Emma WhiteMarriage is a complicated thing and sometimes, it can be hard to navigate, even when both parties are trying. With countless rough patches on the horizon, it’s not wrong to seek outside help, which is where marriage counsellors come in.
These amazing professionals can help you and your partner rekindle that love and be on the same boat together again no matter how rocky the waters may be. If this sounds like something you need in your life right now, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve listed down some of the best companies that offer helpful marriage counselling in Ottawa and cited their respective pros and cons. This way, you can find the perfect one for you and your partner!
Who knows, after your sessions with these amazing counsellors, you can continue going on amazing dates here in Ottawa!
How much does marriage counselling cost in Ottawa?
Marriage counsellors often cost 170 CAD per hour or more. This could depend on the therapists themselves, with the more experienced ones often costing more.
1. Rory Batchilder Psychotherapy
Services: Marriage Counselling, Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Anger Management, ADHD/ADD Coaching, Anxiety & Stress Reduction, Depression Support, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Grief & Loss Support, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Distress Support, Self-Esteem Coaching, Addictions Counselling, Workplace Stress Management
Location: Iris St., Ottawa, K2C 1C6
Contact: +1 613-898-1685; [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM–3:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Rory Batchilder Psychotherapy offers professional marriage counselling grounded in extensive clinical experience and advanced academic training. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Rory brings more than 25 years of combined work in mental health, education, addictions, and psychotherapy.
His couples counselling approach is structured and intentional, helping partners identify the habits and emotional patterns that create negative relationship cycles. Using a Gottman-informed framework, couples are guided toward safer communication, assertiveness, and emotional awareness.
Rather than simply discussing problems, Rory incorporates practical exercises that build tolerance for conflict and teach concrete resolution skills. This format helps reduce resentment, prevent escalation into anger or hopelessness, and foster healthier emotional connections.
Rory’s background includes advanced education such as a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Couples Counselling, along with EMDR training and Level-2 Gottman certification. His services comply with CRPO standards and reflect trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming care.
He has worked with diverse populations including RCMP, military members, First Nations communities, trauma survivors, and individuals managing ADHD, PTSD, and anger concerns. This depth of experience strengthens his ability to address both individual struggles and shared marital challenges.
Sessions are conducted virtually, making therapy accessible and convenient. While counselling is not covered by OHIP, many extended health plans provide coverage, and direct billing is available for clients funded through VAC and NHIB.
Couples seeking structured, skill-based therapy may appreciate Rory’s organized and educational style. His strengths in communication, conflict resolution, and adult education translate well into helping marriages rebuild trust and improve relational habits.
Sessions with Rory are truly empowering!
“I can’t recommend Rory enough. From the beginning he created a very safe space, made me feel comfortable, validated, and supported. He listens deeply, asks thoughtful questions, and provides practical tools that have made a real difference in my daily life. Sessions with Rory are truly empowering!”
-Crista Albano, Google Reviews
He’s been a great listener, but holds me accountable, and shares ideas and areas of improvement.
“I have been speaking with Rory for a couple years now and he makes our sessions relaxing, and easy to communicate. He’s been a great listener, but holds me accountable, and shares ideas and areas of improvement. He shares current and up to date articles and videos, and has truly been invested in me, my growth, and my successes moving forward. I would highly recommend Rory’s services to anyone!”
-Justin Brierley, Google Reviews
2. Ottawa Couple and Marriage Counselling Services
Services: Individual counselling, couple/marriage counselling, life coach counselling, family counselling
Location: 11 Basin Ct., Nepean, ON K2H 8P2, Canada
Contact: +1 613 726 3636
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Ottawa Couple and Marriage Counselling Services immediately piqued our attention because of its amazing track record. We’ve interviewed several of their past clients and we were met with an overwhelming amount of praise for Richard, the resident counsellor of the company.
Upon a further look, we discovered that Richard is the real deal, as he has a PhD in Counselling Therapy (with a double major in Counselling and Mediation). Furthermore, he has over 35 years of experience as a counsellor under his belt, which further grew our confidence in him.
