Couples & Family Counselling on Vancouver Island
Support for Stronger Relationships and Healthier Families
Serving Nanaimo, Campbell River, Port Alberni, Parksville, Duncan, the Comox Valley, & Virtually Across BC
You don’t need to wait until things fall apart to reach out for help. At Island Clinical Counselling, we provide evidence-based, compassionate counselling for couples and families to strengthen relationships, enhance communication, and navigate challenges—big or small.
Whether you’re experiencing conflict, grief, parenting stress, mental health challenges, or simply want to reconnect and grow together, our counsellors are here to guide and support your journey.
Why Choose Couples or Family Therapy?
Couples and family counselling can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship. You might consider therapy if you’re experiencing:
- Communication breakdown or conflict
- Parenting stress, including blended or step-family transitions
- Grief and loss within the family
- Comorbid mental health or addiction issues
- Changes in intimacy, desire, or sexuality
- Life transitions or non-traditional relationship dynamics
- Preparing for marriage (pre-marital counselling)
- Caregiver stress or burnout
- Emotional distance or lack of connection
Therapy can help your family or partnership grow stronger, more connected, and resilient—regardless of where you are starting from.
What to Expect in Couples & Family Therapy
Our therapists offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for individuals, couples, and families to be seen and heard. We begin by understanding your communication patterns, attachment styles, and goals, and provide tools to:
- Improve communication
- Resolve conflict using “fair fighting” techniques
- Strengthen emotional connection and intimacy
- Establish healthy boundaries
- Navigate past hurts or unresolved issues
- Cope with transitions or shared stress
- Build emotional safety and mutual respect
You’ll learn strategies such as using “I” statements, de-escalating arguments, staying present-focused, and speaking from your own experience—key steps in transforming relationships.
Therapeutic Approaches We Use
We tailor our approach to fit your unique relationship dynamics and values, using proven therapeutic methods including:
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Backed by over 40 years of research, this structured approach helps couples build love maps, reduce conflict, increase fondness and admiration, and align values. Our Gottman-trained counsellors support partners in enhancing their emotional connection and managing conflict effectively.
Learn more about Gottman Therapy →
Narrative Therapy
Each person has a story—and within families, stories may conflict or overlap. Narrative therapy allows each family member to share their personal narrative, build empathy, and understand how shared experiences shape family dynamics and emotional patterns. Learn more about Narrative Therapy →
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Rooted in attachment theory, EFT focuses on identifying and transforming negative interaction cycles. Clients build emotional intelligence, express deeper emotional needs, and learn how to respond with empathy, creating more secure bonds within the couple or family. Learn more about EFT →
Family Systems Therapy
Ideal for families dealing with conflict, transition, or communication issues, this approach examines roles, rules, and patterns within the family system. We help families build listening skills, practice empathy, avoid interrupting, and develop healthier interaction styles. Learn more about Family Systems Therapy →
We welcome all types of families and couples—including LGBTQIA+ relationships, polyamorous families, and chosen families.
In-Person & Virtual Counselling Across Vancouver Island
Island Clinical Counselling offers couples and family counselling in the following locations:
- Nanaimo
- Parksville / Qualicum
- Duncan
- Port Alberni
- Campbell River
- Comox Valley
- Virtually across British Columbia
Not Sure Who to Book With?
Let us help match you with the right therapist for your needs and goals.
Call our admin team: 778-762-3750 ext. 1
Text us: (778) 484-0597
Or send us an email
We offer 50 or 80 minute sessions for couples and family therapy.