Shine a New Light on Your Relationship

Couples Counselling in Victoria, British Columbia

Master of Social Work (MSW) & Member Of BCASW

Stephen Marcus, Psychotherapist & Relationship Counsellor

Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) Licensed in BC

Tired of the same fights? Check outs and let downs?

Your relationship isn't broken, it just needs a different approach.

Let me guess, things were great in the beginning but then something shifted. You don’t quite know exactly what, but you know things aren’t as easy as they used to be. Maybe you’ve tried fixing the problems but that only seems to make things worse. You’re both tired of putting in your best and seeing things slip anyways. Maybe you’re even at a crossroads where you’re aren’t even sure you’re in the right relationship.

You deserve to be in a badass relationship, a team, a force that moves forward together, not in opposite directions. Click below if you’re ready to drop in to something better.

Book An Appointment Today

How I can help

I help couples slow down, find stuck points, and sharpen skills to improve communication and connection.

Track the dance you both do that spirals into fights and disconnection
Gain skills in getting heard and feeling seen by one another
Exercises to help you be a team again and face challenges together
Learn to negotiate when you want different things

Couples Counselling & Therapy

As a Psychotherapist and a Relationship Coach, I use a combination of approaches including (EFCT, Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to help you make lasting changes in your relationship. I will help you map out where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go. Turn fights into closeness, change painful patterns into new choices. Get the relationship you’ve been hoping for.

Counselling for Individuals

If you feel lost, overwhelmed, or stuck, you’re not broken, you just need someone who gets you. I can help you get to know yourself better and focus on the choices you want to make.

Men's Circle

Men’s Circle is a space for you to show up as you are and leave who you want to be. Men are taught to toughen up, move forward, and be quite about their pain. This may work for a while, but when it stops working, it can become a mountain on your back. Men’s Circle is a place to get heard, seen, and called up to your best self.

My approach

I approach counselling and therapy with a warm, direct, and open curiosity. I focus on helping you carve out what you want to get out of each session and support you in finding a path to get there.

Real change isn’t easy—but it is possible.

Get Started

Reaching out can feel like a big step, especially if things have felt stuck for a long time. If you’re ready to work on the patterns that keep getting in the way — whether on your own or with your partner — I’d be glad to help.

Using Conflict to Your Advantage

What you can expect

Change doesn’t come from quick fixes; it grows from learning to understand yourself differently and choosing to respond in new ways, especially in moments that once felt automatic. Over time, people often notice they feel calmer and less reactive, stay present in conversations that used to overwhelm them, understand their partner more clearly, feel more connected and less alone in the relationship, and develop a stronger sense of themselves.

    
 
 
         
   D'Arcy Briggs 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen has a fantastic approach to communication and wellness. He is able to offer deep insights while also allowing being incredibly easy to talk with and lays things out in very easy to understand language.
  
 
        
   Charles Parker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen has the knowledge and years of experience to help couples address their issues and guide them to resolve those issues in a relaxed, compassionate, non-judgmental environment.  By learning effective communication and to appreciate each parner’s needs and desires, couples can develop deeply connected relationships.  Spending time with Stephen will allow couples to overcome conflicts and create trusting and satisfying lives together.  The most important step on this journey is the first one, to book an appointment with Stephen.  It’ll be one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your partner
  
 
        
   Carlos Cook 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had some uncertainty meeting with Stephen for the first time as I've always found it challenging to connect with other men. Stephen created a comfortable space where I could be vulnerable, transparent and most importantly... myself.  Grateful 🙏
  
 
        
   Evalyn Braybrook 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen is incredibly easy to talk to. Difficult topics feel safe to broach with him. He’s a very calming presence and secretly has a wicked sense of humour. Couldn’t recommend him more!
  
 
        
   Eric Oosenbrug 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've known Stephen a couple years now and I'm happy to share his openness, candor, and lighthearted approach makes him exceptionally easy to talk with, even regarding serious stuff. He is both generous and kind, a real mensch 👍
  
 
        
   Alexandra Forman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can’t say enough! Five stars!
  
 
        
   Michael Marsland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Although I’m not a client of Stephen’s, I’ve known him for several years through improv classes, and what’s always stood out to me is how genuinely he listens and understands people. He has a grounded, thoughtful way of approaching conversations, and he brings just the right amount of humour to make even heavier topics feel manageable. The insight, kindness, friendship, and support he’s offered over the years has meant a lot to me, and I have no doubt he brings that same care to his counselling practice.
  
 
        
   Astin Baker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen has helped me honour myself and to not disregard my own needs. He actually listens and doesn’t force advice on you - like many therapists do. Instead he is like a guide to help you unravel the issues in your life. I feel safe and heard with him.
  
 
        
   Sebastien Pisterzi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been working with Stephen for several months, and it's been a transformative experience. His approach is grounded, compassionate, and insightful and he creates a space that feels safe, judgment-free, and empowering. What stands out is also his work with men’s groups. He has a unique ability to foster genuine connection, vulnerability, and accountability among men—something that’s often hard to find. Stephen is not just a professional—he genuinely cares, and it shows.