We learned the "conversations" that help us communicate our needs to each other, how to recognize and improve the dialogues and patterns (and raw spots) we fall into that inhibit our closeness, how to reconnect after a bump in the road, and to heal past injuries that over time can close your heart off to each other. Beyond traditional couple therapy. Very satisfying results.
Jim and Marie-Jeanne
At first I was very apprehensive about going. Not because it wouldn't help but because I was afraid it would be all my fault. I found it reassuring that all of the couples in our group were from various stages in their own relationships, but we all had the same or very close to the same issues.
We have all been injured in our relationships and are struggling in our own ways to get past or forget about the problem rather than accept there is a problem and work through it.
I was very surprised at how far back these problems go. Also surprised at why we are the way we are. I have never taken a look back at my childhood to see why I am the way I am or why I respond to situations due to my upbringing.
I would say that the biggest thing for me which will help us is the dance or "Merry-Go-Round" as we decided to call it (learning about our negative communication pattern). I am now completely aware of when it is starting or just started and that it's really up to me whether I want to go down the road at getting upset and running away or whether to say, "we are on our way around in circles" and stopping it. Now that we both know what is happening, when Aline or myself say we are doing it we know it is done by fear or a feeling of not necessarily the issue at hand that causes us to dance and we can take a step back and seem to come together quicker. I am not sure it will ever be instant but it will definitely be easier now that we have some tools. Taking smaller bites out of sensitive situations also has been a big help. Oh ya and trying not to blame by saying how it makes us feel rather than the blame game.
I liked being coached by a couple who is actually practicing what they preach. Everyone has their day to day issues and fears and it was nice being taught from personal experience rather than just the book. Thank you
Larry and Aline
"We have found Robin and Sol to be very caring and professional individuals. We always felt comfortable discussing our relationship problems with them. They were able to walk us through the different stages on communication, and helped us to understand each others feelings and concerns. We have become closer than we have ever been as a couple."
G & C
"We have found Robin and Sol to be essential in facilitating communication and understanding in our relationship. They are considerate, objective, and foster a positive emotional atmosphere at each appointment."
C & M.
" We are both excited and relieved that we found such an amazing couple to help us on our journey back to a healthy, happy relationship. Robin and Sol work well together and although we have only had a couple of sessions, the effects of the therapy have been very enlightening."
Stacy and Mark B.
“I would highly recommend Robin and Sol for couples counselling. I found their approach unique and the high success rate speaks for itself. Re-engaging with yourself and your partner is a beautiful thing.”
Colleen
"We were in a very devastating and hopeless place before we started seeing Robin and Sol. We had tried another counselor but left feeling worse than when we walked through the door. We were a little nervous to start the process again but we were at our wits ends and the only other appointment option was with a lawyer. Our first appointment was extremely encouraging and I could see that my husband was very comfortable, talking and opening up (which was a concern as he was not overly happy about going). They were able to read our body language right away and I noticed them taking subtle steps to encourage us both differently to support our openness and the raw emotions that would follow.
I have been to many counselors in my life and nothing can compare. Emotional Focused Therapy is a beautiful way to get to the deep seeded issues preventing you from loving and being loved. The combination of Robin with Sol allowed us both to feel like we were being heard and they have slightly different yet very effective roles throughout the session. I knew how much I loved my partner but couldn't figure out how to feel it and give it back without fear and resentment. Listening to the emotions underneath the actions was like being awakened to a whole new life together. It's not often you are listened to from a heart felt place and get asked questions that will cause you to reflect and start the healing process. I have never, (not even before our children and when we first started dating) - felt like this. I feel so connected and secure. I love myself more because I am not ashamed or guilty about how I react or treat him.
Communication is not something we learn how to do, listening and being heard is an art and doing it properly is a gift. We don't dwell on the past or even focus on it, but allow the healing to take place now - from past issues we've been carrying for a long time. It's about moving forward, together. Everything else in our life flows with ease because our core is working properly. We are working as a team now, not against one another focusing on why or how our needs aren't being met. I understand him more, and I have learned things about him that I never knew before. Our gratitude is infinite."
Grace Karyn Edison
Robin’s Testimonials
Robin helped me open up and talk about my core issues for the first time. I finally touched on my deep feelings and now I know what I need to do. She taught me what I needed to know: that it is ok to cry that I am still a man, and that I am a lovable, likable person.
L.M.
Robin’s ability to change people’s lives is great, she has definitely changed mine. She made it easy to express my emotions. She has compassion, intelligence, insight, humour, persistence, determination, love, feelings, and beauty. I truly believe she was my guardian angel because she changed my life so profoundly. She taught me to see clearly, think clearly, act clearly, and to be more tender, loving, and emotional. She is truly one of the greatest people I have ever met in my life. I feel very connected with her. My family, my son and I are very thankful for how she has helped me.
K.K.
