Relationship
Therapy

Relationship therapy, also known as “couples therapy” or “marriage counselling”, is a type of psychotherapy aimed at helping partners improve their relationship. It involves working with couples to address and resolve issues that may be causing stress or dissatisfaction in their relationship. Relationship therapy is offered to any type of relationship.
 

A breakdown of what relationship therapy typically involves:
 

1. Identifying Issues: The therapist helps the couple identify and articulate the specific issues or challenges they are facing. These might include communication problems, trust issues, conflicts over finances, parenting disagreements, or infidelity.
    

2. Improving Communication: A key focus is on enhancing how partners communicate with each other. This might involve teaching them how to listen actively, express their needs and feelings constructively, and understand each other's perspectives.
    

3. Exploring Patterns: Therapists help couples recognise unhealthy patterns or behaviours that contribute to their problems. By understanding these patterns, partners can work on changing them and developing healthier ways of interacting.
    

4. Developing Skills: Couples often learn new skills to improve their relationship. This can include conflict resolution techniques, ways to show appreciation and affection, and strategies for managing stress together.
    

5. Setting Goals: The therapy process involves setting goals for the relationship. These goals might be related to resolving specific issues, enhancing intimacy, or improving overall satisfaction in the relationship.
    

6. Working Through Emotions: Therapy provides a safe space for partners to express and work through their emotions, including anger, sadness, or frustration. The therapist helps them navigate these emotions in a productive way.
    

7. Building Trust: For relationships that have experienced breaches of trust, such as infidelity/cheating therapy focuses on rebuilding trust and repairing the relationship.
    

8. Exploring Underlying Factors: Sometimes, relationship issues are connected to individual concerns or past experiences. Therapy can explore these underlying factors and how they impact the relationship.
    

9. Enhancing Connection: Ultimately, relationship therapy aims to help partners reconnect, strengthen their bond, and build a more fulfilling and supportive relationship.
    

Therapists use various approaches and techniques, depending on the couple’s needs and goals. Many couples find that therapy helps them gain deeper understanding and improve their relationship.