Marriage & Relationships
Why Do I Shut Down When My Wife Wants To Talk?
A clinical look at male emotional withdrawal, stonewalling, nervous system overload, and how to stay present without blowing up.
Counselling for Men • Marriage Counselling
Mental Help for Men.
Forgers of Men.
Counselling doesn't have to mean talking in circles. We offer focused, practical counselling for men and couples facing real problems in life, work and marriage.
James Howard, M.A., RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor • Trained in the Gottman Method
Focused, Practical Counselling
Not just venting or digging through your past. A structured place to process what's going on in your head right now — an objective sounding board to help you see clearly and move forward.
Goal-oriented • CBT • Gottman
Direct Booking
Book Your First Session
Start with one session. There's no commitment to ongoing counselling.
The Reality Men Face
Recognize Any of These Battles?
Men can carry a lot without saying much about it. Pressure at work, problems at home, anger, isolation, or the sense that something isn't right can build when they're left unaddressed.
1
Do you feel alone?
Carrying the weight without someone who truly understands what you are going through.
2
Estranged from your wife?
Communication broken down into distance, resentment, or a sexless dynamic.
3
Lack focus or drive?
Going through motions, feeling disengaged at work, home, or with yourself.
4
Anger outbursts & short fuse?
Snapping at your kids or spouse, followed immediately by guilt and remorse.
5
Escaping into habits?
Numbing reality through endless scrolling, porn, alcohol, gaming, or overworking.
6
Feel misunderstood?
You know something isn't working, but don't recognize yourself in the labels other people put on you.
7
Carrying too much pressure?
Everyone relies on you, but you're not sure how much longer you can keep operating this way.
8
Know something needs to change?
You've thought about dealing with it for a while. You're just not sure where to start.
You don't have to carry this alone — and you don't have to figure out where to start.
Real Questions Men Ask
Sound Familiar?
Straight answers to the questions men actually search for.
Men's Mental Health
Why Am I Angry All The Time?
What's underneath the short fuse, from stress and exhaustion to grief, pressure and patterns that keep repeating.
Fatherhood & Legacy
Why Am I Successful At Work But Struggling At Home?
Why leadership skills at work don't translate directly to marriage and parenting, and how to bridge the gap.
Rather talk to someone now instead of reading more?
Book a SessionMore Than Venting
What's the Point of Talking to Someone?
Counselling isn't just talking about your problems. It's a structured clinical process that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, recognize patterns you may not see on your own, and work on what needs your attention.
Heard. Championed. Challenged.
Why Talking to Someone Actually HelpsJames won't just sit there and agree with you. He'll listen, ask questions, offer another perspective and challenge you when needed. Research also consistently finds that the working relationship between client and counsellor is an important part of effective counselling.
Heard
Understood before anyone jumps to conclusions.
Championed
Treated as capable of growth and responsibility.
Challenged
Pushed to look honestly at what needs to change.
Ways to Work With Us
Choose Where to Start.
Whether you're looking for ongoing counselling, a structured place to begin, or support for your marriage, there's a clear way to get started.
01Individualized
Men's Counselling
Ongoing Support Built Around You
Individual counselling for men who want to work on what's happening beneath the surface. James adapts the approach to your goals, circumstances and what emerges through the work.
02Structured Start
Fortify
4 Focused Sessions • $500
Not sure you want open-ended counselling? Fortify gives you a defined place to start. Four focused sessions to understand what's happening, work on what needs attention, and decide what comes next.
03For Couples
Marriage & Relationship Counselling
Gottman-Informed
When communication, connection or trust isn't where you want it to be, counselling gives you a structured place to work on the relationship together. James draws on Gottman-informed approaches while adapting the work to your marriage and circumstances.
Therapist & Founder
My Name is James.
A husband of 20 years, a father to 4, an Englishman living in Canada.
I'm a fatherless father who had to figure out manhood on my own, and I'm committed to forging a path for others — for the men I work with and the couples I see.
Many men carry a lot quietly — pressure, anger, disconnection, the sense that something's off but you can't quite name it. Reaching out shouldn't feel like a confession or a verdict on who you are. It should feel like a practical next step.
With expertise in Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, Positive Psychology, and the Gottman Method for couples, my focus is practical, goal-oriented support built around the real problems men and marriages face.
"Men can expect to be heard, championed and challenged here. And when I work with couples, I believe marriage is worth investing in and worth fighting for."
In Their Own Words
What People Say About Working With James
Real feedback from individual clients, couples, and clinical colleagues.
Clinical Colleague
"James is funny, grounded, and genuinely effective. I went to grad school and worked with him, and have always appreciated his practical, down-to-earth way of helping people feel understood and empowered. You will be in good hands with James."
Fellow Clinician
From 'impossible' to 'maybe better than ever'
"Before I began working with James I honestly thought my life was over. Once I began speaking to him so much of that changed. Life went from 'impossible' to 'possible' to 'maybe better than it's ever been!'. I will be eternally grateful for being able to connect with and work with James and I plan on speaking to him more in the future. I would highly recommend him to anyone going through a tough time or anyone that just needs a little support in their life. He'll make a huge difference!"
Individual Counselling Client
You helped us find the path back to each other
"James, from the first day I walked in to your office, your ability to truly hear me and acknowledge my pain, helped me suffer less. I will forever be grateful for that gift. Two months later, you've helped us find the path back to each other. Thank you for reminding me that I need to be heard to be sweet! Thank you for asking me perspective shifting questions. Thank you for being so good at your job. Thank you for your care."
Marriage & Couples Counselling Client
Every client's journey is unique. Shared with appreciation; confidentiality is always respected.
Clarity & Transparency
Frequently Asked Questions
How does short-term counselling work for men?
At The Stigman Group, sessions stay practical and goal-oriented. James draws on Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method to keep the work focused on what's happening now and what you want to address.
Are services covered by health benefits?
Services are provided by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) in Canada and are covered under most extended health benefit plans (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Pacific Blue Cross, GreenShield, etc.). We encourage you to confirm RCC coverage with your own benefits provider.
Who can access your counselling?
We currently provide video and phone sessions to residents of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, The Territories, Nunavut, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
Do I have to commit to long contracts?
No. You can book a single session whenever you need it, or start with Fortify — 4 focused sessions ($500) with a clear endpoint, so you don't have to commit to open-ended counselling before you begin.
Take The Next Step
Ready to Forge a Better Path?
You don't have to have it all figured out before you reach out. Book one session — see if it's a fit. No long-term commitment required to start.
Sessions provided across BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, The Territories, Nunavut & Newfoundland & Labrador.