Robin helped to plant the seeds to my soul. Her nurturing, loving, caring touch has allowed me to blossom. I am so grateful that she foster growth. I have seen and more importantly feel a healing aura around her. Her passion shines in her eyes and in her heart but love for her work radiates from her to me. I am so grateful for the gifts she gives.
A.N.
I was scared when I first started therapy with Robin but she quickly put my mind at ease with her caring words and kind demeanour. Robin has an amazing gift and I am grateful she has shared it with me and helped me on my journey to a better life. I hope one day I can do the same for someone else.
J.H.
I really enjoyed my time with Robin. She is an awesome person; she is very caring, loving, understandable, strong, compassionate woman with a lot of focus goals and drive but yet can see the lighter side and have fun.
D.B.
Robin is intelligent, kind, open hearted, engaging, compassionate, beautiful, lively, centered, comfortable, happy, tranquil, caring, honest, fair, nurturing and a pleasure to be around. I am so grateful for the passion and compassion she brings each session. She is one of a kind, and has a beautiful soul.
D.F.
Robin brings heart, compassion and integrity to her work and also to her role as a counsellor. Robin is a wonderful person; one who has a warm, caring and loving nature. She stands with integrity, serves with understanding, compassion and heart. It has been a rich and rewarding experience working with Robin and having the opportunity to work together with her has impacted my life in a profound and meaningful way. Robin is nurturing, supportive, warm hearted, kind, loving and non-judgmental. Robin is passionate about her work and is an amazing teacher to learn from. Robin holds many treasures of insight within her and her wealth of knowledge is insurmountable I highly recommend Robin as a counsellor. Working with Robin is the greatest gift you can give to yourself. If you are contemplating the journey and are looking for a client-centered counselor, one who has your best interests at heart Robin is the counsellor for you. If credentials are a concern Robin has her Masters level credentials combined with many years of counselling experience. I would highly recommend Robin as a counselor for anyone looking for healing.
Debbie Welsh, MSW RSW
Robin’s wisdom, kindness, empathy, happiness, balance, and young true spirit, shines through her personality.
J.S.
“Robin focused on me as an individual and made me feel at ease from the beginning. Her compassionate astuteness and patience really guided me into self-discovery and powerful realizations. We truly delved into the work of getting to the core issues at play within me and I am so very grateful to her for helping me open my eyes and my heart to myself”
-Kas-
Having come into meet with Robin was one of the best things I did not only for myself but for those around me! Before meeting up with her for 5 years leading up to it I was a heavy drinker drinking up to a mickey and a 26er to myself daily. I'd drink 7 days a week 24 hours a day even when working! (near the end of my drinking days). The last job I had while drinking my boss put up with the smell for about 2 weeks before saying something to my head boss. Although my boss stood by me I was forced to take 3 months off to get better, recover and prove myself all over again. For three wonderful months I met with Robin and week by week it just got better! I was already happy with myself for going in at the start but by the end of those months I was happy to be living and enjoying life! The smile on my face was actually meant whereas before all my smiles were fake! Deep down I was depressed and withdrawn! BUT I'm thankful to say that coming up on February 15th of 2011 I will be THREE years sober and 4.5 months clean! I'm smiling loving life and those around me SO MUCH MORE! MY family and I have gotten closer and my friendships have all but blossomed back to life! Thank you for everything Robin I owe you for everything you helped me with! To everyone else if you have an addiction problem admit it and take the first steps in getting help! I wouldn't be here today had i not got help or been pushed by close friends! Since my drinking days I realized i had a drug and gambling addictions and have overcome those as well! Want to be happy, find your happiness and go for it! YOU'LL NEVER REGRET IT!
'Cheers Peace and Love from your friend
Daniel R. La Hue.
Sol’s Testimonials
Sessions with Sol assisted me with creating a safe space to grow in self knowledge and self defining. He has supported me to move through confusion and painful depth and helped me to reconnect to my inner knowing of what to do next. I enjoy the honouring spirit of respect he brings to our session.
Jeanine Claire Hart
Sol has proven to be a caring and effective counsellor. His approach to counselling incorporates a solid foundation in theory and ethical practice combined with focus on the needs of his clients. His ability to develop a strong therapeutic bond enhances the successful outcome of the counselling experience.
Libby Stowers, Ph.D.
Clinical Supervisor
I am very grateful for Sol's investment in me, for his continued support, encouragement and his incredible ability to help me find my way through things. He has helped me to gain perspective and propel me forward.
Dave
I have known Sol Menard for twenty two years. His unique ability to see a situation from an unbiased point of view with empathy, compassion and humour make him very well suited to his counselling work. Along with his ability to actively listen, an environment for enabling insights into interpersonal challenges arises in each of his sessions.
Kim Newman, RMT
North Vancouver
Some of the greatest things about Sol's counselling are the things he doesn't do. He doesn't need to fix me but sees the best in me even when I don't. Best of all is the deep listening silence he is capable of bringing to a session. His quietude makes room for me to think and feel whatever I need to move through and out of my distress. He welcomes and celebrates with me every step of my growth and re-emergence.
Allisa B.
