How Can Relationship Counselling Help Us?

When people in a relationship have been experiencing challenges for a while it seem like things might never change. It can feel like both people have tried to address the issues, though these efforts end in frustration and feelings of disconnection.

Building a strong intimate relationship and navigating relationship challenges is a crucial life skill that is not taught in schools, and few adults have training in.

Relationships are about different people, with unique personalities and backgrounds coming together. While in the initial stages of a relationship our brain is flooded with the "happy hormones" of Oxytocin, Dopamine and Serotonin. These are the hormones which give us sweaty palms and butterflies in the stomach. When this 'honeymoon' phase of love begins to wear off we get to see a more realistic version of our partner, and ourselves in the relationship. While this initially is a bit of a shock, it also signals the beginning of a truer relationship. At this time conflicts and challenges can start to appear, and can build over time to become obstacles to a happy relationship.

Some of the challenges that couples talk about experiencing are:

• Difficulties in communication and feeling heard

• Conflict that does not resolve

• Loss of trust

• Loss of intimacy

• Step-family conflicts

• Parenting differences

• Financial stress

So how can Relationship Counselling help?

Relationship Counsellors are trained to be able to identify the key dynamics and themes that can cause issues in relationships and keep relationships stuck. They are also experienced in supporting clients to to raise the issues they are experiencing in the relationship,  and to be able to listen more fully to their partner.

Some of the ways that Relationship Counselling can help are:

• Identify of the key points of stress

• Help couples to identify and change negative communication styles

• Assist couples to manage conflict better

• Identify the key strengths in the relationship

• Help to increase understanding each others emotions

• Assist coupes in working on the key issues in the relationship together

• Identify the key needs for each person in the relationship

Relationship Counselling can assist in clarifying the key issues in the relationship and build the understandings and skills needed to develop the relationship you want.