Couples Therapy &
Marriage Counselling

Marriage Counselling
& Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy &
Marriage Counselling

Seeking Harmony in Your Relationship? Let’s Navigate This Journey Together.

Coping with relationship challenges is undoubtedly difficult, and finding the right couple’s counsellor adds another layer of complexity.  I recognize the difficulties you might be facing in your search for a therapist who understands the intricacies of relationships, and who brings not only empathy but proven strategies and expertise.  I am here to offer that guiding hand — with tailored support and effective tools — to help your relationship flourish.

Who is Couples Therapy For?

Embarking on the journey of couples therapy holds the potential for transformative outcomes in overcoming various relationship challenges. Within this structured and supportive space, let’s explore who couples therapy is tailored for and how it can pave the way to a stronger, more connected, and fulfilling relationship.

For those experiencing frequent conflicts, unresolved issues, or a breakdown in communication, couples therapy provides a structured space to address and navigate these challenges.

For individuals or couples who sense a growing disconnection or perceive a barrier between them, therapy offers a secure and supportive space. It allows exploration and resolution of the underlying causes of emotional distance, promoting a more profound connection through a shared understanding of each other’s needs.

For couples dealing with tension or lacking physical intimacy, therapy offers a platform to openly discuss desires and concerns, guiding the rebuilding of a connection through communication and understanding.

Couples undergoing significant changes, like becoming parents or dealing with career shifts, benefit from therapy to navigate adjustments and maintain a strong connection.

Couples dealing with trust concerns or recovering from infidelity find support in therapy to rebuild trust, enhance communication, and work towards healing.

Individuals committed to personal and relational growth find a platform for self-discovery, improved communication skills, and a deeper understanding of each other through couples therapy.

Maha Elias Couples Counsellor, Victoria BC

Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC)

Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC)

Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC)

As a dedicated couple’s therapist who is deeply invested in my personal growth and development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide couples through relationship challenges. My genuine passion for helping couples build strong, loving connections stems from both my personal journey and extensive work with diverse clients. Recognizing the uniqueness of every relationship, I tailor my approach to address individual needs, desires, and differences. With a commitment to ongoing effort and dedication, I am here to support you in fostering a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.

More About Maha

Maha Elias Couples Counsellor, Victoria BC

Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC)

Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC)

Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC)

As a dedicated couple’s therapist who is deeply invested in my personal growth and development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide couples through relationship challenges. My genuine passion for helping couples build strong, loving connections stems from both my personal journey and extensive work with diverse clients. Recognizing the uniqueness of every relationship, I tailor my approach to address individual needs, desires, and differences. With a commitment to ongoing effort and dedication, I am here to support you in fostering a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.

More About Maha

As a dedicated couple’s therapist who is deeply invested in my personal growth and development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide couples through relationship challenges. My genuine passion for helping couples build strong, loving connections stems from both my personal journey and extensive work with diverse clients. Recognizing the uniqueness of every relationship, I tailor my approach to address individual needs, desires, and differences. With a commitment to ongoing effort and dedication, I am here to support you in fostering a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.

Guiding You with Expertise and Compassionate Care.

In my role as a committed couple’s therapist, I draw upon specialized training and a diverse array of therapeutic modalities to enrich our sessions. Whether you’re grappling with communication hurdles, navigating the complexities of trauma, or aspiring to deepen intimacy, my approach is intricately tailored to suit the distinct needs of your relationship.   Let’s explore some of the tools and techniques designed to foster understanding, healing, and growth in your journey together.

BPDM: Balancing Self and Togetherness in Intimate Relationships

The Bader-Pearson Developmental Model (BPDM) is a couples therapy approach by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson. It emphasizes differentiation, the ability to maintain individual identity while being emotionally connected to a partner. This involves nurturing one’s own identity, values, and beliefs alongside emotional intimacy with a partner. The BPDM aims to help couples respect each other’s individuality, balancing independence and togetherness. It encourages navigating challenges and conflicts through a developmental lens, promoting both individual and relational well-being.

Strengthening Bonds with the Gottman Method

The Gottman Method, an evidence-based couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, enhances relationships by building friendship, managing conflict, and fostering shared meaning. It focuses on improving communication skills, emotional intimacy, and constructive conflict resolution strategies. The method identifies harmful patterns, such as the “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling), and provides interventions to replace these with positive interactions. Overall, the Gottman Method equips couples with practical tools and skills for lasting, fulfilling relationships.

Discernment Counseling for Clarity and Decision-Making

Discernment counseling is a short-term, goal-oriented form of couples therapy designed to help couples on the brink of divorce or separation gain clarity about the future of their relationship. The focus is on one or both partners gaining a deeper understanding of their individual motivations, concerns, and the potential for change in the relationship.

