Relationship Therapy
Relationship therapy is offered to any kind of couple who wish to engage
in it. I have experience in working with gay and lesbian couples as
well as heterosexual ones. For most people, the aim is to explore an
existing relationship to see if it can be improved or whether it has
reached the end of its life. Couples are often at crisis point when
they come; often things have got very heated and messy. Couples therapy
is often effective, as the figures for Relate suggest. A start is made
by seeing how each person views the relationship and what each person
feels needs to change to help the relationship. The participants are
encouraged to try out new ways of behaving to see their effect. Many
couples feel that they go round in circles and these can be analysed
and understood, and ways of replacing them with new and better patterns
can be discussed. Reciprocity negotiation – “I’ll do this if you will
do that”- is encouraged. Exercises in listening, communication, and
seeing things from the other person’s point of view are offered. Our
early relationships with our parents can be very important in shaping
and moulding us, and these can affect our behaviour unconsciously as
well as consciously. The patterns of thinking, feeling and expecting
that are relevant to the relationship can be discussed and new ways
of relating can be practised. Attitudes towards intimacy and distance
can be central. Individual issues can be accommodated within the therapy
pattern. Psychosexual issues quite often arise. Aggressive and critical
behaviours can be helped through assertiveness work and through Positive
psychology. There may be issues around forgiveness and trust. A warm
and open atmosphere is worked towards. By the end, couples may feel
that they have re-established their relationship on a sounder basis
than ever before.
If counselling, psychotherapy or psychosexual and relationship therapy is for you, do not hesitate to make contact.