Couples/Relationship Therapy
Our relationships are key to our sense of wellbeing. Human’s, by design, are social creatures. Historically we have needed to be, to ensure our survival. Logically, the chance of being devoured by a predator is no longer as high as it once was. However, neurologically the fear of being alone is very real, and can feel as intense as it ever was. It is not surprising then, that relationship/couples counselling is a highly sought after form of therapeutic support.
Our relationships are key to our sense of wellbeing. Human’s, by design, are social creatures. Historically we have needed to be, to ensure our survival. Logically, the chance of being devoured by a predator is no longer as high as it once was. However, neurologically the fear of being alone is very real, and can feel as intense as it ever was. It is not surprising then, that relationship/couples counselling is a highly sought after form of therapeutic support.
There are a wide range of seemingly obvious issues impacting relationships. Many interplay to add layers of challenge: communication, commitment, boundaries, intimacy, trust, and financial pressures. Negotiating our increasingly technological world is also a challenge that many relationships face. Never have we faced such psychological distance when sitting next to (or lying with) the person or people we love!
Your counsellor or psychotherapist can help you to make sense of your relationship challenges. Together, you can be empowered to understand the feelings, needs, responses, and behaviours that may be present in your relationships. Combining empathy, openness, and understanding, with some insightful psychoeducation can help you move to a more compassionate stance; where you no longer view each other (and yourself) as “the problem”.
“I want to come to couples counselling but may partner doesn’t, what do I do?”
It is important that no one be pressured into therapy. Reluctance sometimes comes from the feeling of being blamed for difficulties in the relationship. Asking in more positive way may be helpful: “I’d like to explore how we could help our relationship/communicate better/understand each other more, would you like to give it a go?”
“Is relationship/couples counselling for me?”
Relationships come in all shapes and forms, romantic and otherwise. You may be looking for support as a thrupple, or as part of a valued friendship that is experiencing difficulties. There is also a great deal of self-exploration, understanding, and acceptance to be gained from attending relationship therapy alone.
Bereaved Parents and Relationship Counselling
The death of a baby or child can greatly impact all aspects of our life, including our relationships. It is not unusual for partners to feel as if they are grieving differently. Sometimes your needs may feel contrary to those of your partner. You may experience challenging emotions linked to this felt mismatch such as intense loneliness. It is not unusual to feel as though you are grieving for your relationship pre-loss, as well as the child you continue to love so dearly.
Relationship counselling, can give you a sensitive space in which to explore your responses, needs and feelings in relation to your bereavement, grief and mourning processes. Gentle psychoeducation can bring a unique appreciation of why our grief for the same child, may look and feel quite different. Your therapist can support you to both to understand and communicate your needs and feelings in a more helpful and compassionate way; rebuilding a sense of meaningful connection with the one, or ones, you love.