Couples and Relationship Therapy

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Couples & Relationship therapy, involves both partners (or more) talking in

confidence to the therapist to explore what has gone wrong in the relationship

and how to change things for the better.

The focus of the therapy sessions is never on one partner or the other. The

emphasis is always on the relationship between you. Effectively, the relationship

becomes the Client.

This therapy helps to make sense of what is happening in the relationship and

allow space for change to take place enabling everybody to move forwards. It

can also help to offer perspective on the relationship which can be very difficult

when you feel in the middle of things.

Often people who find it hard to use psychological help on their own, find they can

attend and get something from doing so when the other party is also involved.

It often includes homework to be completed before the next session.

Most relationships can benefit from counselling to improve communication,

overcome obstacles, and maintain a healthy relationship. It’s especially helpful

when trying to work out the future direction of the relationship.

In 6 to 12 weeks, you can learn how to:-

* listen and understand,

* learn more about each others needs and boundaries,

* communicate better,

* improve and strengthen friendship, mutual support, bonding and intimacy,

* identify relationship issues and terminate dysfunctional behaviour,

* resolve conflicts,

* improve relationship satisfaction.

As a Relationship Counsellor I am always impartial, and therefore able to help

listen to both parties which helps the communication process.

I use Person Centred Counselling Skills & Psychotherapy as a framework for this

therapy, bringing the skills of being non-judgemental, empathic, honest and

having positive regard for each person to help the couple to achieve a positive

outcome. I can also fuse other Therapies including, CBT, Positive Psychology, and

Solution Focused Therapy as necessary.

Even Hypnotherapy can be used to help.

Couples therapy is not a long-term form of therapy. Instead, it is a short-term therapy normally around 6 to 12 session that aims to equip you and your partner with the tools and skills to help you prevent and manage conflicts that arise down the road. This is normally weekly or fortnightly to begin with.

Depending on the issues the 1+ Focus Single Session Therapy could also be an option to provide a pathway forward. The session could last up to two hours, and you pay for the amount of time spent which could be up to 2 hours. You will then be offered the chance to book an appointment in a months’ time. The cost per hour is more expensive than traditional talking therapy but could work out cheaper than weekly therapy in the long run.

I also run two different courses which are 6 sessions each. 

All options will be discussed at the Initial Consultation.

Couples & Relationship therapy ideally requires participation from both parties.

However, you can also opt to do the therapy alone, to better understand your

relationship and how you can improve it.

It can include a mix of sessions where both parties attend and separate therapy

sessions to help deal with issues brought up in relationship therapy.

It is important to note that talking and thinking about emotional problems can be

very difficult. For this reason, some people can feel worse before they feel closer

and safer with each other. I will work with you to manage strong emotional

reactions.

Relationship therapy will not help you if: -

 You want to change the other person in anyway.

 Either party is Abusive or Violent - Individual therapy may be needed first.

 Either party has an Addiction - Individual therapy may be needed first.