Couples.

I help many Couples in Port Macquarie with their relationship issues or marriage difficulties. Couples therapy can be both rewarding and challenging as I help you work through the conflict, personal psychology and communication breakdowns that are often present.

WHY AM I NOT HAPPY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP?

Once the initial excitement of a relationship has tapered down, some things that you used to love about your partner can start to grind and cause friction. If left unresolved this can lead to a pattern of conflict. Perhaps, you don’t feel heard, valued or respected and you might respond in different ways to try to heal the issues, but at some point you both find yourselves in repetitive arguments unable to find an off ramp. Positions can get set in and each partner’s psychological history can make it difficult for either person to give enough leeway to solve things together.

WHY AM I NOT HAPPY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP?

What happens in couples counselling?

As you come in for Couples therapy, I create a safe and collaborative space for you and your partner to delicately resolve the conflicts in the relationship, or marriage. I help you and your partner to clarify what is missing, what you would like, what your hopes and fears are. I work to understand the unique psychological dynamics of your relationship, note what patterns you’re both stuck in and what bottle necks are creating trouble. From here I help you to understand the deeper processes of what’s been happening between you, why it’s been happening and how to move forward in the healing process.

What's the best couples counselling method?

My approach is drawn from my qualifications in Emotionally Focussed Therapy by one of the best known Psychologists, Dr Sue Johnson, and from the Gottman Method, by the world renown Psychologists John & Julie Gottman. These are the two best counselling approaches to heal relationships with Couples Therapy. I favour an integrative approach, tailoring my work to the personal psychology and dynamic of the couple in that given session or any session after. We’re complex and complicated creatures, us humans.

Is couples Counselling worth it?

In short, YES, Couples Counselling is worth it. In adulthood, it’s the most important and enduring relationship. As life is so short, it makes sense to improve your psychological health and start to thrive again, living your fullest and best life rather than dampen your experience, merely existing whilst emotionally closed down to your partner. It’s best to seek help before you reach the point of splitting up. But even then, it’s not too late to see me for counselling to help de-escalate and clarify the situation before any big decisions are made.