Healing Together with Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Therapy provides a compassionate and secure setting for couples to address and heal from traumatic experiences. This approach is informed by the impact of past traumas, emphasizing understanding, empathy, and the rebuilding of trust. It stresses the importance of effective communication and mutual support, guiding couples to fortify their connection while recognizing and respecting each partner’s individual trauma history. The objective is to cultivate deeper comprehension and resilience within the relationship, enabling both partners to advance with greater confidence and unity.

Enriching Lives through Interpersonal Neurobiology

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, is an interdisciplinary approach that explores how the mind, brain, and relationships intersect. By integrating insights from various scientific disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, and attachment theory, IPNB provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of human connection. Dr. Siegel’s work emphasizes the importance of integrating different aspects of our experiences to promote mental well-being and enrich interpersonal relationships. Through IPNB, clients gain valuable tools to enhance emotional regulation, strengthen communication, and foster deeper connections with others, leading to a more enriched and fulfilling life.

Fostering Inner Harmony with Internal Family Systems Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful and innovative approach that explores the various aspects of your personality, often referred to as “parts.” In this therapeutic model, these parts are recognized, understood, and harmonized to promote healing and balance. IFS believes that every individual possesses an inner system of parts, each with its own unique qualities and purposes. By acknowledging and engaging with these internal parts, clients can gain deeper insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The goal is to foster self-awareness, reduce internal conflicts, and cultivate a harmonious relationship with oneself. Through the transformative process of IFS therapy, individuals can achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to enhanced emotional well-being and personal growth.

Transforming Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviours with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that explores the interconnected relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In CBT, we work collaboratively to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that may contribute to emotional distress or undesirable behaviours. By restructuring these thought patterns, individuals can gain a more balanced perspective and develop healthier coping strategies. CBT is goal-oriented, empowering clients to acquire practical skills for managing challenges, fostering resilience, and promoting lasting positive change in their lives.

Expert Family Mediation for Harmonious Resolutions

Leveraging my extensive background in family mediation, I seamlessly incorporate conflict resolution and management principles into couples counselling. This enables me to adeptly assist clients in navigating and managing conflicts, fostering healthier communication. My goal is to empower couples to navigate disagreements with greater understanding and empathy, ultimately transforming conflicts into opportunities for developing and enriching their relationship.

Enhancing Intimacy: Navigating Sexual Health in Relationships

My expertise in sexual intimacy and health within couple therapy delves into sensitive issues that may affect your physical connection and intimacy. This specialized aspect of therapy not only concentrates on refining communication regarding sexual needs, desires, and challenges but also extends to addressing broader issues such as intimacy enhancement, navigating sexual concerns, and fostering a deeper understanding of each partner’s unique experiences and perspectives. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a supportive space for couples to explore and enhance various facets of their sexual well-being, fostering a more fulfilling and connected relationship.

Transform Challenges into Relationship Growth

Every relationship faces its tests, and without the right guidance, these challenges can sometimes seem insurmountable. However, through couples counseling, many have turned these hurdles into opportunities for deepening their bond and understanding. Let’s explore the positive transformations you can anticipate.

Improved Communication

Couples who engage in therapy often experience a significant improvement in how they talk and listen to each other, turning misunderstandings into constructive dialogues.

Renewed Trust

Therapy helps in healing past wounds, rebuilding trust, and fostering a safe, supportive environment where both partners feel valued and understood.

Enhanced Intimacy

Many couples find a renewed sense of intimacy and connection, both emotionally and physically, as they work through their issues together in a supportive setting.

Conflict Resolution Skills

Learn effective strategies to manage and resolve conflicts, transforming potential disputes into moments of mutual understanding and growth.

Stronger Relationship Foundation

Couples counseling helps in laying a stronger foundation for your relationship, equipping you both with the tools to navigate future challenges with resilience and mutual support.

Address unresolved wounds, break free from their impact, and build a foundation for emotional well-being.

Improved Communication

Couples who engage in therapy often experience a significant improvement in how they talk and listen to each other, turning misunderstandings into constructive dialogues.

Renewed Trust

Therapy helps in healing past wounds, rebuilding trust, and fostering a safe, supportive environment where both partners feel valued and understood.

Enhanced Intimacy

Many couples find a renewed sense of intimacy and connection, both emotionally and physically, as they work through their issues together in a supportive setting.

Conflict Resolution Skills

Learn effective strategies to manage and resolve conflicts, transforming potential disputes into moments of mutual understanding and growth.

Stronger Relationship Foundation

Couples counseling helps in laying a stronger foundation for your relationship, equipping you both with the tools to navigate future challenges with resilience and mutual support.

