Most people might think the saying, “Relationships are hard,” as a common cliché, especially in new and longer-term connections. But it is true and can be made worse by the stress of daily life, which can cause conflicts that seem impossible to solve.
Our relationship counselling can help support couples struggling with challenging situations get the tools they need to work through their problems, move beyond them and even become better partners and grow closer. But what does relationship counselling involve?
What is Relationship Counselling?
Relationship counselling goes by many names. Some call it couples counselling or marriage counselling.
It is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the behaviours of the couple and how these behaviours affect not only the individual but also the relationship between the couple.
Relationship counselling is a complex, self-exploration process that helps partners discover the links that bring and keep them together. Our goal for the therapy is to guide couples towards a more profound understanding of themselves as a team.
With the help of our experienced couples’ counsellors, you can gain the courage to be honest and vulnerable with each other and bring yourselves to understand each other’s needs and desires. For this to work, we use a personalised approach to couples counselling tailored to the needs of the couple we are working with.
Signs You Need to Consult a Relationship Counsellor
Most couples deny the need to see a relationship counsellor, believing they will eventually work things out. If your relationship is in a difficult place and you’re wondering whether you should consider a relationship counsellor, here are some signs that should point you in the right direction.
You have trouble communicating with each other
Inadequate or ‘bad’ communication is one of the most common obstacles that distressed couples face. Sometimes, it can feel like you’re speaking different languages. Once communication breaks down, other challenges quickly follow. If you’re having trouble communicating with each other, you should consider a relationship counsellor.
You are constantly arguing.
Another red flag and indicator that you should see a relationship counsellor is if you’re constantly arguing. Occasional arguments are fine in a relationship and might even be considered healthy. But if they’re constant and often lead to contempt and regression, and heated disputes become a part of our routine, it might be time to consider relationship counselling.
You no longer trust each other
We all know that trust is difficult to gain and easy to lose. Winning it back is extremely challenging once you betray your partner’s trust. If you want to give each other and the relationship another chance, couples counselling is a good place to start.
You are dealing with the same problems whenever one of you complains
For your relationship to work, sometimes you must go against the dysfunctional patterns that have kept you in circles for years. A relationship counsellor can help you explore these toxic patterns to help you replace them with healthier ones.
You no longer feel connected with each other
Some couples find it difficult to pinpoint the exact problem causing them distress. You can feel lost and disconnected without knowing why. The input of a relationship counsellor can help you gain insights into why their relationship doesn’t work as it used to.
Our Approach to Couples Counselling
We offer up to 6 sessions for couples looking for relationship counselling using a brief solution-focused model. This short-term goal-focused approach incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, helping clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.
How Effective is Relationship Counselling?
Relationship counselling has been found to be very effective. However, its effectiveness depends on various factors, including when you start the counselling. It yields better results when started sooner rather than later.
It is also important to note that the effectiveness of relationship counselling also depends on your willingness to work on your relationship, which is by far the most significant factor in determining the success of counselling.
Can Couples Counselling Fix a Relationship?
Couples counselling by itself cannot fix a relationship. It requires the willingness of the couple to make it work. However, we provide you every chance to save the relationship by giving you access to the most skilled and experienced relationship counsellor available.
Through counselling, we give you the tools and insight you need to work through the challenges in your relationship. Our personalised approach ensures we tackle every situation individually and wholesomely, giving the couple the best chance at success.
Among the many tools you get in couples counselling is the skill to amicably resolve disagreements and communicate effectively while cooperating with one another and solving everyday challenges to experience a more fulfilling relationship.
What Does Couples Counselling Do?
The reach and impact of couples counselling depends on the couple in question and the challenges they are going through.
The first thing counselling can do is help couples find solutions to the problems that can sink the relationship. This is the basic principle of counselling.
Couples counselling can also help serve as a self-development process in which partners explore ways to improve themselves and the relationship to reap the benefits of a healthy union. A couple’s therapist can help support two partners to turn a good relationship into a great one.
Couples counselling can also help couples solve various challenges, including;
- Affairs and infidelity
- Anger
- Communication problems
- Blended families
- Financial challenges
- Preparing for marriage
- Major life adjustments
- Parenting conflicts
- Responsibility disagreements
- Sexual difficulties
- Substance abuse
- Future planning
- Emotional distance
- Infertility or decisions about having children
- Unemployment
Although most people only turn to couples counselling when they have specific problems, it is also recommended for couples with no specific problems but who want to strengthen their relationship.
Benefits of Couples Counselling
Relationship counselling can be a challenging period for couples. But those who are dedicated to working on their relationship and go through couples counselling in its entirety stand to gain multiple benefits from it, such as;
Improve communication
Communication is a huge part of successful relationships. That is why communication is one of the factors that counselling works on improving. Even couples with decent communication can improve communication through counselling.
Strengthen bonds
Conflict is inevitable in relationships. It can be triggered by jealousy and a difference in personal interests. These often culminate in ugly feuds and fights, weakening your bond and relationship. Our counsellors can help you learn how to express your feelings without straining the bonds of your relationship.
Build self-esteem
Couples counselling doesn’t only work on you as a couple but also on individuals. Being confident in yourself can impact your relationship, helping you have a proper footing without the insecurities that come with low self-esteem.
Makes you happier
Ultimately, the goal when looking for relationship counselling is to come out of it happier and stronger. Most people achieve this goal. Even though the problems don’t vanish, they have the tools to handle them more effectively and remain happy in the relationship.
When dealing with a divorce
Not all relationships get the ideal outcome. Some often end up in divorce. Although couples counselling works to help couples from heartbreaking outcomes, it can also help them resolve issues and heal, making divorces more amicable and keeping the family unit intact. Most couples can often co-parent more effectively even after divorce.