Couples Therapy with Heidi Louise

Heidi is a Level 3 trained Gottman Couples Therapist with extensive experience supporting couples through a wide range of relational challenges. Whether you're facing long-standing conflict or simply feeling disconnected, Heidi offers a safe, skilled, and structured space for couples to explore, repair, and reconnect.

Grounded in the Gottman Method, her work incorporates a detailed assessment process and evidence-based interventions designed to strengthen relationships by improving communication, deepening intimacy, resolving conflict, and restoring trust. The approach is based on the Sound Relationship House Theory, developed through over four decades of research into what makes relationships work—and what causes them to break down.

Most couples seek therapy in crisis—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Heidi encourages couples to view therapy as a proactive investment in their relationship, not just a last resort. The Gottman framework provides couples with powerful tools to build mutual respect, emotional safety, and lasting connection.

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The Gottman Assessment Process

When you begin couples therapy with Heidi, you'll go through a structured 4-step assessment process to ensure your sessions are tailored to your specific dynamic, needs, and goals:

1. 1.5-hour joint session (both partners together), followed by an extensive online questionnaire

2. 1-hour individual session with Partner A

3. 1-hour individual session with Partner B

4. 1.5-hour feedback session (together as a couple)

This process allows Heidi to understand the strengths, challenges, emotional injuries, and communication patterns in your relationship before co-creating a treatment plan.

After the initial assessment, all ongoing couples sessions are 1.5 hours, with the option for 2-hour extended appointments.

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What You Can Expect

As your therapist, Heidi’s role is to:

• Help each of you communicate your needs and emotions clearly

• Support you to manage conflict respectfully and constructively

• Guide you in rebuilding intimacy, trust, and emotional connection

• Offer evidence-based tools to strengthen your relationship foundation

Couples therapy is a vulnerable and courageous step—it communicates, “I value this relationship enough to work on it.” Heidi provides a non-judgmental, compassionate space for you and your partner to explore what’s not working, and build something more resilient together.

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Gottman Marathon Couples Therapy

For couples needing more intensive support, Heidi offers Gottman Marathon Therapy—a focused alternative to weekly sessions.

Held six times a year, these sessions are designed to help couples who feel stuck or in crisis make meaningful progress in a shorter period of time. It's especially helpful for:

• High-conflict or gridlocked couples

• Couples dealing with infidelity or betrayal trauma

• Couples who live remotely or have limited time availability

• Situations where immediate de-escalation is needed

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Marathon Format

• Two consecutive days

• 5–6 hours of therapy per day, with breaks

• Includes a 20-minute pre-session Zoom or phone call with each partner

• Completion of the Gottman Relationship Check-up online assessment

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What the Marathon Covers

Each Marathon is structured to meet the couple’s unique needs, but often focuses on:

• Repairing relationship injuries and unresolved conflicts

• Increasing friendship, fondness, and appreciation

• Rebuilding trust, commitment, and emotional safety

• Identifying destructive patterns and learning new strategies

• Improving communication, empathy, and emotional responsiveness

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Marathon Package Includes:

• Therapy with a highly trained Level 3 Gottman Couples Therapist

• Two full days (5–6 hours/day) of focused therapy

• Pre-session Zoom/phone consultation

• Online Gottman assessment

• Light refreshments (tea, coffee, snacks)

• Take-home resource booklet tailored to your relationship

• Option for ongoing follow-up sessions (Zoom or in-person at Axis Clinic)

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Important Notes

Gottman Couples Therapy and Marathon Sessions may not be appropriate in the following circumstances:

• Ongoing domestic violence

• Active substance addiction (untreated)

• Current, untreated serious mental health conditions

• Undisclosed or ongoing affairs

• Suicidal, homicidal, or severe self-harm thoughts/behaviours

If you’re unsure whether this type of therapy is right for your situation, please contact Heidi. If it's not the right fit, she will help guide you toward more appropriate supports or services.