Relationship Counselling Therapy
Relationship Counselling Therapy – Birmingham, West Midlands and Warwickshire
Relationship Therapy - What is it?
Are you dealing with constant conflict, a breakdown in communications, a loss of intimacy, the pain of infidelity? Or are you at the crossroads of separation or divorce? If you’ve reached an emotional gridlock, it’s time to seek the professional help that you need. Talking with someone who is none-judgemental, empathetic, objective and a trained relationship therapist can make a big difference.
Relationship counselling therapy can help you find a way forward as it doesn’t have to be the end of the road for your relationship. My approach is supportive, compassionate and honest. No matter how bad things may seem, I can help you find a more harmonious way of relating, whether that is together or apart.
Relationship Therapy - How does it work?
Sessions are 1.5 hours long as they involve both you and your partner. Occasionally, it may be more beneficial for partners to have separate individual sessions to help deal with early childhood trauma.
Once we have had initial discussions surrounding your history, your concerns and the dynamics of your relationship, we will begin work immediately and try out a few exercises.
Working on your relationship doesn’t stop once your therapy session ends. In fact, a major part of relationship counselling is what happens in between your sessions. In short, you will have homework. It’s essential that you try out the exercises and complete the tasks set. Remember the more you practice, the more you’ll learn strategies to handle conflict effectively.
In terms of the number of sessions you need, that very much depends on the nature of your issues, your commitment levels and how much you and your partner do between sessions.
Relationship Therapy - How does it work?
Conflict
One of the main reasons that relationships struggle is conflict. The most common types are the feeling of not being heard, lack of intimacy, commitment levels, language and behaviour patterns and/or children. Arguments can escalate and may result in you becoming angry, defensive or aggressive and without some form of resolution can be detrimental to a happy and supportive relationship.
Communication
Communication is an important component of any relationship. How we express ourselves with a partner, whether through words and voice tone we use or the behaviours we show, can ignite conflict at the flick of a switch. Some of the underlying causes are:
- Not listening or not being heard
- Adopting the wrong tone of voice
- Making assumptions
- Not asking for what you need
- Lack of responsibility
- Getting angry
- Power battles
- Parent-child relationship dynamic
- Apologising too much
- Expecting your partner to second guess your needs or moods
The result can be unhealthy patterns of behaviour where you and your partner start to relate to each other in a hurtful and unproductive manner.
Infidelity (broken trust)
When you or your partner has an affair or is unfaithful, it can severely strain a relationship and the people involved. It can leave you feeling betrayed, devastated, confused and alone. And in some cases, it can mark the end of the relationship. But having an affair does not automatically mean that your relationship is over. Handled sensitively, it can be a catalyst for positive change; an opportunity for you to reassess what you have and find the courage to speak out and begin to repair your broken relationship.
Intimacy
Feeling overwhelmed by workload, home and/or childcare responsibilities can leave women feeling like the tank is empty. One of the first things to go is intimacy and the fear that a hug or kiss could turn to sex means you shut down even further. Fear of intimacy can stem from certain childhood experiences, including abuse or neglect, but there are many other reasons why this may have occurred. By understanding the contributing factors and sharing them with your partner, so that they don’t feel unwanted or unloved, will allow you to experience closeness and connection and be more comfortable with feeling vulnerable.
Relationship Therapy - What can you expect?
There are many benefits to relationship counselling therapy:
- Gain insights about your relationship
- Improve how you relate to each other
- Become more supportive and cooperative
- Manage daily disputes in a calmer manner
- Become more skilled at resolving disagreements, solving problems and making decisions
- Address and resolve underlying conflicts amicably
- Deepen and strengthen connections with your partner
- Learn how to adjust to major changes including children, redundancy or retirement
- Promote self-awareness and personal growth
- Improve relationship satisfaction
Book an Appointment
Carla Devereux uses a combined therapeutic approach to support clients work through their presenting issues and achieve their desired outcome.
