Couples Therapy for South Asian Couples in Ontario
Online sessions with South Asian therapists who understand family, culture and the pressure that comes with both. English, Urdu and Hindi.
When the same arguments keep coming back
Most couples don't come to therapy because they stopped caring. They come because the same conversations keep ending in the same place: silence, blame, or one partner giving in to keep the peace.
For South Asian couples, there's often more in the room. Parents and in-laws have opinions. Gender roles were never discussed, just assumed. One partner wants independence while the other feels pulled toward family duty. Our therapists grew up with these expectations too, so you won't spend your sessions explaining your culture.
What couples come to us for
Communication breakdowns — talking past each other, shutting down, or fighting about small things that aren't really small
In-law and family involvement — setting boundaries without cutting anyone off
Different cultural expectations — roles, careers, finances and how to raise children
Trust and emotional distance — feeling like roommates instead of partners
Life transitions — marriage, moving in, a new baby, immigration, caring for parents
Premarital counselling — building a strong foundation before the wedding
Interfaith and intercultural relationships — bridging two families and two sets of traditions
How we work with couples
We start by understanding both of you: your history, your patterns, and what each of you wants to change. From there, your therapist draws on approaches such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy to help you:
Break the cycle of recurring arguments
Say what you need without it turning into a fight
Agree on boundaries with family that you both can hold
Rebuild closeness and trust
Your therapist stays neutral. Therapy isn't about deciding who is right; it's about understanding each other.
Your Couples Therapists
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Maryum Rahman-Registered Psychotherapist, MA.
Languages: Hindi and Urdu
Offers virtual therapy
Works with: Individuals and Couples
Specialities: Anxiety, family issues, marriage counselling and depression
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Alia Siddiqi Registered Psychotherapist, MC
Languages: Hindi and Urdu
Offers virtual therapy
Works with: Individuals and Couples
Specialities: Life transitions, burn out, family issues, depression and anxiety
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Research shows online couples therapy works about as well as in-person sessions. Many couples find it easier to attend regularly when no one has to travel.
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That's common. Your partner can join the free consult first to ask questions. If they're still not ready, you can start in individual therapy to work on the relationship from your side.
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Yes. Partners can join from the same device or from two locations, as long as both are in Ontario during the session.
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No. Your therapist works for the relationship, not for one partner. Both of you get equal space to be heard.
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Yes. Boundaries with parents and in-laws are one of the most common reasons South Asian couples come to us.
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Yes. Premarital sessions help you talk through expectations about family, roles, money and children before the wedding.
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It depends on your goals. Some couples come for a few sessions to work on one issue; others attend for several months.
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The fees are as followed $180 for 60 minutes or $270 for 90 minutes. A sliding scale is available.
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Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist. Coverage is usually claimed under one partner's plan. We provide receipts; we don't bill insurers directly.
Our Step-By-Step Therapy Process
Step 1: Reach Out
Book online, submit a form or call (416)-710-1381. Tell us a little about what's going on, in your relationship or with family, friends, or work and whether you're coming as a couple or on your own.
Step 2: The Free 15-Minute Consult
We'll talk about what's going on. In your relationship or with family, friends, or work and answer your questions. No pressure, no commitment.
Step 3: Your First Session
We'll explore what's bringing you in, the patterns you keep running into, and what you want to change. Together, we'll set clear goals for your work.
Step 4: Ongoing Sessions
Sessions are virtual, from anywhere in Ontario. We use an integrative approach to help you reach your goals, working on what's underneath the conflict and giving you practical tools to use between sessions. Book and manage appointments through our Client Portal.
Step 5: Moving Forward
Every journey is different. Some clients feel relief within a few months; others choose longer-term therapy to keep growing. You decide the pace.
How to Get Started?
Start with a free consultation. Ask your questions and see if we’re the right fit. Book online with the Book a Free Consult button below, or send us a message using the form.
Other ways to connect with us:
Call us: (416)-710-1381
Email us: admin@therapycouch.ca
