You are not alone in experiencing relationship difficulties.

Even the strongest, happiest relationships with our partners can become strained over time, leaving us distant and disconnected from each other or feeling unfulfilled, empty, and alone. Real-world pressures, misunderstandings, communication blocks, betrayals, financial difficulties, and intimacy issues can all create relationship challenges which slowly erode any sense of contentment and cause you to question why you are together.

Deepen your understanding of ‘what is going on here?’

Couples therapy is about exploring your relationship history and the current emotional distance you are experiencing. It is essential to understand how each of you sees the current situation, how it is contributing to the distance between you, the influence of any current or historical external factors, and what each of you wants from this relationship.

Learn how to close the distance between you.

Through therapy, you can learn how to communicate your needs to one another, express your feelings, be present with each other, and, most importantly, understand ‘what is going on here?’ so you can change unhelpful communication patterns.

Begin to move forward with confidence.

Share and explore the overwhelming burden you have probably been carrying. By reviewing your progress, you will begin to visualize whatever outcome seems best for you, both individually and as a couple. For many couples, particularly with children or families, this will mean staying together, while separation may offer the best solution for others. Whatever the subsequent outcomes, you can be confident that the reality of your current situation will have been thoroughly explored in the process.

How long will your therapy take?

The duration and pattern of attendance depend on your needs. For most couples, between three and eight sessions are required to move the relationship in their preferred direction. However, some couples may benefit from doing an additional two or three individual sessions early in the process to understand their own particular needs better while, for others, one session is enough to clarify their communication issues.

Weekly attendance may be recommended if you and your partner are experiencing significant dysregulation in your current situation. Alternatively, bi-weekly attendance with inter-session ‘homework’ to build communication skills may be recommended.

Now, it’s your turn.

Getting in touch may feel uncomfortable, but it could be so worthwhile. Together, we can work out ‘what’s going on here?’ and explore where you can go from there. Remember, many relationships go through difficult stages, so don’t let your situation drag on any longer. The sooner you call, the sooner things can change!