1. How do you handle high-conflict relationships?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
High-conflict relationships require a careful and structured approach. We focus first on creating emotional safety and helping each partner understand the patterns that keep the conflict going. Rather than taking sides or determining who is “right,” we help couples slow down reactive cycles, improve communication, understand what is underneath the conflict, and learn how to respond to one another differently. When appropriate, we also incorporate approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman-based interventions, Family Systems, and attachment-based work.
2. How do you help couples rebuild trust?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Rebuilding trust takes time and usually involves more than simply asking a partner to forgive or move forward. We help couples understand what contributed to the loss of trust, create space for honest conversations, and identify what each partner needs in order to feel emotionally safe again. We work on accountability, transparency, communication, and consistent follow-through so that trust can gradually be rebuilt through new experiences within the relationship.
3. How many couples do you help each year?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
As a group practice, Willow Roots Therapy works with a significant number of couples each year, with couples counselling being one of the primary areas of our practice. Because our team and caseload change throughout the year, we do not use a fixed annual number. Each couple receives individualized care based on their relationship, concerns, and goals rather than a standardized approach.
4. What qualifications and licenses do you hold in Ottawa?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Our therapists are registered mental health professionals practicing in Ontario. Our team includes Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), with clinicians bringing additional education and training in areas such as Marriage and Family Therapy, Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, attachment-based therapy, and other evidence-informed approaches. Sophia Nicoli, the owner and Clinic Director, is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
5. Do you provide online counseling sessions?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Yes, we offer both in-person and secure online counselling sessions. Virtual therapy allows couples to receive support from the comfort of their own home while still having the opportunity to work on communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and other relationship concerns. We can help determine whether online or in-person therapy is the better fit based on the couple’s needs.
6. How do you help partners resolve long-standing issues?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Long-standing relationship problems are often about more than the issue that keeps coming up. Over time, couples can develop patterns of interaction that leave both partners feeling unheard, criticized, rejected, misunderstood, or disconnected. We help couples look beneath the surface of recurring arguments to understand the underlying emotions, needs, histories, and relationship patterns involved. From there, we work together to create healthier ways of communicating and responding so couples can address the root of the problem rather than repeatedly having the same argument.
7. What is the cost of a follow-up session in Ottawa?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Our standard fee for a 50-minute individual or couples therapy session with a Registered Psychotherapist is currently $180. We also offer sessions with Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) at a lower rate, which is currently $165. Extended sessions are available for couples who would benefit from additional time. A limited number of reduced-fee spaces may also be available depending on therapist availability and client need.
8. How do you guide couples through difficult decisions?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
We don't make relationship decisions for couples. Instead, we provide a neutral and supportive space where both partners can slow things down, understand what they are feeling and needing, and consider their options thoughtfully. Whether a couple is deciding how to move forward after a major conflict, considering separation, navigating a significant life decision, or trying to determine whether the relationship can be repaired, therapy can help them have difficult conversations with greater clarity and less reactivity.
We also recognize that finding the right therapist matters. We consider each couple’s needs and preferences when matching them with a therapist whose style may be the best fit, whether they are looking for a more direct, exploratory, practical, or supportive approach.
9. How do you support couples facing family pressure?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Family expectations and outside pressure can have a significant impact on a relationship, particularly when couples have different cultural, family, or personal values. We help partners understand how family-of-origin dynamics and past experiences may be influencing their relationship and work with them through a systemic lense to develop healthy boundaries while maintaining important relationships where possible. The goal is to help couples communicate openly, make decisions together, and develop a stronger sense of themselves as a team.
10. How long is the first counseling session?
Richard Merrill Haney, PH.D - OTTAWA COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES
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Rory Batchilder, RP - WESTBORO COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
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Sophia Nicoli, RP, M.Sc, RMFT - WILLOW ROOTS THERAPY
Before beginning therapy, we offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine whether we may be a good fit. The first full therapy session is typically 50 minutes. During that session, the therapist will spend time understanding what brings you to therapy, learning about the relationship and identifying the goals you would like to work toward together.
