Communication Enhancement

Many couples can develop negative communication patterns or, in some instances stop communicating altogether. Slowly, they can slip further and further away from the loving, compassionate, relationship they used to have. Behind all forms of expression is a strong desire and longing to be understood by the other, it’s just about making sense of what is behind the communication. Before we can find the words to communicate, we need to understand the needs of each person. It is also important to understand the barriers to communication and remember that people will have different ways to communicate according to their lived experience. Learning how to effectively communicate together can be a real game changer in your relationship. We facilitate healthy communication exercises for couples so they can develop their skills and together, strengthen their relationship, and find solutions together.

Conflict Resolution

All relationships go through difficult times, and it is impossible to avoid periods of turmoil and conflict. In fact, a popular saying in our field is that “conflict is growth trying to happen”. Everyone responds differently to situations. Disagreements can become a harmful routine of misunderstandings leading to a sense of isolation. You may feel stuck in the same, frustrating conflict patterns and feel at a loss for what to say or do. When people feel heard, understood and validated, they are less likely to be defensive or feel the need to ‘attack’. Furthermore, a sense of safety can begin leading to openness and a willingness to listen to the other as these basic relational needs feel met. Relationships grow through phases of development and change in life. This is why it is crucial to learn how relationships function (together), so that you can connect and flourish with your partner.

Intimacy and Connection

There are many causes for the erosion of intimacy and closeness in this modern world we live in. The increasing use of technology and digital services in daily life has gradually led to an increase in the demand for dopamine hits (neurotransmitter that helps people feel pleasure and is part of the brain’s reward system). This can interfere with the quality of interpersonal connection as attention becomes focussed elsewhere away from the relationship.  Social media and pornography are just some of causes for misunderstandings and expectations of one-another. Couples can often have difficulty making sense of and resolving together, increasing emotional distance. Having busy schedules, higher stress levels, caring for others, can also cause fatigue as there is very little left in the tank for your partner. Left unaddressed, this can lead to isolation and loneliness in the relationship. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of building a life together, or a committed couple in need of support, we’ll help you work through the difficult stuff, create solution-oriented goals that help you reconnect and find healing and a healthier path forward. Our passion is about exploring ways to deepen emotional intimacy and strengthen your connection with your partner.

Separation and Divorce 

Counselling is also suitable for couples who are considering separation or divorce. Something we often find our clients contemplating is “How do we know when we should stay or when we should go?”. We don’t believe anyone should tell a couple when to leave a relationship – this is your relationship. When a relationship feels challenged, there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves. We offer compassionate support to help navigate and process through this difficult time. Couples therapy can alleviate feelings of hurt and resentment as well as help relationships remain amicable during, what can be, a difficult time, so each partner can begin to rebuild their lives.