Couples counselling and relationship therapy
I regard couples counselling, or relationship therapy, as being about communication, clarification, and understanding. In the confidential setting, I encourage couples to talk constructively about their relationship. Sessions are one hour and a quarter (75 minutes) in duration, and the fee is 65 pounds.
In some situations, when counselling commences, each partner would like the same outcome (for example, less conflict). Alternatively perhaps one partner has a slightly or very different agenda from the other, in which case negotiation is the way forward.
Without taking sides, I will work with you together toward an agreed aim of improving or rescuing your relationship or, if you wish to separate or divorce, to do so as amicably as possible.
You may be nervous about the prospect of discussing private matters with me in front of your partner, but please keep in mind that I will not be there to criticise you or to make judgements. With the skills I have gained from training in couples counselling, and my years of experience, I will seek to be supportive of your endeavours to express yourself, and to be heard and understood by your partner.
‘We find ourselves on different sides of a line nobody drew’
Leonard Cohen (from Old Ideas 2012)
If you can overcome the initially daunting step of entering couples counselling/relationship therapy, the rewards are often quickly gained. In many cases, couples get an immediate short-term boost. This may be partly down to a sense of relief that something is being done, and also because of the fact that your partner has agreed to make this courageous move with you and that this indicates she or he cares.
After a session or two, partners often begin to support each other through the agreed and necessary changes in their relationship. This is one of the reasons that couples counselling typically requires fewer sessions than one-to-one therapy.