Marriage & Couple Therapy with David Rubinstein, M.A., RP
Couple Therapy In-Office and Video-Conferencing Sessions
Since 2020, with the onset of COVID, I began seeing clients online, using a securely-encrypted video-conferencing platform. As of October 2023, I began seeing clients in person once again, although only one day a week.
As a marriage counsellor, I have specialized in intensive couple therapy for over 23 years. And in that time, I have observed that couples who focus on creating safety and security in their relationships have more energy to meet their everyday challenges. Without exception, they find it easier to co-parent, resolve family issues, negotiate workplace conflicts, and navigate in the community at large.
What makes you feel loved? What triggers you, or sets your partner off? Why do you each behave the way you do when you are hurt or angry?
As one of my couple clients, I will guide you to develop a safe, and secure-functioning relationship. We will focus on the need to know more about who you are, as individuals, and as partners.
Have you noticed that your interactions as adults often reflect how you felt as a child? The more you know the reasons for your inter-reactivity, the faster you can repair moments of disconnect. And the more you know how to express love in a way that it is felt deeply as love by your partner, the closer and more connected you will feel as a couple. That’s where we begin when you come to me for couple therapy.
The Inspiration for my Work
I was initially inspired by the work of Erich Fromm. In his book The Art of Loving, Fromm spoke of love as an art. Over the years, I trained in several different approaches as a couple therapist. This enriched my understanding of what it is to be truly loving and deeply connected to another human being. My own personal experience as a husband and co-therapist with my wife Louise has given me greater insight and empathy when working with clients.
Several years ago, I was fortunate to meet Dr. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT. Stan opened up for me another dimension in understanding couple dynamics. Dr. Tatkin is the co-founder and developer of A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT). I am now a Level 11 PACT Therapist offering intensive couple therapy to both married and non-married couples..
PACT is guided by the principle of secure-functioning relationships that thrive on mutuality, fairness, justice, and a win-win for both partners. It is an integration of:
— attachment theory (how early childhood relationships impact our adult experiences)
— arousal regulation (the ability to regulate our emotional states)
— developmental neuroscience (how the brain impacts our behaviour).
My Personal Style
I find that intensive couple therapy works best for my clients as well as for me, so I work in 1.5-2 hour time blocks. As a couple therapist, I am interactive and collaborative. I bring warmth, humour, and a sensitive listening ear to each counselling session. And I look forward to helping you and our partner move forward to a new level of peace and understanding.
Who Typically Attends My Intensive Couple Therapy Sessions?
Many people think of couple therapy as a last resort. Couples seek help when they are struggling with:
- persistent conflicts and power struggles
- lack of meaningful communication
- distancing and disconnection
- loss of passion and sexual intimacy
- infidelity and issues of trust
- differing parenting styles
- integrating blended families
Whatever brings you to couple therapy, you this counselling experience will be insightful, helpful, and hopeful. My goal as your therapist is to bring out the best in both of you so that you can feel safe and secure as both partners and friends.
Location and Session Length
Couple Therapy Video-Conferencing Sessions
For the past two years, since Covid, I have been seeing my clients remotely, using a securely-encrypted video-conferencing platform. Please contact me to discuss how this works.
I am now also scheduling some clients in my Ottawa, Ontario office, typically one day/week. My in-person couple therapy sessions are usually one-and-a- half to two hours in length.
Couple Therapy Hourly Fee
My Marriage and Couple Therapy hourly fee is $210 (+HST). Payment is due at the time of your appointment by VISA or MasterCard. Hourly sessions require 48 hours notice of cancellation.
If you do not have private health insurance: Please discuss your personal situation with me when you call. I offer a sliding scale fee for clients who do not have adequate health coverage.
Insurance Coverage
If your company has an Employee Assistance, or an Extended Healthcare plan, you may be covered for services provided by Psychologists, Psychotherapists or Registered Social Workers. I am a licensed clinician with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Please check with your provider to see if my services are covered by your plan.
You can now report Psychotherapy services provided by Registered Psychotherapists as a Medical Expense by The Canada Revenue Agency, and they can be submitted for tax credits. See the the CRA website for more.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the marriage and couple counselling process, or to schedule your initial appointment.
For More Information or to Schedule a Consult
Call 877-897-2333 ext 1, or click on the button below to send me an email:
