Starting couples therapy can feel intimidating. Will the therapist take sides? Will you have to argue in front of a stranger? What if you and your partner see things differently?
Marissa Whalley, MC, R.Psych, is a Calgary-based psychologist offering online couples therapy. Her approach focuses on understanding relationship patterns, improving communication, and rebuilding emotional connection.
Before You Start: A Free Phone Consultation
Most couples begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn about the therapeutic approach, and determine whether couples therapy feels like the right fit.
Session 1: Getting to Know Your Relationship
The first session focuses on understanding your relationship, including what brought you together, the challenges you're experiencing, and what you hope to gain from therapy.
You won't be asked to demonstrate an argument or prove who's right or wrong.
My role isn't to take sides, but to offer a different vantage point—helping both partners recognize patterns, understand each other's experiences, and approach challenges with greater curiosity and compassion.
The Next Sessions: Understanding What's Beneath Conflict
Conflict is a normal part of relationships. The goal of couples therapy isn't to eliminate disagreements, but to understand what happens during them and learn how to navigate them differently.
Often, beneath frustration, defensiveness, or withdrawal are deeper emotions and unmet needs, such as wanting to feel heard, valued, secure, or connected.
Together, we'll explore:
Emotions and needs: Understanding what's happening beneath recurring disagreements.
Attachment styles: Exploring how each partner experiences closeness, security, and connection.
Relationship patterns: Recognizing cycles that contribute to misunderstanding or disconnection.
Communication: Learning to express needs and understand each other's perspectives.
Connection and repair: Rebuilding closeness and learning to reconnect after conflict.
Moving Forward: Building Connection and Practical Skills
Therapy is tailored to your relationship and goals. Some couples benefit from exploring their emotions and patterns, while others prefer practical communication strategies and exercises to use between sessions.
We can incorporate both, including tools for navigating difficult conversations, managing emotional escalation, expressing needs, and repairing after disagreements.
The goal isn't to become a couple who never disagrees. It's to become a couple who can navigate disagreements while continuing to feel understood, respected, and connected.
Why Online Couples Therapy?
Virtual sessions allow Calgary couples to attend therapy from the comfort of home, without coordinating commutes or additional travel.
Research suggests online couples therapy can be similarly effective to in-person sessions. One study found comparable improvements in relationship satisfaction, mental health, and therapeutic connection (Kysely et al., 2022).
When Couples Therapy May Not Be the Right First Step
If a relationship involves violence, coercive control, threats, or fear of retaliation, couples therapy may not be appropriate. Individual support and safety planning may be a safer starting point.
Alberta's Family Violence Info Line is available 24/7: call or text 211. In an emergency, call 911.
Practical Details
Psychologist: Marissa Whalley, MC, R.Psych.
Fee: $235 per 50-minute online session.
Availability: Mondays and Thursdays.
Location: Both partners must be physically located in Alberta.
Insurance: Coverage varies by plan. Confirm whether your benefits include couples therapy with a Registered Psychologist. See fees and insurance.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're navigating recurring conflict, feeling disconnected, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, couples therapy can provide a space to better understand yourselves and each other.
Learn more about couples therapy at KP Psychological or book a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if it's the right fit.
Sources
Kysely, A., Bishop, B., Kane, R. T., McDevitt, M., De Palma, M., & Rooney, R. (2022). Couples therapy delivered through videoconferencing: Effects on relationship outcomes, mental health and the therapeutic alliance. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.
Government of Alberta. Family violence.