How Do We Know If We Need Counselling ?

It can be hard to admit you need help with your relationship. Many couples believe that if they're meant to be together, they should be able to fix things themselves.

But if you leave a small problem to fester - or pretend it doesn't exist in the first place - you can have much bigger problems before you know it.

Relationship Counselling might be the farthest thing from your mind, but it can be a great way of bringing issues out into the light so you and your partner can examine them together. Take a look at some of the following problems - if any of them sound familiar, you might benefit from support.

Whenever we try to talk, we just fight

It's a stressful situation for everyone involved. Every time you and your partner try to resolve certain issues in your relationship, one or both of you ends up too angry, upset or emotional to talk things over properly. Before you know it, it's like your relationship is a battleground!

Relationship Counselling can help you take a look at issues that are causing arguments in a safe, neutral environment so you can examine them properly. That way, you can start to think about why they're causing problems - and begin to resolve them.

I don't know how to bring up difficult topics

It can be scary trying to talk about serious relationship issues. We sometimes worry what our partner will say if we bring up certain thing - or whether trying to discuss them will simply unearth even bigger problems. It can often feel easier to say nothing at all.

Talking to a relationship counsellor can help you talk about tricky issues giving you the confidence to take emotional risks. It will provide a space where you can speak up about what you want and how you feel. It can also help your partner understand why you are the way you are - and learn to work with you when there's something you want to talk about.

I don't know if I want to stay in this relationship

Lots of people worry from time to time about the future of their relationship. If you're having doubts, it's not a good idea to try to sweep them under the carpet. After all, the longer you have them, the more likely they are to cause you to drift apart from your partner.

Relationship Counselling can help by providing you with a space where you can think about what you want. You may wish to come to see a relationship counsellor by yourself so can talk about any worries confidentially and in your own time. Then, if you do decide to continue with your relationship, your counsellor will be able to help you and your partner to work on things together. Alternatively, if you decide you'd like to end it, your counsellor will be able to help you think about the best way to do this.

I don't know if I love my partner anymore

This can be a really scary place to be in. You've been together a long time and built up a life together, but are starting wonder about the very foundations of your relationship. What do you do?

Taking the step of seeing a relationship counsellor in this instance can be really nerve-wracking, but having the opportunity to talk openly about your worries can also be a huge relief. After all, it's after you both know where you are that you can start to figure out what to do next. I believe that if you were once in love and had a love that you held together for a long time, you can find that love again. But it will take work, honesty and courage to reach out and see what is possible.

Need more support?

If you think you'd benefit from further help, we have a range of services available