His approach to therapy is quite impressive as well, as several of his past clients whom we interviewed noted how they felt comfortable sharing their lives with him. Plus, we loved that he kept in touch with his client long after their session to make sure they were doing well.
However, we do wish that they could extend their services during the weekends as well, as we understand that not everyone has free time on weekdays. Apart from that, everything about this counsellor is great.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to this person!
“Richard changed my life!! That’s all I have to say! 15 years ago I saw him once and I didn’t know it then but he was the catalyst to who I am today! I can’t begin to imagine what my life would be like without him in it!
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to this person! I am an Osteopathic Practitioner, Teacher and Innovator. I own my own house and practice. When I look back at the path that took me here, it begins with that session I had with him.
I have since recognized the huge impact he has had on my life. He remembered me and stayed in touch on Facebook! He still remains a friendly presence in my life”
-Aviva Cohen, Google Reviews
All of the tutors have been fantastic
“Richard brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to his practice. His open and straightforward manner enables him to connect easily with people and zero in on their issues. His concept of Partners in Healing is not just a slogan – it is his lifestyle.
He is assiduous about getting down to root causes and working with people to develop effective and creative solutions.
I would highly recommend Richard to anyone who is looking for a heart-connected, down-to-earth counsellor who puts people first. I wish you successful healing. Thank you, Richard !”
-Merle McConnell, Google Reviews
3. Abundant Living Counselling Group
Services: Biology, chemistry, physics, math, science, computer science
Location: 19 Grenfell Crescent #206, Nepean, ON K2G 0G3, Canada
Contact: +1 613-727-4455
Business hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
If you’re looking to get quality counselling services but don’t want to break the bank, then Abundant Living Counselling Group should be on your radar. What’s better is that their sessions are covered by most health insurance companies in Ottawa!
They’ve been around for 15+ years and have been providing quality individual, family and couples therapy since then.
We wanted to highlight their couples therapy session, as they cover different topics such as co-parenting, codependency, conflict, infidelity and more.
These therapy sessions are done by their talented roster of qualified and registered therapists, each of whom has several years of experience in ethical counselling services. Furthermore, the past clients whom we interviewed highlighted their pleasing personalities.
For instance, one client in particular noted how one of the therapists, Lauren, was consistently helpful and caring throughout their sessions and even after.
As for its downsides, the main one is their limited operating hours, as they’re only open 4 days a week.
Moreover, we wish that they would put clearer descriptions of what potential clients can expect from their services.
Monumental in my transition recovery
“As a veteran, I see Bob West on a regular basis. I cannot say enough about the continuity of care he, his peers and his staff provide. Bob’s common sense approach and ability to hold me to task have been monumental in my transition and recovery.
He has demonstrated time and time again the care he has for his patients. I am quite secure in saying that I would recommend Bob and the team at Abundant Living Counselling Group to any soldier looking for a fire team partner to get them through the shadows.
His insight continues to provide me the options for my personal growth.”
-Da Bak, Google Review
Always exceeded my expectations
“I have been a patient of Bob West at Abundant Living Counselling Group for over 4 years. I have consistently received excellent service, counselling and recommendations from Bob in that time on a variety of issues including individual and family matters.
I always feel validated by our sessions and I am given practical advice that I can apply. Bob is very authentic in our sessions and I know that his support has helped me address issues and make positive changes.
I appreciate that Bob also will tell me where I am off track and help me get back on track by making connections to previous conversations.
Although it is not my practice to think of counselling as a value-for-service model, I do know that I receive more value than I pay for when I see the positive results I have achieved with Bob’s support.
I have interacted with Lauren Hebert as well throughout that time and she is consistently helpful, professional and very caring. I have inadvertently missed an appointment and I was spoken to with compassion and understanding.
The atmosphere in this counselling service has always exceeded my expectations. I have received counselling in other cities and I believe I receive the best overall service here at Abundant Living Counselling.”
