What is Relationship Counselling?
Relationship counselling is the modern-day equivalent of what might once have been referred to as ‘marriage guidance’ or ‘couples’ counselling. This updated terminology acknowledges the diversity of romantic relationships in modern life and also that there are potentially for each of us, a number of close relationships which might be important. In short (thank you Co-Pilot😊), “Relationship counselling has evolved to encompass a wider range of connections beyond just romantic partnerships.”
In this BACP article Couples | How counselling can help, Vasia Toxavidi says, “this therapy is for those who want to make a difference in their relationship and within themselves”. When we engage in relationship counselling, as well as creating space and being supported to explore how we interact with another or others, we are also providing ourselves with an opportunity to explore how we behave in relationships and to consider why this may be, which can also lead to growth and development on a personal level.
As Relate points out here: Relationship counselling | Relate, a frequently held assumption is that “…you only need counselling when things get really bad”. Although many potential clients may seek support through relational counselling at the point at which a relationship might be considered to be in crisis, there are lots of ways in which engaging in this process can potentially help us to work on our relationships, which can also lead to improvements in the way that we feel within ourselves.
As one client reflected, there has historically been a stigma towards seeking professional help for relationship issues, which is also thankfully now shifting. There is a growing recognition of the fact that satisfying long term relationships realistically do not just happen once you find “your lobster”, (Phoebe, Friends, Season 2, Episode 14 😊). Instead, there is growing consensus that long-term relationships require nurture, effort and maintenance, and that investing the time and energy on working on our relationships and ourselves can be considered as a sign of strength, rather than weakness.
I hope you find this blog and the linked articles and materials here useful.
Please do contact me via my website if you would like to find out about my relationship counselling practice or to arrange a free initial online consultation.