Couples and Relationship Counselling

What exactly is relationship counselling?

Counselling for couples or other relationships provides a safe place for those involved to talk to a professional therapist about their shared experiences and challenges in areas such as intimacy, communication, conflict resolution, and help to strengthen the bond between the partners . he counsellor’s attention is on the couple's dynamic rather than on either individual or their position in the relationship. We maintain hope for a favourable outcome assisting the couple to take the necessary steps navigate this unpredictable but rewarding journey together.

This service is also available for pre-marital counselling. Premarital counselling provides a neutral and structured environment in which a couple can discuss their individual and shared perspectives on marriage, as well as their goals, anxieties, and expectations for the future. Many happy marriages can be attributed to conversations like these that went beyond the wedding day.

What results does relationship counselling have?

When people strive to work through life stage adjustment challenges and inter-personal issues, they often experience relief and more favourable outcomes. Counselling for relationships has been found to boost a couple's capacity to withstand the strain of life-stage-related changes in family expectations (such as parenting, empty-nest, ensembled families dynamic, etc). Counselling can help decrease any suffering associated with a couple's decision to divorce and assist each person in adjusting to life as a single individual.

More self- and other-awareness, as well as the ability to better communicate wants and desires, are just a few of the many benefits to the couple's relationship and its members.

Is relationship therapy reserved for just married couples?

Relationship counselling is aimed for couples regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, race, or other factors. We are a “fair and equal” space, and while the formalities of a marriage are a special feature, we also interact with those who are not married. This includes LGBT couples, cohabiting couples, premarital, open, and other types of relationships.

What occurs during Relationship Counselling?

Typically, we begin with a 80 minutes-long assessment session. The focus here is on gaining a grasp of each partner's background, the partnership's history, and each partner's individual relationship difficulties. Once there is clarity regarding the issue to be addressed and a rapport has been established between the counsellor and clients, the counsellor seeks to assist the couple in formulating a mutually beneficial goal, and the modalities are determined.

Typically, sessions are arranged once per week, and the counsellor and client discuss the number of sessions that may be required, as well as the frequency with which they will evaluate progress, closure, etc.

Occasionally, the counsellor may also meet with each client individually to explore a specific area of the relationship in greater depth; nonetheless, the focus is on the partnership. If necessary, the counsellor may send each individual to get individual support and focus on their own personal development. Individual sessions are 60 minutes.

While this is primarily a talking therapy, there is often a higher use of strategies and tools, which consists of exercises for the client to think about on their own or complete together. The therapist use Gottman methodology which aim is for the clients to reflect on how their individual needs, desires, and expectations affect the relationship and to deepen their friendship and intimacy with mutual respect and a positive attitude.

On average, the duration of a relationship counselling partnership ranges from five to twenty sessions.