What is the difference between Individual Counselling and Relationship/Couple/Marriage Counselling?
In Individual Counselling we concentrate on the issues the client brings. Whether it’s their own personal struggles or their struggles in relationships, we assist them to resolve their through their own personal growth.
In relationship/couple/marriage counselling however, our focus is more on the actual relationship between the two people and where their communication breaks down. They therefore need a third non-biased party, who is professionally trained and registered, to help them in:
- Understanding what is happening for themselves and increasing their self-awareness
- Understanding the other person’s experience, feelings, thoughts and behaviours
- Understanding what the impact of their own actions are on each other
- Challenging themselves to make some changes
- Working together to achieve a more loving and harmonious relationship
A couple will often lose focus on their relationship after they’ve journeyed for some time, especially if the stress of life starts to take over, e.g. job stresses, raising children, paying the mortgage and bills, pursuing an unrealistic life-style, over committing to activities and sports on weeknights or weekends, etc. Often couples will leave it far too long to address those issues.
What are the common issues couples face in their relationship?
The common issues that couples bring into the counselling sessions include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety and depression of one partner or both
- Communication and negotiation issues
- Unresolved past and present conflicts
- Disconnection in the relationship
- Sexual relationship
- Infidelity/Affairs
- Domestic Violence
- Separation and divorce
- Addictions, including porn, alcohol, gambling, drugs, etc.
- Relationships with the in-laws
- Relationships with the extended family
- Parenting children and adolescents
- Step/blended family relationships
- Childhood Sexual abuse
- Trauma and complex trauma
- Grief and loss
Many couples overlook their issues and think that they can manage it until it becomes too late. Don’t wait until your relationship is falling apart to seek professional help.
If you are not sure whether it is the right time to seek some professional help, why not call us and our team, and we’ll be happy to guide you in your decision.