Couples & Relationship Therapy

Relationships are a complex and a wonderful part of each individual’s life. Relationships provide many positive attributes, such as love, friendship, support, partnership, connection, pleasure, comfort and spiritual bonding. However, at times, they can also be a source of distress, frustration and disappointment that can impact our lives significantly. Individuals in a relationship are often faced with issues that overwhelm, confront and are at times difficult to cope with. This can lead to heightened sensitivity to psychological, physical and emotional distress. If an individual finds himself/herself in a relationship with features that may be more negative than positive in nature it is critical that they seek support immediately and take control of the relationship concerns. This is where a trained counsellor may support and nurture the people of the relationship to find self-generated pathways to improve the connection with one another leading to a more harmonious flow.

An important note to male members of the relationship. Society imposes an ideal image of what men should do, how they should think, act and feel when it comes to relationships. Many men do not know any other method of addressing a problem in a relationship and tend to dismiss the problem and hope it will go away. I can assure you it will not. It is imperative to seek counselling and work with your partner. The key take-away here is don't let the relationship continue to detach and grow apart by not acknowledging the reality of what is going on in your relationship.

Unfortunately many couples do not seek professional support until it is too late. Don't be a statistic!What causes relationship problems? The common problems that occur within poor relationships are:

1. Poor communications skills

2. Intimacy issues

3. Financial concerns

4. Extra martial affairs

5. Shifting or split in loyalties

6. Poor career/life balance

7. Equality (division of household chores etc...)

8. Individual differences and styles (around parenting)

9. Poor quality of time together

10. Major life intrusions (loss of family member, transition in career, immigration)

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What happens in relationship counselling?

Relationship counselling typically involves both parties working together to support each other for the mutual benefit of the relationship. This is achieved by employing any number of counselling techniques, from Cognitive Behavioural and Solution Focussed Therapies, always with a solid base of Person Centred Therapy (respect, positive and non-judgemental positive regard as well as emotional validation). Counsellors provide couples with essential tools to support positive thinking styles, increase intimacy and build resilience, whilst resolving differences. However, it must be said that relationships may require a mediator and in times when the relationship is not able to be salvaged, a counsellor may act as an intermediary to provide an amicable separation pathway.

How can Positive Connections assist?

Positive Connections is a private professional practice that provides counselling services to individuals, couples and families in the regions of Casey and Bayside. If you are currently experiencing problems within your relationship, or you know a family member or friend that requires a positive intervention, get in touch so we can phone you for a confidential discussion.