In spite of our rose-tinted glasses, relationships are messy. Conflicts, stress, baggage and much more build up over time and eventually boil over. If this is you, you may be feeling worried and lost about your relationship with your partner and what to do about it.  This moment is where Therapy comes in to take a structured and supportive approach to guiding you through the minefield of complicated relationships.  

So, what is relationship therapy? 

Relationship therapy is an umbrella term that in essence refers to any sort of therapy that focuses on building, maintaining, or improving any relationship between two or more people by creating a safe space for expression and working on skills that all parties can use to modify problematic behaviour and grow better both as individuals and in the relationship. Most often this looks like marriage counselling or couples therapy but can also extend to practices such as family therapy.  

Relationship therapy differs from individual treatment because the focus of the treatment is less on the individuals and instead is centred on the growth and improvement of the relationship itself.  

Is relationship therapy right for me?  

Relationship therapy is most often sought after when one, or both partners feel that there is something wrong with the relationship that they can’t fix alone.  By nature, this sort of therapy is most effective when both partners agree that they need help, are open and honest with each other, and are ready to be receptive to advice and treatment.  

Many people are sceptical or nervous about entering into therapy, but it’s important to remember that it is a fair, open, and safe environment, focused on improving you and your partner together.  

If you’re both ready to commit to the work, relationship therapy may be the help you need.  

What should I expect in therapy? 

Therapists will generally vary in their approach depending on their personal style, however some common practices include: 

• Sharing struggles: often the floor will be opened to both partners to share their experiences, concerns, and grievances in an open and healthy environment. This allows problems to be addressed in the right ways. 

• Discussion of deeper problems:  your therapist will likely invite you to discuss some of your shared struggles in depth, aiming to find the root cause and any related areas that might be affected. 

• Goal setting: after exploring issues and concerns, you and your partner will usually be assisted by your therapist in discussing a favourable outcome to the situation. You’ll then work together to come up with short-term and long-term solutions, boundaries, or other steps depending on the situation. 

• Practical tactics and skill building: at this stage your therapist will start providing you with the methods and exercises you can use to achieve the goals you’ve agreed on. These can look like anything but often include conflict resolution strategies and skills to improve communication, among many other things.  

What are the outcomes?  

Provided the therapy is successful couples can expect a generally healthier and happier relationship. They will find themselves equipped with the skills and strategies needed to solve conflict and manage themselves in a constructive way in the future. 

If you think you and your partner may need therapy don’t hesitate to book a consultation.   

Contact Michaela: 

Mobile: +61 0400 391 779