Intimate relationships are fundamental aspects of one's sense of purpose, security, and overall well-being. At Life Supports, it is recognised that relationships may encounter challenges. As individuals progress from childhood to adulthood, it is common for unproductive narratives and behaviours to emerge, which can negatively impact these relationships. Consequently, one may experience emotional distress and feelings of isolation. It should be noted, however, that change is attainable. An effective relationship counsellor can facilitate the transformation of these narratives by creating a supportive environment for the expression of emotions, needs, grievances, and aspirations. In collaboration with both partners, the therapist aims to unravel and analyse the events and personal stories that have influenced the relationship, while also equipping the couple with skills to improve the quality of their relationship and foster intimacy.
The main focus of your sessions is to explore new and constructive methods for reconnecting with both yourself and your partner. Our therapists will introduce a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques specifically tailored to address the individual needs of you and your partner. Through the application of solution-focused approaches in therapy, our aim is to cultivate empathy, communication, and trust among couples, effectively repairing and strengthening relationships.
You can expect your sessions with a relationship counsellor to include the following steps:
Relationship counselling is beneficial for many different people and circumstances. Couples most frequently go to therapy to work through issues of stress and conflict, mend a damaged relationship, rebuild trust following an affair, or learn new methods to communicate their expectations and feelings to one another. Therapists can also work with you to address the following:
The initial counselling session for your first relationship will be primarily focused on your therapist gaining an understanding of both you and your partner. The session will commence with introductions, where your therapist will gather information about each individual, your relationship journey, as well as past experiences. It is important to be prepared to take turns responding to questions and actively listening to one another.
These early sessions serve as an exploration of your histories, with the goal of identifying individual patterns and behaviours that contribute to misunderstandings and conflicts within your relationship. Through collaboration with the therapist, you and your partner will work towards identifying the strengths and weaknesses within your relationship and incorporating techniques that promote positive change.
Following the initial counselling session, it is not uncommon to experience a range of emotions. This is a natural response, as therapy can be a challenging process. It is important to allow yourself the necessary time and space to process any emotions that may arise. It is worth noting that change not only occurs during therapy sessions, but also during the time spent reflecting and applying what has been learned to daily life.
A counsellor can help couples communicate more healthily by facilitating sympathetic and useful dialogue and teaching them practical conversational skills. During your sessions, your counsellor will advise you to develop assertive communication, emotional control, and active listening. This will facilitate clearer communication of your needs and wants between you and your spouse as well as a greater understanding of one another's viewpoints. This gives you and your spouse the essential communication skills you need to handle breakups more skillfully and become stronger as a couple.
The main goals of counselling sessions are to deal with the fundamental problems that underlie a lack of closeness, trust, and intimacy in relationships. Therapy can help partners gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of each other by urging them to practise empathy and improve their communication skills. This increases the likelihood that a meaningful and lasting connection will be formed.
A good relationship therapist can assist you and your partner in coming up with fresh strategies for resolving disagreements and misunderstandings. Along with your counsellor, you will identify the habits and behaviours that are producing dysfunction in your relationship and develop problem-solving and relationship-strengthening strategies.
Appointments currently available
Open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 5:30pm weekends