Relationship Counselling

My specialisation in relationship counselling and marriage preparation allows me to tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs and concerns. Whether it's working with clients who are struggling to communicate effectively, individuals in crisis, or those simply seeking to improve their personal relationships, I provide a safe space where clients can feel heard, understood, and supported.

My approach to relationship counselling draws upon a number of modalities aimed at strengthening and improving relationships. By building upon each partner's strengths, providing information and resources, discussing support networks, sharing effective strategies & tools, I seek to create a supportive and empowering environment for couples to confront challenges, understand one another, define problems, generate solutions, devise new strategies, and review their progress.

During our sessions, I prioritise active listening and empathy to help clients feel valued and heard. My clients often appreciate the gentle yet direct collaborative approach I take in exploring issues and working towards solutions. Overall, I am deeply committed to helping people achieve greater relationship satisfaction and fulfilllment.

In my practice as a relationship counselor, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an effective approach to help clients navigate and improve their relationships. With CBT, my aim is to empower individuals and couples to understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship dynamics.

Using CBT techniques, we work collaboratively to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts or beliefs that may be contributing to relationship difficulties. I assist clients in recognizing negative thinking patterns and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thoughts. By reframing perspectives, clients can gain fresh insights and adopt healthier ways of interpreting each other's actions and intentions.

In relationship counseling, CBT helps individuals enhance their communication skills and problem-solving abilities. I guide clients in developing effective strategies to express their needs, concerns, and emotions in a constructive manner. Together, we explore alternative perspectives and generate practical solutions to relationship challenges.

Another crucial aspect of CBT in relationship counselling is behavioural interventions. I assist clients in identifying and modifying behaviours that may be hindering relationship satisfaction. Through specific exercises and homework assignments, clients are empowered to practice new behaviours, such as active listening, empathy, and compromise, to foster greater understanding and connection.

I utilise the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) in helping clients understand themselves and each other on a deeper level. By incorporating the MBTI framework into our sessions, I strive to provide insights and facilitate meaningful conversations that can strengthen and enrich relationships.

Using the MBTI, we explore the unique personality traits and preferences of each individual in the relationship. I guide clients in understanding how these differences can influence communication styles, decision-making processes, and overall relationship dynamics. This awareness helps them embrace and appreciate their inherent diversity, fostering deeper understanding and compassion for one another.

We also explore how different personality types may approach problem-solving, express emotions, or recharge their energy. By understanding these differences, clients can develop effective strategies for resolving conflicts and finding common ground, while respecting each other's unique needs.

By utilizing the MBTI in relationship counseling, I aim to provide individuals with invaluable insights and practical tools for building a stronger and more fulfilling partnership. Through this exploration of personality types, clients can enhance their understanding of themselves and their partner, ultimately fostering greater harmony, connection, and relationship satisfaction

In our relationship counselling sessions, I will often incorporate Dr. Gary Chapman's concept of love languages to help clients deepen their understanding of each other's emotional needs and strengthen their connection. By exploring and identifying each partner's primary love language, we can create a framework for expressing love and meeting each other's needs more effectively.

In our sessions, I guide individuals through an exploration of the five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Through discussions, exercises, and reflections, couples gain insight into their own love language and their partner's love language.

By identifying and speaking each other's love languages, clients can bridge gaps in communication and foster emotional connection. They also learn how to effectively communicate love and support in their partner's preferred language. This may involve expressing appreciation through words, spending quality time together, engaging in acts of service, offering meaningful gifts, or initiating physical affection.

I also encourage clients to explore the possibility of having different love languages. This awareness helps them appreciate and honour the diversity in their emotional needs. We work together to find creative ways to meet each other's love language, even if it may not come naturally to them.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an invaluable approach to relationship counselling due to its emphasis on clarifying personal values and using them as a compass to guide relationship choices and actions. I assist clients in identifying and aligning with their shared values, enabling them to make conscious decisions that contribute to the growth and well-being of their partnership. We explore how their values can shape the relationship they desire and support them in taking committed action towards their relationship goals.

Through experiential exercises and mindfulness techniques, I work with clients to develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. This awareness allows them to respond consciously rather than react impulsively within their relationship. Clients learn to make room for uncomfortable emotions and thoughts, allowing them to move towards their values despite the challenges that arise.

In ACT, I emphasize the development of effective communication skills and interpersonal connection. I guide couples in improving their ability to express themselves authentically, actively listen to their partner's perspective, and build empathy and understanding. Together, we explore strategies to navigate conflict and create a safe emotional space for both individuals in the relationship.