Couples and marriage counselling

It takes a lot of commitment, flexibility and compromise to make couple relationships thrive. Many couples experience life challenges that can put a strain on the relationship. These can include but are not limited to: stress, the monotony of daily life, traumatic events, developmental transitions, problem resolutions and many others. Sometimes, this relationship strain can result in the couple feeling a sense of detachment, disappointment, conflict and mistrust. Couples and Marriage counselling can assist in working through these conflicts, expectations and underlying needs. My goal is to provide a safe space to explore these issues with you both and to offer a variety of services to help strengthen your relationship. Couples counselling is suitable for all types of couples regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I use an integrated counselling and psychotherapy approach using various modalities including but not limited to: The Gottman method interventions, Emotionally-focused couples therapy, Internal family systems theory, Bowen's family systems theory, and many others.
Below is the list of common concerns that can be explored in Couple Counselling:
  • Conflict resolutions
  • Communication issues
  • Trust issues
  • Parenting concerns
  • Infidelity
  • Lack of connection, growing apart
  • Lots of intimacy and affection
  • Divergent values and life goals
  • Controlling or abusive behaviour
  • Mental health issues
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Chronic health and carer issues
  • Developmental stage issues (e.g., middle age, retirement)
  • Alcohol and substance misuse
  • And many others.
Often, couples can struggle with a combination of concerns rather than just a specific one. Counselling can be a helpful way to organise these concerns and work through them at the couple's own pace. Together, we can explore ways to make sense of both of your experiences to bring positive change to your lives.

FAQs

How do I know if we need couple counselling?
Couples can sometimes feel stuck on issues, roles and behaviours that can create stress in the relationship. This can result in warning signs in the relationship. These signs include but are not limited to: rarely talking to one another, highly confrontational talk, keeping the peace because it's easier than getting into an argument, lack of affection or intimacy, changes in the nature or quality of your relationship, engaging in similar arguments that keep coming up without resolution and many others. These are just some of the many reasons why couples seek counselling. If you are still unsure if couple counselling is right for your relationship, contact me via the "contact" webpage. I will endeavour to answer any of your questions or concerns.
What happens in couple counselling?
Couple counselling takes place face-to-face. Couple counselling typically uses a combination of individual counselling and couples counselling. The aim, at the commencement of counselling, is to ensure both sides feel heard and understood. The first session will focus on your counselling needs and answer any questions you may have about couple counselling. I aim to provide a safe impartial space for couples to approach the intense gridlocked conflict and move to focus on a shared sense of understanding and reconciliation. This is achieved through guidance strategies and interventions that can be used to help support couples going through challenging times. My goal is to help find shared meaning in the relationship, make life dreams come true, heal past hurt, manage conflict, and strengthen fondness, admiration and love towards each other.
How long will couples counselling take and how much does it cost?
Couples counselling sessions usually go for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Every couple is different, so it can be hard to predict how many counselling sessions are required. Some couples only need a few sessions to deal with a specific issue, whereas other couples would like to address a systemic problem within the relationship. On average, 10 to 30 fortnightly sessions are required for most people to see some improvement. However, this number will vary depending on the couple and the complexity of the issue. For cost information, please look at the contact page to view pricing
What if my partner or spouse refuses to attend couple counselling?
If your partner or spouse is reluctant to attend couples therapy, know that this is a common issue. Most partners' hesitancy is a reflection of their own fear rather than of you specifically. The best thing to do is to avoid taking their reluctance and ambivalence personally. Instead, listen and understand your partner's hesitancy in attending couple counselling. Additional ideas can include but are not limited to: giving your partner the lead in scheduling the first appointment, and encouraging your partner to organise a pre-arranged phone call or email to discuss any questions or concerns they may have. Finally, other alternatives to couples therapy can include both people attending individual counselling or just you attending individual counselling to help navigate relationship difficulties.

Contact or book an appointment

If you would like more information or to book a counselling appointment for your relationship, click the button below and complete the contact form.
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