I’m Denis Sushkin, a couples therapist based in Calgary and the founder of Couples’ Growth Studio. I work with people who don’t want to settle for a relationship that simply “gets by.” My clients are couples seeking more, more honesty, deeper connection, and greater vitality.

My journey into couples therapy started with the same questions I hear from clients today: Why do relationships that begin with love and promise often drift into distance, conflict, or silence? And what genuinely helps couples grow together over time? These questions led me to train with The Couples Institute in the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, a practical, research-based approach that emphasizes growth at every stage of a relationship.

In practice, this means I don’t just offer quick fixes or sit passively. I help you slow down enough to recognize the patterns you’re stuck in, and I provide tools to practice new ways of relating. Sometimes that involves learning how to speak up with more clarity. Other times, it means learning how to listen without collapsing or becoming defensive. It always involves taking real steps to change how you and your partner experience each other.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my mix of directness and warmth. I won’t sugarcoat what I see, but I also won’t leave you hanging. I see conflict as a doorway to growth, not something to avoid or fear. And I see intimacy as more than just romance. It’s the ongoing practice of being fully alive with yourself and your partner. I work with a wide range of couples: those at the beginning of a long-term commitment, seeking to build a strong foundation; couples feeling disconnected, aiming to rebuild closeness and intimacy; and couples in crisis, requiring a structured process to navigate difficult decisions and restore stability. Every couple’s story is unique, but the goal remains the same: to help you become stronger individually and closer together.

Outside of my work, I’m a parent and a partner myself. I understand firsthand that relationships are complex, demanding, and full of unexpected turns. That perspective keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters. Couples Growth Studio isn’t about quick fixes or vague promises. It’s about doing the work that brings your relationship back to life. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d be happy to walk with you.