Can I start couples therapy without my partner? Do both partners need to attend?

Yes. You do not need to wait for your partner to be ready. Vaughan Relationship Centre offers Couples Counselling for One, which allows you to work on your relationship, understand the patterns between you and your partner, and explore changes you can make from your side of the relationship.

If you later decide to begin couples therapy together, however, you will usually need to work with a different therapist. This helps ensure the couples therapist can remain neutral and create a balanced space where both partners feel heard and supported.

In rare situations, an individual therapist may be able to transition into working with the couple, but this is not typically recommended and would depend on the specific circumstances.

How soon can I get an appointment?

It depends on the therapist, the type of therapy you are looking for, and whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions. Contact us and we can look at current availability and help match you with the therapist who best fits your needs.

If getting started quickly is important to you, let us know when you reach out so we can look at the earliest available options.

Can I see someone today?

We are unable to accommodate same-day appointments, as the intake process requires time to complete and set up properly before services can begin. Contact our office and we can let you know what is currently available.

Vaughan Relationship Centre is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing an immediate mental health emergency, please call 911, visit your nearest emergency department, or contact a crisis service in your area.

How often should I see my therapist? Every week? Once a month?

There is no single schedule that is right for everyone.

Many people begin with weekly or biweekly sessions, particularly when they are actively trying to change a relationship pattern, work through a difficult period, or build momentum in therapy. As things improve, sessions may become less frequent.

Monthly appointments can sometimes work well for maintenance or ongoing support, but your therapist will recommend a schedule based on your goals, needs, availability, and progress.

How many sessions does it usually take?

It depends on what brings you to therapy, how long the problem has been happening, and what you would like to change.

Some clients notice significant progress within 8 to 10 sessions. Couples working on more established relationship patterns may benefit from approximately 12 to 20 sessions, although there is no required number. Some clients need fewer sessions, while others may need more depending on their situation.

The work you do between sessions also makes a difference. Practising the strategies you discuss with your therapist and applying what you are learning in everyday life can help you make progress more quickly and may reduce the number of sessions you need.

Your therapist will continue to check in with you about your goals and progress rather than keeping you in therapy longer than you need.

Do your therapists work evenings? Weekends?

Availability varies by therapist. Some therapists offer evening appointments, although those times can be popular and may fill quickly.

Weekend availability should be confirmed with our administrative team when you contact us. We can help you find the best combination of therapist, appointment time, and in-person or virtual availability.

What if the therapist is not a good match? Can I switch therapists?

Absolutely. Your relationship with your therapist matters.

Sometimes a therapist can be highly qualified and still not feel like the right fit for you. If that happens, please let us know. We would much rather help connect you with another therapist on our team than have you stop therapy because the first match did not feel right.

Our admin team can help you consider another therapist based on personality, approach, expertise, availability, and what you are hoping to work on.

Do you do direct billing to my insurance company?

In some cases, yes.

We may be able to direct bill your insurance provider depending on your individual benefits plan. Because insurance coverage varies significantly, we recommend checking whether your plan covers services provided by a Registered Social Worker. 

How much does therapy cost?

Fees vary depending on the therapist’s experience, the type of appointment, and the length of the session. Couples counselling starts at $190 per 75 minute session, with more senior therapists charging a higher rate.

Rather than having one clinic-wide rate, each VRC therapist has their own fee structure. We will confirm the cost with you before you begin so you know exactly what your sessions will cost.

Couples sessions at VRC are generally 75 minutes, while individual sessions are typically 60 minutes.

Do you offer sliding scale fees?

We do not currently advertise a traditional sliding-scale program.

However, Vaughan Relationship Centre does offer reduced rates with our junior therapists or interns, when available. Our Junior therapists have already completed their professional education and receive specialized couples therapy training and ongoing clinical supervision through VRC.

If cost is making therapy difficult to access, please ask us about lower-fee options when you contact us.

I live outside Ontario. Can I still be a client?

Unfortunately, VRC’s therapy services are currently available to Ontario residents only, including virtual therapy. Our therapists are registered clinicians in the province of Ontario and are not able to practice outside of the province.

If you live elsewhere in Canada or outside Canada, we may be able to suggest that you look for a therapist who is licensed or registered to practise where you live.

I need someone to tell me what to do to save my marriage.

We understand why you might feel that way, especially when your relationship feels overwhelming and you are afraid of losing it.

A couples therapist will not make the decision for you or tell you that you must stay together or separate. What we can do is help you understand what has been happening between you, identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck, have difficult conversations more safely, and develop practical ways to respond differently to one another.

If one or both of you are unsure whether you want to remain in the relationship, discernment counselling may also be an option. The goal is to help you gain clarity about what comes next, not pressure you toward a particular decision.

Do you see children?

VRC primarily specializes in relationships, couples, individuals, and families rather than traditional child therapy. We work with anyone 16 years old or older.