Embrace the counseling journey as a path to a healthier, more fulfilling partnership. The challenges you face today can be the stepping stones to a stronger, more connected tomorrow.

Real Stories of Relationship Transformation

Real Stories of
Relationship Transformation

Real Stories of
Relationship Transformation

Maha is an exceptional counsellor, and has helped our relationship immeasurably. She is extremely professional and we feel very comfortable discussing sensitive aspects of our relationship with her. she has an ability to pinpoint the precise issue we are dealing with in the moment and help us work through it. We would highly recommend her services to anyone.
-D & S. S
Maha is a phenomenal counselor. I have tried therapy multiple times and have never felt like it was 'successful' or that it made a difference. With Maha, I can list the ways that things are improved, tangible real world outcomes and I feel like, even though there is still more work to be done, Maha will get us there.
-Amy B
Maha gave us the tools to recognize and manage our triggers and understand how they were clouding our communication. She helped decipher what each of us was trying to express, vs. how it was being received. We now have the skills to handle difficult conversations before our emotions get the best of us, allowing each other the space to bring our best selves to the table. Maha is extremely skilled in her craft and we cannot praise her enough for the integral part she played in where our relationship stands today!
-I & F
It has been a great pleasure to sit and work with Maha. She has challenged me to approach issues with a different perspective as well as providing reassurance and support where I needed it. I am forever grateful for the growth and personal development that Maha has helped me navigate so far!
-R.U.
My wife and I came to see Maha because we were finding that our communication had bogged down after 25+ years together. I wasn't sure if this was going to help having personally had less than stellar experiences over the years with therapists, but I was open to trying anything that might improve things between us. Turns out, I needed have worried, Maha was a breath of fresh air. Her genuine engagement, empathy, and extensive knowledge had me all in by the end of our first session. Maha has helped us discover new ways of speaking and listening, and most importantly, of understanding the other persons point of view. We are still on our journey together with Maha, but I am hopeful for the future and sure we will get to where we want to be with her guidance and support. I cannot recommend Maha highly enough to anyone seeking help with their marriage or personal life
-Steve & Liv
Maha created a place where my husband and I could communicate and learn to communicate with each other and learn to understand one another. I cannot thank Maha enough for her ability to truly help mediate and help us in such a kind, thoughtful and understanding manner.
-Elizabeth and H
Maha Elias is truly incredible, I am so so grateful for everything she does. I have never met such an attentive, caring, passionate, and genuinely interested counsellor.
-Jake H.
Maha’s approach has challenged me in a gentle and reflective way, which has allowed me to discover and recognize my strength and resilience. She’s helped me reframe thoughts and given me a unique and positive perspective from areas in my life that I used to look at as weak and damaged. Maha makes me feel safe to be vulnerable. I have laughed and cried (sometimes at the same time) and no matter the topic or issue we are covering (and there have been A LOT) I leave our sessions feeling heard, understood and with a path forward.
-C.M.
Maha was our third counselor that we had consulted with and we immediately felt comfortable. As a younger couple (8 months of dating at the time), we were dismissed by other counsellors. Maha validated our experiences and has been an inspiring guide through our proactive couples therapy. With Maha’s guidance, we have felt more connected resulting in a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and a readiness to communicate them to each other.
-Phil & Megs
My partner and I came to Maha with a wide variety of issues and she has been a great help in guiding us through those. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate in her approach, but also gives it to you straight when there are things that need to be said. We like that she has a game plan beyond just letting/watching us talk. Our work with Maha has been extremely positive and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
-Eric & D
I have had nothing but a positive experience working with you. In fact, I am always recommending you to others because I feel like you have made such a positive impact on our relationship. We were in a bad place when I reached out to you, and since we have worked together, we have made huge improvements. I can't thank you enough.
-T & A Robins
Maha’s broad and varied depth of knowledge, as well as her empathetic approach, has paved the way to positive personal growth for me and my partner. It’s the first time my partner has ever been comfortable with a counsellor and we are reaping the benefits of her expertise.
-Lisa
The best way I can describe Maha is safe. She provided me so much safety and comfort so I could be my most vulnerable, open and honest self. She always made me feel seen and heard. Even though our sessions forced me to have difficult conversations, I genuinely looked forward to them because they provided clarity. I am so grateful for Maha’s support and the personal growth I made during my time with her.
-J.S.
Maha is excellent as a couples counsellor. We have seen several others and she is by far the most skilled and helpful we have ever had. Very grateful for this opportunity through our work.
-Mandy & Dave
Maha Elias is fantastic. Friendly, empathetic, and helpful, she's lovely to talk to and has helped me reach some useful insights about myself
-Jamie M.
