Sometimes the people we care about the most are the ones we experience the biggest struggles with. The relationship that once was effortless, exciting and gratifying now requires endless work, compromises and sacrifices. Arguments either erupt regularly or are avoided all together. The spark is gone and in its place is the burden of responsibility, obligation and resentment.
Is this how it's really "meant to be"?
The fact is, some of our strongest relationships grow out of the differences we see in each other. Indeed, we are often attracted to someone with strengths that we wish we had ourselves. As we settle into our relationship or marriage, those differences - the very aspects that may have attracted us in the first place - become more apparent. Conflicts arise and get tougher to resolve. We dig in our heels and wonder why the other person can't see our point of view.
What many couples don't realize is that you can get back to a place of mutual respect, honesty, openness and connection. The key is to learn about your partner and who they are now, not when you first committed to each other. Discover how those differences impact your relationship dynamic. Learn to speak in terms so the other person will "hear" you, making it possible to repair and rebuild the relationship. And the best part is that no one gives up their individuality. You don't need to stop being you to enjoy a healthy relationship with your partner.
My relationship counselling is ideal for couples who:
recognize they need help to improve their relationship dynamics.
want proactive support and guidance to resolve conflict.
can't move beyond a recurring argument or challenge.
need to recover and repair following broken trust, betrayal or an affair.
feel they are out of options and don't know where to turn.
are thinking of starting a family and want to prepare for their relationship as parents.
want strategies for better communication with each other.
What if your spouse or partner is not interested in counselling? Even if your spouse refuses to take part in counselling, you can still change the relationship dynamic. Counselling will give you new insights to who you are as an individual and your natural tendencies for relationship building and communication. You'll learn strategies to help you through problem areas and bridge the gap in your relationship.
What type of therapy do I use in couples counselling? I mix research-driven, evidence-based therapy with the number one rated catalyst in therapeutic progress: the Therapeutic Relationship. The therapies I apply include:
Sue Johnsons’ Emotionally Focussed Therapy
John and Julie Gottmans’ Method Couples Therapy
Bowen’s Family Systems Therapy
Personality Dimensions, True Colours and Keirsey Personality Theories
Contact me for more information and to begin your journey to a renewed relationship.