Counselling Costs Compared

 Invest in Real Change
Not More Sessions

Call or text (403) 483-2530

At RLT Marriage Counselling, we believe therapy should offer real results and not endless appointments and vague advice. That’s why we keep things simple: practical tools, honest feedback, and deep work that actually changes how you show up in your relationship.


Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of what we offer versus what you might find in general therapy. The goal? Help you make a confident, informed decision about where to invest your time, money, and emotional energy.

Why Couples Choose RLT Marriage Counselling

  • ✔️ Certified in Relational Life Therapy—a method built for couples, not individuals
  • ✔️ Specializes exclusively in relationship work
  • ✔️ Extended-format sessions to go deep, fast—no dragging things out
  • ✔️ Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
  • ✔️ Support between sessions to keep the work moving
  • ✔️ Clear fees. No surprises. No insurance games.


 Fees and Service Comparsions

The comparison table on this page is designed to give you an overview of the differences between RLT Marriage Counselling and general therapy. We've compared a variety of factors, including the qualifications and training of our counsellors, the average session length and duration, our fees, and the additional services we offer, such as online sessions and extended counselling hours. By understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision about which type of counselling is right for you and your relationship.

Feature RLT Marriage Counselling General Therapy
Specialized Expertise Yes - RLT Certified + 40+ years relational experience Limited training in couples work
Success Rate 95 - 97% report major breakthroughs in 4-6 sessions Not consistently measured, most couples only go 2-3 times with little to no results.
Transparent Fees $200/hour Varies widely ($80-$250/session)
Session Length 2-hour sessions (Initial 4-6); 60-90 min ongoing if needed. 50-minute standard
Insurance Coverage Not applicable - couples counselling not covered Often eligible for individual mental health therapy
Online Availability 100% online across Alberta Varies - often limited or in-person only
Between-Session Support Yes - SMS or email check-ins included Rare or not offered
Hours of Operation Weekdays 8 am-9 pm, Saturdays -8 am - 5 pm (MST) Mostly 8-5 weekdays
Pace of Sessions Every 1.5 - 2 weeks (flexible, deep focus) Weekly or more - often slower progress

📝  Note: This table is for general comparison only. Individual results and services may vary.

A Closer Look at the Differences

🧠 Specialized Relationship Focus

RLT Marriage Counselling:
 You’ll work with Rick Martin, a fully certified Relational Life Therapist and trained exclusively in couples dynamics. This isn’t a generalist approach. It’s targeted, relational work backed by 40+ years of lived experience and decades in behavioural safety and coaching.

General Therapy:
 Most therapists focus on individual mental health first, with limited specific training in relational repair. That can mean surface-level tools or a mismatch in approach for couples in crisis.

⏱️   Session Structures

RLT Marriage Counselling:
Initial 4 - 6 sessions are 2 hours each to go deep fast. Each session will be followed by homework to be done before the next session. After the initial 4 - 6 2-hour sessions, we adapt to your rhythm, possibly dropping to 60 or 90-minutes sessions.
Fewer sessions. Faster progress.
General Therapy:
Standard 50-minute “therapy hour” often limits how much you can unpack, especially with two people in the room. At least weekly sessions. A large precentage of couples who go to a general therapist typically will not go back after the second session.

💸 Transparent Pricing—With No Surprises

  • Free 30-minute intro session
  • $200/hour
  • Most couples see results in 4–6 sessions

No insurance? No problem. Couples' work is rarely covered anyway, and with RLT, you won’t be paying just to keep the conversation going.

🔗 See how this compares to average therapy costs across Alberta »

💬 Between-Session Support That Keeps You Moving

Life happens between sessions. That’s why Rick offers personalized check-ins via text or email—something most therapists simply don’t provide. When a pattern re-emerges or emotions run high, you’re not left waiting until the next booked slot.

📅 Flexible Hours That Fit Real Life

Whether you're a shift worker, co-parent, or travelling for work, all sessions are available to you:

  • Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

And because it’s online, there’s no commute, no scrambling, no stress.

Page last updated January 14, 2026
Questions? Contact Rick Martin at rick@humanphysics.ca 
or call/text +1 403 483-2530

“Still wondering if this is right for you? The questions are valid. The answers are real. And they’re just the beginning.”