For most people who come to counselling it is a surprise to discover how easy it is to share your troubles with someone who listens carefully and does not take sides. We can help you find a way forward in your relationship, perhaps towards more sharing and intimacy with better communication. Even when this is not possible, we can help you understand what has happened and work out what you need to do.
Couples of all ages and families of all types come to us for support through the stress of events that happen to all of us.
Relationship counselling
We have a great belief in the strength of couple and family relationships and that is what we look for – how people have managed in the past and the things they do well. All relationships hit bad times and sometimes several things happen together so that it is easy to forget how to work as a team.
Communication
The ability to communicate openly and honestly is key to a healthy relationship where intimacy, sexuality and feelings can be explored safely. When communication breaks down sex is often the first casualty and, as closeness is lost, people may start to look outside their relationship for comfort.
We can help you start to communicate in a different way, break old patterns and see each other in a different light, begin talking again and perhaps find again the intimacy you once shared.
If you have a specific sexual difficulty, we can refer you to a Relate Licensed Psychosexual Therapist.
Sexual abuse
Many people come to us for help with their relationship when the impact of child sexual abuse is felt in their adult relationships
Mental health
When one or both partners in a relationship experience mental health issues this can bring extra challenges to the relationship. We can help you work out how to focus on your relationship while you seek help elsewhere.
Domestic violence and abuse
Couples: If both of you can accept responsibility for your safety and your actions and want to change what is happening, we can talk with you about how to make yourselves and your children safe and then possibly work together. We cannot work with you if violence is ongoing.
Survivors: We can work with individuals who are or have been victims of abusive behaviour to help you think about your safety and the safety of your children and find a way forward.
Family counselling
Family stresses
We can help with:
Parents and children who are struggling to communicate
Parents who disagree on how to bring up their children
Adult siblings who don’t get along
Family break up
If you and your partner are separating we can help you to deal with the process positively and learn how best to help your children through the experience. We can help bring the voices of your children into the discussions about their care and help you plan important contact with the parent who is no longer at home.
Blended families
Many people today are in blended families, coping not only with the stresses of everyday life but also with ex-partners, children's weekend visits and the demands of teenagers. We can help you work out what is right for you and your family and understand the impact of previous relationship experiences. We look for your strengths and your ways of coping. Sometimes we see the whole family together, sometimes just a few members.
Supervision
All counsellors are required to discuss their casework every month with a supervisor. We are both experienced supervisors and welcome enquiries from any counsellors who wish to work with us.
Couples of all ages and families of all types come to us for support through the stress of events that happen to all of us.
Relationship counselling
We have a great belief in the strength of couple and family relationships and that is what we look for – how people have managed in the past and the things they do well. All relationships hit bad times and sometimes several things happen together so that it is easy to forget how to work as a team.
Communication
The ability to communicate openly and honestly is key to a healthy relationship where intimacy, sexuality and feelings can be explored safely. When communication breaks down sex is often the first casualty and, as closeness is lost, people may start to look outside their relationship for comfort.
We can help you start to communicate in a different way, break old patterns and see each other in a different light, begin talking again and perhaps find again the intimacy you once shared.
If you have a specific sexual difficulty, we can refer you to a Relate Licensed Psychosexual Therapist.
Sexual abuse
Many people come to us for help with their relationship when the impact of child sexual abuse is felt in their adult relationships
Mental health
When one or both partners in a relationship experience mental health issues this can bring extra challenges to the relationship. We can help you work out how to focus on your relationship while you seek help elsewhere.
Domestic violence and abuse
Family counselling
Family stresses
We can help with:
Family break up
If you and your partner are separating we can help you to deal with the process positively and learn how best to help your children through the experience. We can help bring the voices of your children into the discussions about their care and help you plan important contact with the parent who is no longer at home.
Blended families
Many people today are in blended families, coping not only with the stresses of everyday life but also with ex-partners, children's weekend visits and the demands of teenagers. We can help you work out what is right for you and your family and understand the impact of previous relationship experiences. We look for your strengths and your ways of coping. Sometimes we see the whole family together, sometimes just a few members.
Supervision
All counsellors are required to discuss their casework every month with a supervisor. We are both experienced supervisors and welcome enquiries from any counsellors who wish to work with us.
