Relationship Counselling for Couples
ENGAGing IN RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING can help OVERCOME COMMUNICATION ISSUES
Nearly every relationship can benefit from attentive, compassionate relationship counselling. Especially for those who chronically experience communication issues or ongoing fights that leave both partners drained, a qualified relationship therapist can help bridge the gap between the partners. Keep reading below to discover whether couples counselling in Canberra is right for you.
Asking for assistance in relationship difficulties or transition can be a brave move. In our culture, social media platforms push the idea that many people have near-perfect lives. Its hard to admit difficulties in this area. Couples therapy can provide a space to negotiate difficulty with the guidance of a professional, as well as assistance in re-discovering the spark between couples. Drawing from the Gottman method, therapy is both sensitive to any hurt that the couple may be feeling, as well as being strengths based. That is to say that whilst not denying the conflicts between a couple, therapy also seeks to re-develop the friendship and attraction that brought the couple together.
Often, therapy will involve starting by addressing the primary point of conflict that brought the couple to ultimately seek help. This conflict can be worked through by active listening and dialogue that seeks to draw out the meaning and impact of the conflict for each individual. In this, the real understanding of the other is paramount. Relationships are not built solely on conflict resolution, but also on trust, friendship and attachment. Therefore, during this process, therapy seeks to address how attachment can be re-established and strengthened. This often involves reestablishing healthy habits of communication, time together and sexual expression.
THINGS YOU CAN LEARN FROM COUPLES THERAPY
Couples therapy is something that can help both partners develop how they approach the relationship.
One of the primary goals that we have in couples counselling is to create the foundation for improved communication between both partners. One of the greatest obstacles to a successful relationship is an inability to communicate, whether that manifests in communication being shut down before it creates a connection between both partners, and results in unnecessary conflict.
Disagreements are natural, and occasionally conflict is unavoidable. After all, each partner comes from a unique perspective and does not always share the same assumptions. We strive to offer helpful tools to those in a relationship so that they can turn to practiced techniques rather than letting conflict spiral out of control. Often the more calmly you can address conflict, the more likely you are to grow from the experience and strengthen the relationship.
Not everyone has the same degree of intuitive, emotional understanding, as their strengths may lie elsewhere. Another goal of counselling can be to help develop that understanding in those who need assistance with it. If you can understand what emotional state your partner is in, then you can better temper your communication to be as effective as possible.
The Gottman method is used in couples counselling. Rather than knowing what we’re doing only in theory, we strive to learn how these lessons apply in concrete scenarios. This method focuses on building upon the existing foundation of the relationship and bridges gaps, rather than denying their existence.
PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT TO DKN Psychology FOR RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING IN Canberra
Before you arrive for your first session, there are several things that you can do to prepare yourself:
Envision what you would like to accomplish in the relationship. Are there areas or situations within the relationship that you and your partner agree are ideal? We can build on those as the starting point for a healthier relationship overall. Take stock of common occurrences that you feel create unnecessary distance between the two of you and be prepared to discuss those.
As much as you can, rationally take a look at the relationship as it stands, as well as your own mental wellbeing. If you can leave pride and ego out of your perceptions, we can together help you identify areas that you may be contributing to discord and develop techniques to overcome those challenges.
Be open to the idea of changing if you discover that you’re taking actions that close off the potential of the relationship. Generally, but not always, communication issues and relationship problems are maintained by both parties to lesser or greater degrees. Couples counselling sessions may reveal that some actions you take limit the possibility of communication between you and your partner.
ABOUT Deakin Psychology
With over a decade of experience in the counselling field, and now working as a psychology, Paul has worked with many people to promote positive changes in their lives. His counselling has included working on drug and alcohol addiction, overcoming trauma, anger management, and providing couples therapy. He holds a Masters in Counselling, and a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and is a member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Contact us to schedule an initial visit and discuss how Paul can help your relationship.