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Shirley Hung‑Truchot

couples-therapy
Couple Therapist
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English, Mandarin and Cantonese

About Me

Love isn’t about the grand gestures. It’s about small, everyday moments.

What years of working with couples has taught me: The best gift you can give your children is a happy, loving relationship between you and your partner.

Services

Couple Therapist

Qualifications

  • Masters of Social Work, the University of Toronto
  • ICEEFT Certified EFCT & EFIT Therapist
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 2
  • Maternal Mental Health Certificate – Postpartum Support International
  • Registered Social Worker, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (819133)
  • Registered Member, Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (M3468)

Experience

Shirley Hung-Truchot is a Canada-trained Counsellor and Couples Therapist with over 10 years of extensive experience in providing individual counselling, couples therapy and perinatal mental health support.

As someone in an intercultural marriage and a mother of two young children, Shirley is passionate about supporting couples who are on the family building journey and raising young children. She helps them communicate more effectively, learn healthier ways to manage conflict, and deepen their intimacy. She also supports those who are healing from affairs as well as navigating intercultural, interfaith relationships. In addition, she works with women who are experiencing fertility challenges, pregnancy loss and postpartum mood issues.

Shirley’s approach to therapy is primarily attachment-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. She practises Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – an evidence-based, experiential approach effective in working with individuals, couples, and families. Shirley helps couples experiencing relationship distress to break negative patterns, learn to respond, repair, and reconnect emotionally with one another. What sets her apart is her integration of Gottman Therapy and key principles from sex therapy.

Shirley’s style is warm, curious, and supportive. Shirley is committed to creating an empathic and non-judgemental environment in which you can explore your personal challenges and needs. She is mindful of the vulnerability that comes with pursuing therapy, and strives to cultivate a strong therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, respect, and collaboration. She enjoys working with clients from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds, and with various sexual orientations.

Interests

Podcasts

FAQ

Is couples therapy only for relationships in crisis?

Many couples come to therapy to be proactive in strengthening and nurturing their relationship. Therapy helps couples improve communication, deepening emotional connection, and navigating life transitions as a team to build a strong, healthy foundation. You don’t have to wait till things become overwhelming or broken to seek help.

What kinds of issues do you help couples with?

Couples come to therapy for many different reasons. Common concerns include communication difficulties, emotional disconnection, recurring conflicts, differences in parenting styles, boundaries with extended family, trust issues, healing after infidelity, fertility challenges, the transition to parenthood, intimacy concerns, and navigating cultural or value differences.

What does couples therapy involve?

Couples therapy typically starts with an assessment session to get to know each partner, their relationship history and what they’re hoping for from therapy. Subsequent sessions focus on identifying and breaking negative communication patterns, repairing after fights, developing healthier ways of responding to one another, and building consistent relationship tools. Couples therapy is a collaborative, supportive process in a safe space to help each couple build a strong, fulfilling relationship where they feel seen and valued.

How long does couples therapy usually last?

The length of therapy varies depending on each couple’s needs and goals. Many couples find that 8–12 weekly sessions provide meaningful and lasting change. Some couples also benefit from a Couples Intensive, which is a more focused and immersive format, with sessions lasting 3–6 hours, allowing for deeper exploration and accelerated progress.

How do we know if couples therapy is right for us?

If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, fighting about the same thing again and again, or struggling to navigate life transitions together, couples therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to break unhealthy patterns, heal from past hurts, and deepen your emotional connection.

What if my partner refuses to come to therapy?

While couples therapy is ideal, individual relationship counselling can still be very beneficial. It allows one partner to better understand their own emotions and needs, change unhealthy communication and get more clarity on how to move forward. It is important to work with an individual therapist with a strong relational background with a good understanding of the limitations of working with one partner at a time.

Do you provide a free discovery call?

Yes. Many people feel nervous about starting therapy or worry that the therapist will take sides or place blame. A 15‑minute complimentary consultation offers a chance to ask questions, learn about the therapy process, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. It’s a low‑pressure way to explore your options and take the first step at your own pace.

How do you work with couples?

We integrate two approaches that really resonate with me—and with the couples I work with:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Therapy Method.

EFT helps couples understand the deeper emotions that drive their predictable negative patterns. The Gottman Method offers practical, research-based tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen friendship. Our hope is to empower couples to build a relationship where they feel seen and valued.

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Rachel Chan Mazariegos

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Rachel’s Clients

News & Updates

OT&P Publications

Interviews

Reports & Publications

Practice Location

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OT&P MindWorX Mental Health Clinic
Shirley Hung-1

Shirley Hung‑Truchot

Couple Therapist