Sometimes an outside perspective is invaluable. In couples therapy, a specialist couples counsellor or couples therapist is able to guide a couple through their relationship problems to find resolutions that work for them.
There are often a number of questions about couples counselling, and when it is appropriate.
Below, we look at certain situations that can come up and raise the question of whether couples counselling or marriage guidance counselling might be helpful….
When is the Best Time to Seek Help?
The best time to seek out couples counselling in Newcastle is when you notice that your relationship might be consistently having more difficulties than before, or when there is a new challenge that you both seem to be unable to get past.
Relationship problems tend to be created by smaller issues building up over time, so if you think that a problem is escalating, contacting a couple’s therapist ahead of this is the best step to take to avoid the issue getting bigger and causing damage to your relationship.
Couples therapy should not be viewed as a last-ditch attempt to save a relationship, but instead as a resource for making the most of your relationship.
After all, a relationship is about two people working together towards a common goal. It takes effort to maintain a healthy relationship, and seeing a counsellor earlier can save difficulties down the line.
What When One Person Is More Willing?
It is natural that one party will be more enthusiastic about couples counselling than the other.
It can be helpful to express to your partner that you value the relationships and want to make it work with them.
Many often think that couples counselling will involve the therapist taking sides or “telling you what to do”. There can also be concerns about being judged for needing help with your relationship.
Though understandable, couples counselling and/or marriage guidance with our service is non-judgemental and focused on helping you both be heard and develop your relationship.
It is important to note however that you cannot force someone to do what they don’t want to do, and often forcing against their will to attend can be unhelpful in relationship counselling.
I Feel Awkward Talking about Sex – Will I have to?
The topic of conversation is led by the client and so if sex isn’t an area you want to discuss or feel is a problem, there will be no need to discuss or even mention sex.
It’s worth mentioning that when there is a problem, sex can be a difficult situation to feel comfortable talking about, though this is largely because of the taboo value placed talking about sex in our culture.
In spite of this, our couples and relationship counsellors in Newcastle recognise that sex is a healthy and normal part of a relationship.
Talking about sex might feel difficult however our counsellors are professionally trained therapists who have had many conversations about sex, and will listen and help in a non-judgemental way, whatever you want to discuss (whether kinks, difficulties, or changes in how you want it done).
Creating a Brighter Future
There are a number of benefits to couples counselling, though some (albeit understandable) anxieties can prevent you from seeking help.
When it comes to relationships and counselling, all of our couples counsellors are trained and experienced professionals who specialise in couples work whether same-sex, heterosexual, or other.
If you would like to access couples counselling in Newcastle, fill in the box below or call 07966645198 to speak to a member of the team today.
Best wishes,
Dr Stuart Sadler
Lead Clinical Psychologist