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Maha is an exceptional counsellor, and has helped our relationship immeasurably. She is extremely professional and we feel very comfortable discussing sensitive aspects of our relationship with her. she has an ability to pinpoint the precise issue we are dealing with in the moment and help us work through it. We would highly recommend her services to anyone.
-D & S. S
Maha is a phenomenal counselor. I have tried therapy multiple times and have never felt like it was 'successful' or that it made a difference. With Maha, I can list the ways that things are improved, tangible real world outcomes and I feel like, even though there is still more work to be done, Maha will get us there.
-Amy B
Maha gave us the tools to recognize and manage our triggers and understand how they were clouding our communication. She helped decipher what each of us was trying to express, vs. how it was being received. We now have the skills to handle difficult conversations before our emotions get the best of us, allowing each other the space to bring our best selves to the table. Maha is extremely skilled in her craft and we cannot praise her enough for the integral part she played in where our relationship stands today!
-I & F
It has been a great pleasure to sit and work with Maha. She has challenged me to approach issues with a different perspective as well as providing reassurance and support where I needed it. I am forever grateful for the growth and personal development that Maha has helped me navigate so far!
-R.U.
My wife and I came to see Maha because we were finding that our communication had bogged down after 25+ years together. I wasn't sure if this was going to help having personally had less than stellar experiences over the years with therapists, but I was open to trying anything that might improve things between us. Turns out, I needed have worried, Maha was a breath of fresh air. Her genuine engagement, empathy, and extensive knowledge had me all in by the end of our first session. Maha has helped us discover new ways of speaking and listening, and most importantly, of understanding the other persons point of view. We are still on our journey together with Maha, but I am hopeful for the future and sure we will get to where we want to be with her guidance and support. I cannot recommend Maha highly enough to anyone seeking help with their marriage or personal life
-Steve & Liv
Maha created a place where my husband and I could communicate and learn to communicate with each other and learn to understand one another. I cannot thank Maha enough for her ability to truly help mediate and help us in such a kind, thoughtful and understanding manner.
-Elizabeth and H
Maha Elias is truly incredible, I am so so grateful for everything she does. I have never met such an attentive, caring, passionate, and genuinely interested counsellor.
-Jake H.
Maha’s approach has challenged me in a gentle and reflective way, which has allowed me to discover and recognize my strength and resilience. She’s helped me reframe thoughts and given me a unique and positive perspective from areas in my life that I used to look at as weak and damaged. Maha makes me feel safe to be vulnerable. I have laughed and cried (sometimes at the same time) and no matter the topic or issue we are covering (and there have been A LOT) I leave our sessions feeling heard, understood and with a path forward.
-C.M.
Maha was our third counselor that we had consulted with and we immediately felt comfortable. As a younger couple (8 months of dating at the time), we were dismissed by other counsellors. Maha validated our experiences and has been an inspiring guide through our proactive couples therapy. With Maha’s guidance, we have felt more connected resulting in a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and a readiness to communicate them to each other.
-Phil & Megs
My partner and I came to Maha with a wide variety of issues and she has been a great help in guiding us through those. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate in her approach, but also gives it to you straight when there are things that need to be said. We like that she has a game plan beyond just letting/watching us talk. Our work with Maha has been extremely positive and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
-Eric & D
I have had nothing but a positive experience working with you. In fact, I am always recommending you to others because I feel like you have made such a positive impact on our relationship. We were in a bad place when I reached out to you, and since we have worked together, we have made huge improvements. I can't thank you enough.
-T & A Robins
Maha’s broad and varied depth of knowledge, as well as her empathetic approach, has paved the way to positive personal growth for me and my partner. It’s the first time my partner has ever been comfortable with a counsellor and we are reaping the benefits of her expertise.
-Lisa
The best way I can describe Maha is safe. She provided me so much safety and comfort so I could be my most vulnerable, open and honest self. She always made me feel seen and heard. Even though our sessions forced me to have difficult conversations, I genuinely looked forward to them because they provided clarity. I am so grateful for Maha’s support and the personal growth I made during my time with her.
-J.S.
Maha is excellent as a couples counsellor. We have seen several others and she is by far the most skilled and helpful we have ever had. Very grateful for this opportunity through our work.
-Mandy & Dave
Maha Elias is fantastic. Friendly, empathetic, and helpful, she's lovely to talk to and has helped me reach some useful insights about myself
-Jamie M.
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Maha Elias at Best Self Forward is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC) specializing in Couples Counselling. Best Self Forward clients are from all parts of British Columbia, Canada including but not limited to Greater Victoria, Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

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