Couples Therapy

I firmly believe that building a happy and lasting relationship with a significant other is one of the most fraught, but important, challenges in life. Partner relationships contribute as much, if not more, to our happiness, well-being and quality of life than anything else we invest in. Yet, despite the idealised notions we grow up with about how such relationships are supposed to function, every partnership encounters difficulties. When this happens, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Unfortunately, much of the conventional “wisdom” about relationships is not only wrong, but actually counterproductive, as it feeds into unhelpful expectations and assumptions.

This is where couples therapy can help. Over the last few decades, understandings about what makes a relationship work have evolved. Researchers have studied the issues and patterns that undermine the strength of relationships in great detail, and developed evidence-based approaches to addressing and repairing these issues. I use an Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) approach in my therapy. Therapists who are trained in EFT techniques are able to offer a high success rate at assisting couples to repair their relationships when they go astray. Read more about EFT here.

Some common issues for which couples may seek out therapy include:

• Physical affection or sex has dried up in the relationship

• A relationship betrayal, such as an affair, has occurred

• There is a lack of connection and/or communication

• Your partner has suggested an open relationship - or you are considering one

• One or both of you are feeling lonely, unappreciated, resentful or unloved

• There is a lot of conflict and or criticism occurring

• You and your partner have a disagreement that you are unable to resolve

• You and your partner have different parenting styles, or preferences for how to relate to the in-laws

• You have decided to separate, and would like help doing so amicably