Do both partners need to attend couples therapy?

No. Individual sessions focused on relationship patterns are often just as effective — and sometimes more so when one partner isn't ready. Andrew works with individuals and couples, and can discuss which approach suits your situation.

How long does couples therapy usually take?

Most couples see meaningful improvement in 12–20 sessions. This varies based on the issues involved, how long they've been present, and the frequency of sessions. Andrew will give you a realistic picture after your first session.

Can therapy save a relationship that has already broken down?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Therapy can help clarify whether repair is possible and what it would require — and when staying together isn't the right answer, it can help you separate with less pain and more clarity.

What if my partner refuses to come to therapy?

You can still benefit significantly from individual sessions. Andrew can work with you on your own communication patterns, how you respond to conflict, and what you need from the relationship — without requiring your partner's participation.

Is what we discuss in couples therapy confidential?

Yes. Sessions are confidential subject to standard legal exceptions (imminent risk of harm, court orders). Andrew will explain confidentiality clearly at the start of your first session, including how he handles information shared privately by each partner.

Relationship Counselling Scarborough | Garnet Counselling | Andrew Garnet MSW, RSW

Relationships Are Hard

Every relationship — romantic, family, workplace — goes through periods of strain. Some challenges can be worked through with time and effort. Others benefit enormously from professional support: a neutral space where both people (or one person on their own) can slow down, be heard, and figure out what needs to change.

Andrew works with individuals who want to understand their relationship patterns and build healthier connections, and with couples who are navigating a specific challenge or who want to strengthen what they already have.

What Brings People to Relationship Counselling

Communication breakdowns — talking past each other, arguments that go in circles
Trust issues and recovering from infidelity or betrayal
Emotional disconnection and growing apart
Conflict patterns that repeat without resolution
Intimacy and sexual concerns
Life transitions affecting the relationship (new baby, job loss, health challenges)
Considering separation or navigating a difficult decision
Pre-marital counselling and building a strong foundation
Attachment issues rooted in past relationships or childhood

Individual Therapy for Relationship Challenges

You don't need to come with a partner to work on your relationships. Individual therapy is often the right choice when: your partner isn't ready to come to therapy; you want to understand your own patterns, triggers, and attachment style; or you're working through a relationship that has already ended.

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy with Andrew is structured and focused — not an open forum for airing grievances. The goal is to understand each person's experience, identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and build practical skills to communicate and connect differently.

Andrew takes a neutral stance with couples. His role is not to judge or assign blame, but to help both people feel heard and to support the relationship — or, when that's what the couple needs, to support a respectful and clear transition.

Approaches Used

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) — Focuses on relationship patterns and how they affect mood and communication.

Emotionally Focused Therapy principles — Understanding the attachment needs underneath conflict and disconnection.

CBT — Identifying and changing the negative thought patterns that fuel conflict.

DBT Skills — Communication, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation skills for high-conflict situations.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) — Building on what's already working and identifying clear, achievable goals.

Session Fees

Individual Session$180

Couples Session$200

Extended health benefits accepted. Direct billing available.

Related Services

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both partners need to attend couples therapy?: No. Individual sessions focused on relationship patterns are often just as effective — and sometimes more so when one partner isn't ready. Andrew works with individuals and couples, and can discuss which approach suits your situation.
How long does couples therapy usually take?: Most couples see meaningful improvement in 12–20 sessions. This varies based on the issues involved, how long they've been present, and the frequency of sessions. Andrew will give you a realistic picture after your first session.
Can therapy save a relationship that has already broken down?: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Therapy can help clarify whether repair is possible and what it would require — and when staying together isn't the right answer, it can help you separate with less pain and more clarity.
What if my partner refuses to come to therapy?: You can still benefit significantly from individual sessions. Andrew can work with you on your own communication patterns, how you respond to conflict, and what you need from the relationship — without requiring your partner's participation.
Is what we discuss in couples therapy confidential?: Yes. Sessions are confidential subject to standard legal exceptions (imminent risk of harm, court orders). Andrew will explain confidentiality clearly at the start of your first session, including how he handles information shared privately by each partner.

Relationship Counselling in Scarborough