Couples Counselling
When our relationship struggles we feel it.
Becoming a parent is a time of transformation that can rattle and rearrange us more than anything we’ve faced before. The range of emotions we feel can be new and unsettling and when experienced within the context of an intimate relationship, can add another layer of tension, conflict, and confusion to an already challenging time.
It can seem like only your life has changed, not theirs. There can be less sex and intimacy. You may feel grateful for your partner while also distressed about the resentment, anger and disconnect you feel, ultimately leaving you feeling more alone.
The transition from being partners to becoming parents is significant. The quality of your friendship including respect, trust, and fun, can help increase relationship satisfaction after having a baby.
“The greatest gift a couple can give their child is a loving relationship, because that relationship nourishes the child’s development.” ~ John Gottman
Are You Struggling With:
- Increased conflict and hostility
- Feeling resentful
- Determining roles and responsibilities with your partner
- Being a cohesive team
- Feeling distant and alone
- Changes in intimacy
- Grieving the loss of lifestyle you had before children
- Differences in values to raise your child by
Counselling can help.
Some people expect having a child will solve all of their relationship woes. More commonly, unresolved issues are amplified at times of stress. While conflict in relationship is inevitable, how couples attempt to resolve conflict and the patterns that play out greatly contribute to relationship success. In couples counselling we practice effective ways of communicating and interacting. You can strengthen skills and learn how to listen, reflect, validate, compromise, and express your needs. Couples counselling offers a safe, facilitated environment where you can speak honestly and respectfully about the issues impacting you and your relationship. This builds trust, deepens understanding and helps you feel closer and secure as a team.
Support is available so your struggles don’t further divide you.
Get Support To:
- Navigate difficult transitions
- Improve communication
- Practice conflict resolution skills
- Deepen your connection and intimacy
- Repair relationship ruptures
Couples counselling can strengthen the foundation of trust, intimacy and commitment in the relationship.
Entered into proactively, it can help prepare you for the transition to parenthood, serving you for years ahead.
Stay connected through the chaos.
Whether you want to improve what is already working or find ways to connect and grow closer, couples counselling can help you reach your relationship goals. Therapy can help expand your understanding about each other’s unique ways of being. Get to know your own and your partner’s needs. Explore your role in your dynamic and consider how your family history might be impacting your relationship dynamics. Explore future dreams and goals so you can feel more aligned.
My aim is to support you with skills, tools and space to practice better ways of working together, not apart. In close relationships we can feel vulnerable. Together, we establish safety and trust so we can more easily open to the joy that is available.
I draw from the Gottman Institute’s research on what makes relationships work with an emotionally-focussed approach of deepening understanding and compassion.
If you’re considering support to strengthen and improve your relationship, start with a complimentary consultation to learn more and decide if I’m a good match as your counsellor.