Who is it for?
Relationship counselling is for anyone who is having difficulties in any kind of relationship. It might be a romantic relationship, a friendship, work, family or other relationship. Maybe you struggle to form or maintain relationships? Or find unhelpful relationship patterns repeat themselves? Perhaps you are grieving the loss of a relationship or want to avoid making the same mistakes again. Whatever your situation, relationship counselling might help.
What can relationship counselling help with?
Every relationship is different. However, if something is bothering you, talking it through with an experienced therapist might help. Here are some of the things people coming for relationship counselling often say:
- We don’t seem to talk anymore
- We always seem to be bickering
- I’m struggling to get past my partner’s affair
- I can’t get over losing my partner
- I never seem to make or keep friendships/relationships
- My partner doesn’t understand me
- We don’t have sex anymore
Sometimes clients have a good idea as to what is wrong. Other times, it’s a more general sense that things aren’t working, but with no clear reason why.
How can relationship counselling help?
Relationship counselling offers a warm, safe, non-judgmental space in which you can talk freely. I will strive to hear and see things from your individual perspectives. I will not take sides but rather hold and value each of your opinions equally. Managing conflicting perspectives helps you hear and understand each other, helping resolve conflict.
Talking things through with an experienced relationship therapist can help you:
- Take stock of where you are and where you want to be
- Identify and adapt unhelpful ways of relating
- Hear and understand one another
- Talk about difficult topics without arguing
- Rebuild communication and reestablish trust
- Find new and happier ways of relating
- Reflect on how the past affects the present
- Resolve past issues impacting current relationships
Can I come on my own?
In a word, yes. Sometimes it is most appropriate to come on your own. For example, if you find it hard to form relationships or you’re struggling to cope after a relationship has ended. In these situations, you would almost certainly come on your own. Other times you might be unclear about what you want or what the issue is, and individual work can help you find clarity. Or it might be that you would prefer to come with the other person, but they decline to take part. In such circumstances, it can still be helpful to come alone.
What about domestic abuse?
I would be concerned for anyone in such a situation and would consider each case individually. Experiencing domestic abuse does not mean I cannot work with you. I would not work with couples where there is significant ongoing abuse. If you (or those around you) are at risk of significant harm, it is important you act to make yourself safe. if you are unsure, please contact me to discuss your situation.
What if I don’t want to stay together?
Couples’ counselling is not about pushing you to stay together against all the odds. Rather, it is about helping you find the best way forwards for you, whatever that might be. If your relationship has come to an end, I will help you separate in the least painful way possible. This is particularly important where children are involved. It is much better (and cheaper) to work out an amicable agreement than it is to battle things out in court.
How long does it last/How much does it cost?
It is impossible to say at the outset how many sessions any particular client might need. However, couples’ work tends to require fewer sessions than individual work. A reasonable estimate would be six to ten sessions for couples. My fees page gives full details of my current rates.
Getting further help
If you would like to make an appointment please call me on 01252 968 049 or complete our online form. I can generally offer an appointment within a week or so.