How therapy helps couples
If you’d like to talk about how you can improve your current relationship or manage a separation, you may find it useful to talk to one of our couple therapists.
Our counsellors respect differences of culture, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. You’re welcome whether you are married, living together, separated, divorced or single and whatever your sexual orientation or identity. Our therapists are experienced in working with same-sex couples as well as male/female couples.
What does couple counselling entail?
Couples counselling can help you take time to see your relationship from a fresh perspective. You can discuss your feelings, values and expectations, and your therapist may work with you on how to communicate more clearly. You and your partner have an opportunity to explore with your therapist your roles, desires and behaviour, to think about what you want from your relationship and what you can do to change your situation for the better. It also gives you the space to explore, in confidence, complex or difficult issues, including areas of less obvious tension or conflict and your sexual relationship.
Often relationship therapy explores the dynamics between you and your partner and how your interactions can be improved, sometimes by focusing on your communication skills. You may be carrying expectations and ideals about what you want from your relationship; you may be burdened by past hurts or the impact of infidelity. Therapy can help understand the baggage you may be carrying, as well as to acknowledge what you appreciate about your partner.
Staying together or separating?
Couple counselling can help you decide if you wish to maintain your relationship. However, if you decide to separate, these sessions can support you in managing an ending. If appropriate, we can recommend several solicitors and mediators whose expertise may be beneficial to you. This is often applicable in cases of separation or divorce, financial settlements, or child custody and access.
