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Couples and Relationship Counselling

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 Conjoint Couples Counselling 

 

Relationships, while very often fulfilling and beautiful, can also bring their fair share of challenges and conflicts and very often the problems that couples face have little to do with not loving and caring about the other person in the relationship. Rather, it's that many couples simply don’t know how to communicate what they want and need from their partner. Admitting to a stranger that your marriage or relationship is failing can be daunting, but it can lead to a new lease of freedom and understanding. 

 

What is conjoint counselling and how it differs from traditional couples therapy

 

Conjoint counselling, is a powerful tool that can help diffuse tension and conflict, paving the way towards more positive and productive communication, for mending troubled relationships. However, if ultimately, couples choose to separate, time can be spent making sure that emotions are calmed so that you can both come to terms with your new and changed circumstances. The end of a relationship shouldn’t be considered a failure, rather the end of one story and the beginning of another.

 

Conjoint couple counselling differs somewhat from traditional couples therapy as both spouses are treated at the same time by two counsellors (opposed to one), usually of different genders, working simultaneously with the couple. This method of working is typically considered more intensive than traditional therapy because both partners are invited to co-create the process of change. Conjoint counselling often centres on increasing effective communication and strengthening attachment bonds Unlike individual therapy, couple’s counselling involves the therapist entering the couple’s way of life more directly. They bring their habits and routines with each other directly into the session. The counsellor is involved in analysing and offering feedback about the couple’s interaction, and makes suggestions about ways to improve it.

 

When to look for couples therapy?

 

Being able to recognise signs of unhealthy relationship patterns is key to knowing when to go to couples therapy. The earlier you address relationship problems, the easier it is to prevent them from escalating into more significant issues, that may ultimately lead to the demise of your relationship. Curious if you and your partner should consider Conjoint couples counselling? Here are some common relationship issues and the warning signs that may indicate a need for couple’s therapy;

 

  • Trust issues 

  • Infidelity

  • Loss of physical intimacy 

  • Financial conflicts

  • Lack of effective communication 

  • Parenting challenges

 

Advantages of using Conjoint couples counselling

 

  • Both partners have more chance of feeling understood and neither feels outnumbered or ‘ganged up on’.

  • The presence of two therapists in the room can be helpful for addressing gender-related differences and anxieties, with great sensitivity.  

  • Partners can benefit from the richness of having access to the experiences of two different counsellors. 

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"In order to work on your relationship, there has to be a strong desire to do so and the ability to be open to new ideas and new behaviours." - Irina Firstein

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