
Relationship / Couples Counselling FAQs – if you have a question that isn’t answered below please don’t hesitate to contact me.
- Is Relationship / Couples Counselling only for people wo are in romantic relationships?
Relationship / Couples counselling, doesn’t have to just be for people who are in a relationship, i.e. husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife, it could be for two family members who are not getting a long, a parent and child, or brother and sister, or friends.
- Why do people come to Relationship / Couples Counselling?
Many people come to counselling in order to find support in making difficult changes in their lives. Counselling can be liberating and challenging. As a counsellor I want to support you in making decisions and making changes that are difficult to face. Counselling is a serious commitment that should not be entered into lightly but can provide the solutions and support you have been seeking.
People come to relationship / couples therapy because their relationships with their husband, wife, partner or member of their family or even room mate or friend may have been put under strain. Difficulties that might have occurred in your relationship might be caused by; someone having an affair, difficulties with communication, unreasonable behaviour, difficulty agreeing with each other, family difficulties, behavioural patterns, or other people interfering or causing difficulties in your relationship. This list is not exhaustive.
- How can Relationship / Couples Counselling Help Me?
Counselling can help you to work out new patterns of behaviour, and different ways of communicating so that you can find a way forward. Alternatively, it may be that you decide that you want to end your relationship. Counselling can help you to decide what is best for you.
- What should I expect in the first sessions?
It is quite normal to feel nervous or anxious at the first session. I will introduce myself and ask you both some questions in order to find out more information about your reason for coming for counselling and get an idea of what you both want to achieve.
- How long is a session?
A Couples Therapy Session is 50 Minutes long.
- How many sessions do we need to come to?
This depends on the nature of your difficulty. It also depends on your commitment to change. People change at different rates and there are no right or wrong time periods as some people adapt to change more quickly or slowly than others. Making changes in your life is not always easy and is the reason that you are experiencing difficulties. We will discuss the number of sessions you might need and will review regularly how the sessions are progressing.
- How much does Couples / Relationship Counselling Cost?
Couples Therapy is £60 for 50 minutes.
- Can we have Relationship / couples therapy Face to Face?
Due to COVID I am currently only working online and am not able to offer face to face sessions.
- How should you prepare for Online Relationship / Couples Sessions?
a.Think about where in your house is comfortable for both of you and confidential. Think about who else might be around in your house who could overhear. Do you need to ask someone to look after children for instance?b. Consider the technology you are using – is it a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Ask Paul about the platform he uses e.g. Zoom and make sure you are familiar with it. Consider if you will use headphones.
c. Consider what you might be doing before the session. Ideally be ready 10 minutes before so that you can ground yourself and are not rushing. Think about what you will do after the session. Is it something you might do together or separately. It can be important to have space and a little time immediately after the session and not rush back into life. You will need to discuss with the other person what would work best for you both.
We have another blog covering Counselling Online & on the Telephone with a counsellor which you might find useful to read.
- Online Resources for couples work – you might find useful
Positive Psychology – 21 Couples Therapy Worksheets Techniques & Activities
Bristol CBT – Couple Worksheets
BACP – Online Relationship Counselling
- How can I make an appointment with Paul?
If you would like to find out more about how I can help you and discuss your particular needs please Call me on 07843 813537. Please leave a message if I can’t answer your call and I’ll call you back as soon as possible. If you have any other questions or enquiries please call or send me a message by completing the online enquiry form. Due to COVID I am currently working exclusively online or on the telephone.