First and foremost you’ll both be heard. You’ll be given all the time you need to talk, sob, shout or think. Couples counselling is an opportunity to look at the problem in a different way with someone who'll respect and encourage your opinions and decisions.  Opening up opportunities for greater understanding, while appreciating the differences between you and your partner.

Why is couples counselling so popular?

It is not unusual for people to leave their home town to live with their partner, pursue a career, independence or better living conditions.  And without the close proximity of families and childhood friends, couples are expected to manage their lives and families without the support that in the past would have been a primary resource for managing relationships.

In recent years it’s more usual for couples to be less bound by family traditions, freer than ever to develop relationships unlike those that they were raised in, in these instances couples may find themselves in situations that are not supported or understood.

What are the possible outcomes from therapy?

There are 3 possible outcomes for therapy

1. For some reason change isn't possible, but you decide there's enough good stuff worth staying together for.
2. You or your partner can't or won't change and you decide to split up.  If this option is chosen, couples are helped to separate with dignity.
3. You decide to alter the situation and work together at making your relationship better.