Relationship Counselling
Relationships are essential to our existence. Without human contact we fail to thrive and our emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing can suffer. However, relationships are challenging and hard work if they are to be sustained and of good quality.
We develop relationship skills from our original relationships with our primary care givers, mother and father, then our siblings, and social relationships as we are growing up and developing as individuals.
Relationships go through change over time. Sometimes events, life stage, just growing up and older mean relationships are more challenging, less fulfilling and pleasurable. Its can be obvious where problems began or very difficult, they are just there.
The way people communicate or not, express or hold on to feelings often develops in childhood and continues to be the way we function in relationships as adults. These issues can create tension, fear, isolation and so on.
In adulthood, sometimes parts of relationships seem harder, for example, talking about problems or when there is conflict. Holding back particular thoughts or emotions from your partner for fear of hurting them. Sometimes unhealthy relationship patterns repeat and it’s not clear why when it started so well. All of these things can be worked through in couple counselling.
Couple therapy can provide an opportunity to decipher and understand communication difficulties. Identify helpful and unhelpful patterns of behaviour bringing insight and choices. By exploring possible ways of resolving sticking points, confrontation and unmet needs couples can frequently rediscover a deeper understanding and closer connection with each other.
Pre-nuptial Counselling
An 8 week course of couple sessions usually before marriage. These sessions help the couple look at establishing and maintaining a strong healthy relationship, which is stable and satisfying long term for both individuals.
The sessions will explore areas of strength, views of the future and potential areas of weakness and conflict.
Topics which will be covered in the sessions are:
- Finances
- Communication
- Family, children and parenting
- Roles within the relationship including decision making
- Sex and affection
- Dealing with anger
- Time spent together/apart
- Beliefs and values
Counselling When A Relationship Is Ending
It may seem odd to consider counselling if a relationship is ending however some therapeutic support can help with communication and any future relationship that may need to be maintained for some reason, often where children are part of the couple relationship.
Relationships that end, whatever the cause are often very distressing and challenge the individuals’ ability to communicate successfully.
Regardless of the cause some couples choose to invest in making the ending of the relationship more manageable with the support of a therapist.
I will offer compassion and a neutral, non-judgmental approach to individuals who are facing the end of a relationship. We will work towards the most successful outcome for both individuals as the relationship ends and they begin a new life apart.