Conflict is every marriage’s bedfellow. Unfortunately, conflict can become so intense that some couples eventually retreat behind walls of silence and isolation in the hope that this will resolve the conflict. It won’t…

Have you ever wondered what, exactly, makes for a good marriage? John Gottman, a researcher and marital therapist from the University of Washington, has for many years been studying what he calls the “Masters and Disasters” of marriage. He describes three features that good marriages have in common. I’d like to describe …

Even good relationships are susceptible to the ravages of an affair. That defies expectations, doesn’t it? Yet any therapist specializing in relationships can tell stories that confirm this statement. Still, by careful positioning and maintenance of the “walls and windows” in our relationships, it is possible …

Curious about the Counselling Used at Couples In Step? Counselling is an investment so you want to be assured that you receive effective and cost efficient counseling. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a method of couples counseling that boasts a 75% success rate in clinical studies. Couples In Step therapist Irene Oudyk-Suk, is a [...]

All over the world, and especially in Canada, there are more cross-cultural and intercultural relationships than ever before! Irene Oudyk-Suk’s experience with bicultural, interfaith, intercultural and international couples in Manila, Philippines continues to inform her counseling work. As one of her clients in Manila said, “Irene’s curiosity and anthropological spirit about diversity helped my partner [...]

What kinds of problems does EMDR help? EMDR was pioneered in the trauma field and research has demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This brief video explains EMDR: In addition to PTSD, EMDR has also been used to treat other concerns. Couples In Step therapist Irene Oudyk-Suk has found [...]

My husband sent me a text message recently. It read, “237 glubs for you.” I have no idea what a glub is. But I smiled anyway! I sent him a message back: “237 x 4.5 glubs back to you.” We’ve been sending each other silly glub messages ever since…