Marriage Counselling

Some thoughts by David Bridges

Marriage Counselling is used interchangeably with terms such as Relationship Counselling, Couples Counselling and Couples Therapy.

Marriage Crisis

A crisis often brings a couple to marriage counselling. The crisis may be an actual separation, or the threat of ending the relationship. The couple may be desperate due to escalating conflict. The crisis may be the discovery of an affair or a pattern of lying. Marriage counselling is seen as a last resort, the last chance to work things out by calling in objective professional help.

Issues in Marriage Counselling

At other times, what brings a couple to relationship counselling is the long term stress of eg growing apart, family conflict, in-laws, personality differences, an unsatisfying sexual relationship, money issues, the inability to make joint decisions, and lack of commitment by one partner.

At other times, what brings a couple to marriage counselling is that one or both partners have unresolved issues or trauma from earlier in their relationship, from previous relationships, or from early adulthood or childhood. Often there are long term unresolved issues that refuse to be contained, and that continue to erupt in the present. Longer term marriage counselling may need to be strategically balanced with individual work.

Goals of Marriage Counselling

In marriage counselling, the goal is authentic relating. The counsellor will take a strong role to help couples to understand, own and change their patterns of interacting. This involves containing strong emotions, being vulnerable in a safe way, risking emotional connection, and developing mutual understanding. Marriage counselling can be short to medium term work when the couple attend together.

Is there hope? We believe so, if both partners are willing to take the journey, unpack their relationship issues, and be honest with their own struggles.

Ring Bridges Counselling if you wish to discuss how we may be able to help you.

Enquiries: 0415 752 544

Ring us and you will be recommended a choice of counsellors qualified and experienced for your situation.

Email: info@BridgesCounselling.com.au

Bridges Counselling Parramatta is a team of professional counsellors and psychologists, specialising in marriage, family and individual counselling.