Cost Comparison | RLT Marriage Counselling vs General Therapy
Invest in Real Change—Not Just More Sessions
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 Comparisions
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 |
| Transparent Fees | $175/hour | Varies widely ($80-$250/session) |
| Session Length | 2-hour sessions (first 4-6); 60-90 min ongoing | 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 9-7, Saturdays 9-4 (MST) | Mostly 9-5 weekdays |
| Pace of Sessions | Every 2-3 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 in Relational Life Therapy 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 behavioral 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 Structure That Actually Works
RLT:
First sessions are 2 hours to go deep fast. Follow-ups adapt to your rhythm - 60 or 90 minutes. Fewer sessions. More progress.
General:
Standard 50-minute “therapy hour” often limits how much you can unpack, especially with two people in the room.
💸 Transparent Pricing—With No Surprises
- Free 30-minute intro session
- Standard: $150/hour
- Most couples see results in 4–6 extended 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 traveling for work—sessions are available:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
And because it’s online, there’s no commute, no scrambling, no stress.