-Laura Betts, Google Review
4. Serene Counselling & Psychotherapy
Services: Individual counselling, couple counselling,
Location: 775 Larcastle Cir, Orléans, ON K4A 4Z3, Canada
Contact: +1 613-869-2907
Business hours:
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
We immediately gravitated towards Serene Counselling & Psychotherapy based on their counselling process. For starters, we love that they promote emotional resilience and use evidence-based approaches to marriage counselling.
With their couple counselling and psychotherapy service, in particular, we appreciate that they offer to address various topics that partners commonly face. This includes anything from communication to household management, finances, intimacy and more.
Something that their past clients have highlighted with their experience here is the soothing setting of the clinic, which lives up to its name. They noted that they felt a sense of safety that allowed them to open up more easily.
One thing we don’t like about this clinic is its location since it’s a short drive away from Ottawa’s heart. We can say, however, that it’s worth the trip because of the scenery as well as the service you’ll get in exchange for the drive.
Instrumental in my journey towards healing
“I cannot speak highly enough of my psychotherapist. Her expertise and compassionate approach have been instrumental in my journey towards healing and self-discovery.
From the very first session, she created a safe and welcoming environment, making it easy for me to open up and explore my emotions.
Iriny ability to listen attentively and provide valuable insights has been truly remarkable. They tailored the therapy to address my specific needs, offering practical tools to cope with challenges and foster personal growth.
Working with her has been a transformative experience, leading to a significant improvement in my overall well-being. I am grateful for her support, guidance, and dedication to my progress.
If you are looking for a skilled and caring psychotherapist, I wholeheartedly recommend Iriny! Five stars well-deserved.”
-Joe Harb, Google Review
Insightful guidance
“Life-changing experience! My psychotherapy sessions have been incredibly transformative. My therapist’s empathetic approach, insightful guidance, and tailored techniques have empowered me to navigate life’s challenges with newfound clarity and resilience.
Highly recommend for anyone seeking profound personal growth and healing.”
-Rania Akiki, Google Review
5. Relationship Bliss
Services: Relationship coaching, dating coaching, couples cancer support, retreats
Location: Other Bridlewood location is disclosed upon booking, Terence Matthews Crescent #150-G, Ottawa, ON K2M 1X4, Canada
Contact: [email protected]
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Relationship Bliss immediately caught our attention because of its unique marriage retreat services. Here, they provide a serene environment, whether it be locally and internationally to provide couples with a serene environment where they can rekindle their spark.
At the same time, they also provide traditional relationship coaching, which from what we’ve heard is extremely helpful. It’s not hard to see why too, as they follow a nifty step-by-step process where couples can identify the problem and work on it together.
We’ve also heard nothing but positive words about Marie-Claire, the brains behind Relationship Bliss. During our interview with their past clients, they noted the passion and drive behind Marie-Claire and how it played a huge part in rekindling their relationships with their partners.
However, we do want to note, however, that Relationship Bliss isn’t your traditional therapy and counselling service. This means that you won’t find that many counselling services that target other issues outside of couples therapy.
Sessions were well-structured and thoughtfully organised
“We recently attended an incredibly fruitful and uplifting marriage retreat with Marie-Claire Thauvette. From the moment we arrived, Marie-Claire’s kindness and warmth created an environment where we felt safe and supported.
She fostered open communication, and her thorough but gentle approach helped us reconnect in ways we hadn’t anticipated.
The sessions were well-structured and thoughtfully organized, each building on the last. We received supporting materials, including a book she had written, worksheets, and reflection exercises, which deepened our understanding and gave us practical tools to take home.
These materials were insightful and easy to follow, allowing us to continue our growth after the retreat.
Marie-Claire’s guidance was truly invaluable, and we left feeling more connected, empowered and assured about our relationship. We highly recommend Marie-Claire to any couple looking to strengthen their bond and gain new perspectives.”
-Richard Pransky, Google Review
My marriage is stronger
“I met Marie-Claire on a bike/boat cruise in Europe this summer, and my life journey has been given greater purpose and direction from the meeting.
She has been professionally guiding, coaching, mentoring and educating me, with her wisdom, knowledge and compassion. My career path is clearer, my marriage stronger, and my life blessed since that providential encounter.”
-Deanna Harrell, Google Review
