Relationships can be tough sometimes. Most people struggle at some point in some way. You aren’t alone.
The reality is that being in a relationship is going to be challenging at times. In fact, it has been said that one of the purposes of being in relationship is to make us ‘better’ people, not just make us ‘happy’. The good news is that being happy is also a bi-product of being a better person; especially when we also find ourselves living in relationship with another ‘better person’. Do you know what I mean? Put it this way, your relationship can have its ups and downs but if you are prepared to put some work into it, your long-term committed relationship can bring out the very best in both you and your partner. So, let me encourage you to hang in there just a bit longer, you may be surprised how quickly you can come to understand your partner as well as be understood by your partner. Living in relationship isn’t so much about having a conflict free world as it is about maintaining a close and intimate connection even when you don’t see things eye-to-eye. Yes, there are constant stressors that can put pressure on your partnership. If you want to work out your issues, relationship counselling at Strength and Strategies located on the Sunshine Coast is one of your options.
This type of counselling is designed to help couples who are struggling with issues in their relationship. Any couple that feels like their differences and arguments are preventing them from moving forward in the relationship should consider therapy. Strained relationships can grow into intimate love affairs, and even great relationships can grow stronger, when people gain insight into their own actions and reactions and how these go on to affect their partners. Working with a skilled professional counsellor shines a spotlight into the areas that have, perhaps for a very long time, felt hopeless. If both you and your partner are committed to making things work, the process of relationship therapy can steer and guide you into such a new and intimate experience it often seems like a new relationship even though in reality you are still with the same person. So, if you really want to iron out your problems and address the issues, relationship counselling is a good next step. If you are prepared to actively participate in the relationship counselling sessions and be honest and open, positive results can follow.
Some of the questions that need to be asked and answered in relationship counselling sessions include:
No doubt you will also bring lots of your own questions into the therapy room and it does sometimes feel like there are more questions than answers; but the answers are there. In fact, our feelings, if we dig deep enough, will tell us what our core needs are. With a bit of practise, it is possible to know what you need and learn how to communicate it. It is also possible to understand what your partner needs even though that need may never have been clearly expressed to you up until now.
Transforming your relationship is possible! You can attend relationship counselling sessions together or alone. Most couples have a combination of individual and join sessions. The most effective way forward for you can be discussed with your counsellor. One thing is for certain: tomorrow isn’t going to be any different from today, unless you do something today that you didn’t do yesterday! The breakthrough you want may be closer than you think.
What Relationship Counselling Can Do for You
Therapy is good for all types of relationships. It can help you address big problems in your relationship. Even when you feel like you aren’t sure whether or not you want to continue your relationship, speaking with a skilled and trained relationship counselling specialist will add clarity to the emotional fog that can feel all consuming. Giving up on your partner is rarely the best decision but even if that ends up being your choice, the insight you can gain from speaking with a counsellor can make the process of intentionally un-coupling a much easier transition.
It’s always worth trying to work things out. Counselling helps by giving you a safe and non-judgmental space to air your differences. You learn how to communicate effectively, how to self-regulate when the pressure is on and how to understand and be understood by your partner.
Preparing for Counselling
There are no specific steps to take to prepare yourself for a therapy session except a willingness to get help for your relationship. Realising there is a problem with your relationship and wanting to solve that problem is the first step. If you decide that counselling is the way to go, you need to come with an open mind and be prepared to share your feelings and fears. Your therapist works with what you tell him or her so therapy works best when you are completely honest about your feelings and your expectations and your goals for the relationship.
If you need to learn more about available counselling services on the Sunshine Coast, contact Strength & Strategies Counselling Services located at 7 Myall St, Cooroy. You can call us on 0423 595 716.
