Burn Out

Specialties: Inter-racial couples, Infidelity, Christian Counselling (when applicable)