Lantern Path Counselling
Cory Stevens, RCC
Relationship Counselling in Burnaby, BC
Relationships are complicated.
Whether you are navigating conflict, violations of trust, life transitions, or the complexities of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), relationship stress can easily transfer to other parts of your life.
At Lantern Path Counselling, I offer relationship counselling in Burnaby and online across BC for individuals and partners, including those in consensually non-monogamous relationships. Sessions are available in person and online for anyone within British Columbia.
Relationship Counselling for Monogamous and Non-monogamous Partnerships
I work with monogamous, polyamorous, open, and other CNM relationship structures. Relationship challenges show up regardless of relationship structure, and they don’t necessarily signal that something is “wrong” in the relationship. Instead, they tend to reflect unmet needs, difficulties in communication, assumptions or unspoken expectations, and nervous systems responding to the perception of threats within the relationship.
Common Reasons to Seek Relationship Counselling
Relationships are complicated. I’ve said it twice now because it’s so true. People see me for relationship counselling for reasons including (and not limited to):
- communication difficulties
- recurring patterns of conflict
- jealousy or insecurity
- challenges in setting and enforcing effective boundaries
- infidelity or violations of trust
- navigating opening up a relationship
- differences in desire or attachment needs
- managing complex polyamorous dynamics
- processing relational trauma
CNM-Affirming Relationship Counselling
Consensual non-monogamy is not inherently dysfunctional, problematic, or inferior to monogamy monogamy. Regardless of the structure of your relationships, it requires communication, thoughtfulness, and care.
To me, CNM-affirming counselling means that your relationship structure is not treated as a problem to be solved. Instead, we explore how communication patterns, attachment histories, and your values intersect within the context of your particular relational agreements. My approach supports clients in building clarity, security, and emotional safety without defaulting to monogamy as an assumed goal.
My Approach to Relationship Counselling
My work with relationships is informed by polyvagal theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This means that we look at your attachment history (how what you’ve learned about relationships throughout your life influences how you show up in them today) and your nervous systems responses to see how you navigate experiences of conflict, insecurity, defensiveness, or withdrawal.
Rather than looking only at behavior as it appears on the surface, we start to explore what is happening underneath. The human nervous system is exquisitely sensitive to subtle cues of threat, and this is especially true when it comes to relationships that we care about. Triggers and threat cues that may go unnoticed in the moment can lead to escalating cycles of conflict that result in people feeling stuck. Locked into misattunement with people that we care about.
Relationship Counselling for Individuals
You do not need to attend counselling with another person in order to work on that relationship. Individual counselling that focuses on relationships can help you:
- Clarify your values
- Understand your behavior in light of attachment patterns
- Reduce jealousy or emotional reactivity
- Identify, set, and enforce healthy boundaries
- Decide what you want for the future of a relationship
- Explore whether CNM aligns with your values (for people who may be curious or just getting started)
How Do We Get Started?
My office is in Burnaby, BC, easily accessible from Vancouver, New Westminster, and Coquitlam. The address is 501-3292 Production Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 4R4. The office is right next to the Production-Way SkyTrain station on the Millennium Line. I also offer secure online counselling for clients anywhere in British Columbia.
If you are looking for relationship counselling in Burnaby that is open, non-judgmental, and collaborative, you are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation. We can talk about what you’ve been experiencing and explore whether working together feels like a good fit. Book a free consultation here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Counselling
How long does relationship counselling typically last?
It depends on your goals and the specific challenges that you’re addressing. Some relationships benefit from short-term focused work, while others choose longer-term support.
What if one partner is unsure about attending?
It’s common for one person to feel more hesitant about attending relationship counselling. We can discuss their concerns during a consultation call, and sometimes individual sessions can be a helpful way to get started. The free consultation can be a great way for you and your partner(s) to get an idea of our fit, and I am happy to address any questions or concerns about relationship counselling that anyone might be dealing with. Click here to book.
Is relationship counselling covered by insurance in BC?
With a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), sessions may be covered by extended health plans. Relationship counselling coverage varies by provider, so I recommend confirming your coverage first.
Ready to Talk?
I offer counselling online, via phone, or at my office in Burnaby. For online or phone counselling, I can provide services to anywhere within BC.
I offer in-person sessions on Saturdays at my office, which is next to the Production Way SkyTrain station on the Millennium Line. The address is 501 – 3292 Production Way. Street parking is available on the weekends.
For both online and in-person sessions, it’s easy to get started, with no commitment required. It’s important that you feel welcome and like we are a good fit before you decide anything.
You can give me a call or send an email to get started:
If you have any questions about my approach, focus areas, or how I can help you, please reach out! You are welcome to email or call me with times that work for you, and I can book a consultation session or a first session.
- Email: cory@lanternpath.ca
- Phone: (873) 503-2171
