Alexa Gelles

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The Stronger Together
Counselling Blog

Counselling Information & Relationship Education, Resources, Guidance, and Tools For Individuals & Couples.

Let’s grow your relationships stronger together.

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How to Stop the Withdraw-Pursue Cycle and Build a Stronger Relationship

If you’re tired of repeating the same argument with your partner, you’re not alone. The withdraw-pursue dynamic is something many couples face. One partner pulls back, while the other pushes harder, and before you know it, you’re both stuck in a pattern that’s hard to break. Understanding this cycle can help you get past it […]

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The Counsellor Behind The Blog
Hey, I’m Alexa! I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver, B.C. I’ve curated this blog specifically for you to answer your most pressing questions about counselling and building healthy relationships.

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If you’ve ever wondered why something as beautiful as love can feel so hard, you’re not alone. You want connection, but end up in the same arguments. You want closeness, but feel distant. Maybe you’ve tried to figure it out on your own—or told yourself that real love shouldn’t take this much work. Here’s the […]

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woman smiling at her partner after positive communication moment while they share coffee

Ever catch yourself preparing your response before your partner even finishes speaking? Maybe you’re already crafting a counterpoint, clarifying your intention, or even getting ready to prove you’re right. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most of us listen to defend rather than to understand—and that’s where communication really starts to break down. The […]

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woman looks happy while man leans on her shoulder

Couples counselling isn’t just about showing up—it’s about making the time count. Real progress, it takes preparation, intention, and follow-through. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationship, improve communication, or break out of unhelpful cycles, these steps will help you make the most of your sessions. Come Prepared Don’t just bring the latest argument to […]

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two locks together on a fence

Reflecting on My Experience As a relationship counsellor with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve worked with couples in all stages of their relationship—from those just starting out and wanting to build a strong foundation to those feeling stuck and unsure if they can make it work. Over the years, I’ve seen one key characteristic […]

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husband and wife in wedding dress but only hands with rings in image

Have you ever wondered why you and your partner are so different? Maybe one of you is outgoing while the other prefers quiet nights at home. Or one thrives on structure while the other embraces spontaneity. At times, these differences can feel frustrating, but here’s the truth: opposites attract for a reason—and when embraced, those […]

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woman and man sitting on couch in relationship counselling session.

Reflecting on My Experience As a relationship counsellor with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with many couples who were feeling stuck and disconnected. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how counselling can help couples rediscover the parts of their relationship that brought them together in the first place, while […]

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woman looking at man while he is on his phone can you get over cheating?

Reflecting on My Experience Looking back on my early marriage, I can’t help but think about how much I struggled with jealousy in the beginning. My past relationships had left me with a lot of trust issues, and I couldn’t shake the fear that my partner might hurt me the same way. I started projecting […]

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husband and wife in wedding dress but only hands with rings in image

Reflecting on my wedding day this past Spring, I can’t help but think about how much I wish I could go back and give myself the advice I’ve since learned. The wedding itself was beautiful, but leading up to the big day and some unexpected challenges made it tough to stay fully present and enjoy […]

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husband and wife fighting

I know that the idea of marriage counselling can feel overwhelming. It’s totally normal to worry about being judged or to wonder if you’ll just end up talking in circles without seeing any real progress. But the truth is, counselling isn’t about judgment—it’s about gaining new skills, understanding each other more deeply, and building a […]

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man and woman standing in an open field overlooking mountains

Couples counselling is a powerful tool for improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening your relationship. Whether you’re facing challenges or just want to feel more connected, knowing what to expect from therapy can help you approach it with confidence and clarity. Therapies Used in Couples Counselling In couples counselling, I use a variety of approaches, […]

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Q's to Map Out Your

💛 Clarify your ideal vision for your relationship to make it a reality.
💛 Address important topics directly to find common ground.
💛 Get aligned on big picture items, like starting a family, to feel ready and excited for the next steps.

This complete checklist will help you start mapping out your real-life fairytale relationship so you can...






    real-life fairytale relationship

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    @Alexagelles