If your relationship isn’t quite working as you’d hoped, I hope you consider seeing me for Relationship Counselling.
Today, people are trying to fit more into their lives – family, work, finances, children etc.- sadly, the breaking point can be our relationships. However, some solutions learned in therapy might be able to save your relationship.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy for relationships to take a back seat. With the pressures of modern life, including the demands of work and family, couples often find themselves struggling to connect. Relationship counselling can provide a supportive space to explore these issues, helping both partners identify their needs and desires.
Maybe you can have a much more pleasurable and harmonious life together
Do you feel that you and your partner are no longer working with and for each other, instead, you now seem to be working against each other. Is there constant conflict and things just never seem to get resolved?
Consider the case of Sarah and Tom, who found themselves in an endless cycle of arguments about household responsibilities. In therapy, they learned to express their feelings without blame, transforming their conflicts into productive discussions. Such examples illustrate that with the right guidance, relationships can shift from a battleground to a collaborative space.
Are your discussions often destructive instead of constructive? Or, perhaps you’re becoming a little disconnected and want to get back on the same page?
Many couples, like Emma and James, experienced a gradual disconnection over the years. By participating in counselling, they discovered that their emotional distance stemmed from unresolved issues from their past. Addressing these underlying concerns facilitated a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, reigniting their emotional bond.
Here are some other common relationship sticking points:
Additionally, common sticking points may arise during significant life changes, such as becoming parents or relocating for a job. Each of these transitions can put stress on a relationship, making counselling an invaluable resource during such times. Support from a professional can help couples navigate these challenges proactively and constructively.
- Changes in levels of intimacy
- Not feeling that your opinions and emotions are being validated
- Being frustrated at your partner
- The feeling that you aren’t being heard
- A loss of fun
- Feeling lost in the relationship
- Feeling unappreciated
- Not feeling respected by your partner
People who are in relationships that aren’t running perhaps as smoothly as they would like generally have three choices ahead of them:
It’s crucial to recognise that choosing to repair and improve the relationship is a positive step. This choice reflects a commitment to growth, not only as individuals but also as a couple. Many couples have found success in counselling by acknowledging their issues and seeking help. For instance, Laura and David chose to attend sessions as a means of strengthening their relationship before it deteriorated further.
- Maintain the status quo and hope it gets better by itself
- End the relationship
- Repair and improve the relationship
Option 3 is probably your preference, but do you have the skills to correct the issues without expert support? Will this get better without some form of intervention? What are you missing?
My approach to relationship counselling
In our work together, I often emphasise mindfulness as a tool to enhance communication. Mindfulness practices help partners stay present with one another, which can reduce misunderstandings and emotional reactivity. For example, during a session, I may guide couples through mindfulness exercises that encourage them to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully.
I believe the best Relationship Counselling focuses on helping you grow greater awareness of each other, develop greater resilience against future stresses, and have the skills to navigate life better together.
Moreover, developing emotional intelligence plays a vital role in effective relationship counselling. Couples who understand their own emotions and those of their partners are better equipped to handle conflicts and express their needs. This could involve specific exercises aimed at recognising emotional triggers and learning to communicate them clearly.
It might not come as a great surprise, however, one way of potentially helping your relationship is through the use of better communication.
I generally use and teach elements from Transactional Analysis to help couples hopefully find better ways of communicating. More details on that strategy can be found here.
We also identify your Schemas, and there is a big focus on developing and using Validation skills as well.
No two couples are the same though, so I will tailor my approach to you around who you are and what your particular needs/circumstances are.
I understand that it may not be easy to reach out and ask for some assistance, however, I can assure you that my approach is warm, welcoming, non-judgmental, and solutions-focused.
The importance of creating a safe space for dialogue cannot be overstated. Each session is designed to foster respect and understanding, allowing partners to voice their concerns without fear of judgement. This environment encourages healing and the rebuilding of trust, which is often essential for a successful outcome in relationship counselling.
I offer online relationship counselling sessions during business hours and after hours too. More details on me can be found here, if you would like to make an appointment with me, either by yourself initially, or with your partner, please make a booking here.
Aside from the standard appointment format, I also offer workshops that focus on specific themes such as communication techniques and conflict resolution. These workshops provide couples with practical tools they can use daily, ensuring that the lessons from counselling extend beyond the session.
Or, if you have any further questions, please feel free to send me a confidential message through the Contact Us page.
Ultimately, the goal of relationship counselling is to empower couples to navigate their challenges effectively and build a fulfilling partnership. Whether it’s enhancing communication, fostering emotional intimacy, or simply learning to appreciate one another again, counselling can be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier relationship.
For those who may be unsure about committing to counselling, I offer a complimentary consultation. This session allows potential clients to discuss their concerns, learn about the counselling process, and determine if it aligns with their needs. Understanding the process can often alleviate apprehensions about seeking help.