Does relationship counselling work?

Relationship counselling, marriage counselling, couples counselling, call it what you will it all comes down to this, my partner and I aren’t getting along, and we need help. Relationship expert Dr John Gottman says couples wait on average six years being unhappy before getting help. That’s a startling statistic, six years building resentment towards to person they love.

For the couples that come into my practice room, many are at crisis point, seething with anger, resentment, and animosity towards their partner. So how does the wedding waltz become a Haka?

The fact is there will always be times of conflict in any relationship, it’s how you manage it that makes the difference.

Usually, in every relationship, there are good aspects, which most couples would like to preserve. Then there are also problematic aspects which need resolving in an effective way.

Ultimately making an investment in your relationship will pay dividends in the long run and show results when times are tough, counselling can contribute greatly to this.

However, if no progress is made and separation occurs it is often easier to deal with the after effects of a break-up if you feel you have given it every effort to work, and some couples who go through counselling even if the outcome of the relationship might be separation tend to have a better post-divorce relationship and therefore much better co-parenting relationship.

If this article has raised issues for you, please feel free to get in touch. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation, or if you prefer make an appointment for either a face to face or online counselling session whichever is convenient.