Counselling Costs Compared
Invest in Real Change
Not More Sessions
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At RLT Marriage Counselling, I believe couples work should lead somewhere. Not more appointments. Not vague advice. Not months of circling the same issues.
The goal is real progress.
That is why I keep the work focused, practical, and honest. You get clear feedback, usable tools, and enough time in each session to actually work with what is happening in the relationship.
Below, you will find a side-by-side comparison of how I work compared with what many couples find in general therapy. The goal is simple: to help you make a confident 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
✔️ Virtual sessions available across Alberta
✔️ Limited in-person appointments available in Red Deer by appointment
✔️ Support between sessions to help keep the work moving
✔️ Clear fees and straightforward structure
Fees and Service Comparisons
The comparison below is designed to help you understand the difference between focused couples work and more general therapy models. It compares training, session length, fees, accessibility, and the overall structure of support so you can make a more informed choice.
| 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 work with Rick Martin, a certified Relational Life Therapist who focuses exclusively on couples. This is not general therapy adapted for relationship problems. It is direct, relational work designed to help couples break patterns, rebuild trust, and repair more effectively.
General Therapy
Many therapists are trained primarily in individual mental health. Some also see couples, but that does not always mean they have deep training in relational repair, power dynamics, or real-time couples work.
⏱️ Session Structures
RLT Marriage Counselling
The first 4 to 6 sessions are typically 2 hours each. That gives us enough time to slow the pattern down, work directly with what is happening between you, and begin building new skills that actually hold. After that, sessions may shift to 60 or 90 minutes depending on what serves the work best.
General Therapy
The standard 50-minute therapy hour often leaves couples just getting started before time is up. That can slow momentum, especially when two people are trying to work through a live relational pattern together.
💬 Support Between Sessions
Life does not wait for the next appointment
That is why I offer check-ins by text or email when couples need support between sessions. When something flares up at home, you are not left sitting in it alone until the next booking.
That kind of support helps keep the work alive between sessions, where real change actually gets practiced.
💸 Transparent Pricing and Real Value
- Free 30-minute intro session
- $200/hour
- Most couples see results in 4–6 sessions
Couples counselling is rarely covered by insurance, no matter where you go. That is why I believe it makes more sense to look at total value, not just the fee on paper.
The real question is not only what a session costs.
It is whether the work helps you move forward.
Hybrid Access That Fits Real Life
I now offer a hybrid model.
That means secure virtual sessions remain available for couples across Alberta, while limited in-person appointments are also available in Red Deer by appointment.
This gives you options.
You can do the work from home, from separate locations if needed, or in person when that format makes the most sense for your relationship and schedule.
📅 Flexible Hours That Fit Real Life
Relationship work has to fit real life.
Session availability may include daytime, evening, and some weekend options depending on scheduling. Virtual sessions offer the most flexibility, while in-person appointments in Red Deer are currently more limited and offered by appointment.
“Still wondering if this is right for you? The questions are valid. The answers are real. And they’re just the beginning.”
