In-Person Couples Counselling in Red Deer

Sitting across from each other - no screens, no distractions, no commute home to decompress alone - changes the quality of the work. When you are physically present together, the patterns show up more clearly, the emotions land more directly, and the shifts tend to stick faster.

If you are ready to do this work face to face, this is where it happens.

The Office

Sessions take place at the Human Physics Group, 4909 50 Street, Suite 200, Red Deer - a calm, private space on the second floor designed for focused relational work.

When you arrive:

• Ample parking on the south and west sides of the building
• Enter from 50 Street and head to the second floor
• Reception will direct you to the waiting area
• Rick will come out to meet you at the start of your booked time

Plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. In-person sessions run on a fixed schedule with little flexibility between appointments - if you arrive late, the session ends at the scheduled time.

What to Expect in the Room

You will not be asked to perform or have it together when you walk in. Most couples arrive carrying something - tension from the drive, nerves about what might come up, or relief that they finally made the appointment.

We start by slowing things down.

Rick pays close attention to how you interact in the room - where you get stuck, how you protect yourselves, and what you are both reaching for underneath the frustration. From there, the work is direct and practical. You will leave with something concrete, not just a conversation you could have had at home.

Most sessions focus on three things:

• Naming the pattern that is hurting your connection
• Understanding each partner's part in that pattern without blame or shame
• Practising new skills in the room so you leave with tools you can use at home

Session Details

• In-person sessions are 120 minutes
• Available Mondays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, by appointment
• Sessions start from $200 per hour
• Payment is due at the end of each session; receipts provided for extended health benefits or health spending accounts

Start with a free 30-minute introductory session - virtual or in-person - before committing to anything.

Book Your Free Intro Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in a typical in-person session?

We start by getting a clear picture of what is actually happening between you day to day. Rick pays close attention to how you interact in the room - where you get stuck, how you protect yourselves, and what you are both longing for underneath the frustration. From there, you get direct, practical coaching so you can start doing something different right away, not just talking in circles about the problem.

Will you see us together or individually?

Most of the work happens with both of you in the room, because that is where the pattern lives and where it can shift fastest. At times Rick may briefly meet with one partner individually to deepen insight or work with something that is driving your reactions in the relationship. Any individual work is folded back into the couples process so both partners understand what is being worked on and why.

What if one of us is more motivated than the other?

That is more common than you would think. Rick will name it openly and work with it, without shaming either of you. Sometimes the less motivated partner becomes more engaged once they feel heard rather than blamed, and can see a clear path forward. Even if one of you is uncertain about the relationship, counselling can clarify your next steps and reduce harm in the process.

How do you handle strong emotions or conflict in the room?

Big feelings are welcome - they point to what hurts and what matters. Rick holds firm, clear limits around how those feelings are expressed so the space stays respectful and safe for both of you. If things escalate, he will slow it down, interrupt the pattern, and guide you back into a more productive way of speaking and listening. Over time you will learn to do this yourselves.

What if I arrive late?

Sessions end at the scheduled time regardless of arrival. In-person appointments run on a fixed schedule with little spacing between clients. If one partner is running a few minutes late, the session will begin with whoever is present. If a delay is significant, contact Rick in advance and we will decide together whether to proceed or reschedule.

Is everything we discuss confidential?

Yes, within the limits of the law and Alberta counselling ethics standards. Rick treats the relationship as the client, which means he is cautious about holding information that affects both of you. Consent forms and confidentiality are covered in your first session so you know exactly what to expect.