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Welcome to Turn Towards Couples Counselling

Evidence-Based Strategies
For Committed Couples and Recent Singles

About
"I help couples return harmony to their relationships and singles suffering from breakup trauma, put the past behind them."

Using evidence-based interventions, I create an environment where couples can feel safe to voice concerns, digest betrayals, build trust, and explore new avenues for friendship and romance. As someone who empathises deeply with those undergoing breakup trauma, I also provide a welcoming space for singles to digest past betrayals and regrets, and formulate a vision for a more hopeful future.

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Image by Morgan Sessions

"No matter what style your marriage follows, you must have five times as many positive than negative moments together if you're marriage is to be stable."

-John Gottman Phd.

The Counsellor
Sarah Andrea Smith, BFA, MACP, RCC, CCC
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General Counselling:

  • Vernon Family Resource Centre, CVS Program, 2018

  • Masters of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, 2021

Treating Trauma | Lifespan Integration Cert.: 

  • Lifespan Integration Therapy Level 1, 2023

  • Lifespan Integration Therapy Level 2, 2023

  • Lifespan Integration Therapy Level 3, 2023

  • Lifespan Integration Therapy Level 4, 2024

Couples Therapy | Gottman Institute Cert.:

  • Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 and 2, 2022

  • Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3, 2023

  • Bringing Baby Home Educator, 2023

  • Certificate for Treating Trauma and Affairs, 2024

  • Certificate for Couples in Addiction Recovery, 2024

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Registration # (CCC): 11242347

Registration # (RCC): 20873

Registration # for CVAP: L6W9204131

My Motivation: The idea of creating a practice for serving couples and recent singles has grown out of my own past challenges in committed relationships. I know, like many, the emotional weathering dysfunctional relationships can have on one’s well being. I know how bewildering, angering, and isolating it can be to have one’s sense of reality turned on end by a betrayal, separation, or divorce. Going through these experiences myself, and learning how deeply intimate relationships affect one’s quality of life, has motivated my focus on philosophies and psychotherapies that promote grace and functionality when it comes to living with, and leaving, others. 

 

My Promise to Couples: I would like to affirm that I operate as a partisan to the relationship and not the individual. I use research-based methodologies to identify dysfunctional behaviours such as defensiveness, criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and actions that threaten trust and commitment in the relationship. My interest is in attacking the behaviour- NOT the individual. 

My aim is to help couples get from a place of "me-ness" to "we-ness" in the relationship and help them find ways to manage conflict, foster a culture of affection and appreciation, and build meaning as a united front. I do this through a mix of interventions and psycho-education informing best practices within relationships. As well, I aim to equip clients with the knowledge and resources they need to feel confident in LEAVING THERAPY, and maintain their relationships on their own. On the topic of leaving therapy, please see section on "massing and fading" in therapy for guidance on therapy schedules.

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My Qualifications: I am a Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP). I have attained Level Four Training in Lifespan Integration Therapy which I use in treating breakup and betrayal trauma in recent singles as well as trauma within relationships. For couples work, I draw from my education in Levels 1, 2, and 3 of Gottman Method training and am currently working toward certification in trauma and addictions. As a certified Bringing Baby Home Educator, I also strive to help couples adjust to the tumultuous and exciting transition into parenthood*.

*Nearly 70% of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction within three years of having children.

-John and Julie Gottman

If you are either a couple struggling in your relationship, or a single person suffering from breakup trauma, and you have the time and commitment for structured, evidence-based, in-person therapy, please consider contacting me for a 20 minute telephone consultation at no cost. Book a FREE 20 minute telephone consultation here.

Contact

Hours of Operation: 

Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

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Call or Text (250) 808-9679 to Book a Complimentary Consult! 
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