Couples Counselling
Supporting you to improve your relationship
Couples Counselling is for individuals wanting to improve the quality of their relationship through understanding each other's needs.
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Couples Counselling is for couples who want to:
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Manage conflict
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Develop trust
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Practice respectful communication
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Couples counselling can help couples with:
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Communicating emotions effectively
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Boundary setting
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Improve intimacy
What is Couples Therapy?
Therapy for couples
Our Psychologists are trained in various approaches to couples therapy, including Gottman's Couples Therapy, Family System Approaches to treatment, and attachment-based frameworks.
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We support couples of all ages and genders in person and online, guiding them to improve communication and build healthier relationships with their partners.
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Therapy success often depends on factors such as the therapist's expertise, the couple's commitment to the process, and the issues being addressed.
Improve Communication
Therapists often focus on improving communication skills between partners. Effective communication is essential for understanding each other's needs, expressing feelings, and resolving conflicts.
Conflict Resolution
Couples therapy helps couples develop healthier ways to handle conflicts. This may involve learning how to compromise, understanding each other's perspectives, and finding common ground.
Intimacy and Connection
During couples therapy you will address issues related to intimacy, emotional connection, and physical intimacy. Helping couples rebuild or enhance their emotional and physical connection is often a goal of therapy.
Common Myths
Common misconceptions about Couples Therapy:
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1. Therapy is only for "crazy" or dysfunctional couples:
Couples therapy is not solely for those facing severe relationship problems or considering divorce. Many couples seek treatment to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, or strengthen their relationship. It can be a proactive step for relationship maintenance, not just a last resort.
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2. Therapists will take sides:
Seeking therapy doesn't mean something fundamentally wrong with a couple. People go to therapy for various reasons, including personal growth, improving communication, or navigating life transitions. It's a tool for learning and enhancing relationship skills.
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3. Couples therapy means the relationship is doomed:
Seeking help is a sign of strength and commitment to the relationship. Couples therapy can provide valuable tools and insights, helping partners build a stronger, healthier connection.
How Couples Therapy Can Help
Identify Patterns
Therapists help couples recognise negative patterns of behaviour or communication that contribute to relationship problems. Once identified, partners can work to change these patterns.
Develop Communication Skills
Therapists may teach couples specific skills, such as active listening, problem-solving, and empathy, to enhance their ability to relate to each other positively.
Enhance Commitment
Couples therapy can help couples strengthen their commitment to each other. This involves exploring the values and goals that are important to both partners and finding ways to align them.
Adress Concerns
While the focus is on the relationship, therapists may also address individual concerns that impact the couple. This could include issues such as depression, anxiety, or past traumas that affect one or both partners.
Couples therapy can provide support and tools to strengthen relationships. With the help of a trained professional, many people experienced their intimacy and connection improving after couples counselling.
Improving Relationships
Couples therapy typically involves several phases as the therapist works with the couple to address their issues and enhance their relationship. While the specific structure may vary depending on the therapeutic approach and the unique needs of the couple, here is a general overview of the typical phases:
Phases of Couples Therapy
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Assessment Phase
Initial Meeting: The therapist meets with the couple to gather information about their relationship, history, and presenting issues.
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Individual Assessment: The therapist may explore each partner's history, including family background, past relationships, and individual strengths and challenges.
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Goal Setting: The therapist and the couple collaboratively set goals for therapy, identifying areas of focus and desired outcomes.
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Establishing Rapport
Building Trust: The therapist works to establish a trusting and supportive relationship with both partners, creating a safe space for open communication.
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Understanding Dynamics: The therapist observes and assesses the dynamics within the relationship, paying attention to communication styles, patterns, and areas of tension.​
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Education and Insight
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Uncovering Underlying Issues: Couples explore deeper emotional issues or unmet needs that may influence the relationship dynamics.
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Identifying Patterns: The therapist helps the couple recognise recurring patterns of behaviour or communication that may contribute to conflict.
Increasing Awareness: Couples gain insight into their behaviours, reactions, and patterns that may contribute to relationship difficulties.
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Providing Psychoeducation: The therapist educates the couple about common relationship challenges, communication styles, and the dynamics that can affect partnerships.
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Communication Skills Building
Teaching Effective Communication: The therapist focuses on improving communication skills, including active listening, expressing emotions, and using "I" statements.
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Conflict Resolution Training: Couples learn constructive ways to resolve conflicts, manage disagreements, and work toward compromises.​
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Problem-Solving: Couples work together to address specific issues, finding practical solutions and compromises.​
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Addressing Relapse Prevention: Couples develop strategies to maintain the progress achieved and prevent a return to negative patterns.
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Termination or Follow-Up
Reviewing Goals: The therapist and couple revisit the initial goals and assess how much they have been achieved.
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Transitioning Out of Therapy: Depending on the progress, the therapist may recommend ongoing check-ins or decide that the couple has achieved their therapeutic goals.
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It's important to note that these phases are not strictly linear, and therapy may involve revisiting certain aspects or adjusting the focus based on the evolving needs of the couple. The duration of each phase can vary, and therapy is often a dynamic and collaborative process.
