People seek couples counselling for a variety of reasons. The most common issues are often related to communication problems which lead to arguments, feelings of resentment and lack of intimacy. This may result in one or both parties looking elsewhere to fulfil their emotional and/or physical needs. Children, work and everyday stress can all affect the relationship negatively and make us feel disconnected. If one partner is struggling but doesn’t communicate this and seek professional help it can also have a detrimental effect. It is possible that individual counselling is preferable to start with as past unresolved trauma and mental health problems can play a significant part in how we behave in intimate relationships.
I offer a specialised service for my individual clients with diagnosed or suspected Autism and/ or ADHD and couples counselling is a natural extension of that service. I can, if necessary, use my extensive experience in this field in couples work. As you may know, relationships and communication are areas neurodivergent clients often struggle with. I am also able to help and support couples who are raising children with special educational needs which can at times be very challenging.
I initially completed training in couples counselling using Systemic Family Therapy. The integrative method I use today is based on the research by American Psychologists Albert Ellis (founder of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy), John Gottman (founder of the Gottman Relationship Institute), and Harville Hendrix (founder of Imago Couples Therapy).
My approach to relationship therapy is also heavily influenced by Terry Real, creator of Relational Life Therapy and the founder of the Relational Life Institute.
I work with issues such as poor communication, infidelity, conflicts with in-laws, disagreements over parenting, jealousy, financial problems, job stress, disillusionment with the relationship, emotional intimacy, frequent arguments & lack of sexual interactions, amongst other problems.
Please be aware that I am not a psychosexual therapist so if your issue is exclusively of a sexual nature I may not be able to help.
Also, couples therapy is not recommended in relationships where one or both partners have problems with addiction, or where there is abuse. In these instances it is advisable to seek help from a specialised counselling service to start with.
If you are interested in couples therapy and would like to know more please call or email me. I’m happy to schedule a phone call before booking you in for a first session.