Family Counselling

Relationships (paradoxically) are often the richest source of both satisfaction, and dissatisfaction, in our lives. Such associations can be intimate; as with spouses, family, friends and lovers. Or they may be more casual; as is often the case with professional and social relationships. Whatever the situation, all of our relationships are fertile ground for intense feelings. Frequently these feelings result in misunderstandings: anger, hurt, disappointment, distress, helplessness and despair. Our relationships are a sensitive source of personal pain as well as great joy.

Interestingly, more often than not, the reason people don't appear to get on in a relationship, is seldom due to an issue of frank incompatibility (the all-too-convenient "personality clash" being a case in point); but instead its origins are more likely to be "contaminated thinking" - a reaction to an event not in keeping with the actual happenings - a misconstruing of thoughts, words, & deeds as having malicious intent, when in fact none was intended.

Put slightly differently. have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've suggested something essentially inoffensive, but the response you received was colossal and infused with indignation and/or fury? When (and here it doesn't just have to be in an established relationship) one witnesses first-hand such an obvious inequality between the "crime & punishment", or "action and the subsequent reaction"; the observed disproportionate response will invariably have its origins somewhere in the past, but have been brought into play to contaminate the present (albeit subconsciously).

Working with a therapist (whether individually, with your partner, or family) facilitates an understanding, a clarity; and can improve your ability to resolve misunderstandings. Therapy can help people develop better ways to form relationships and/or improve their existing ones.

The adoption of an "Integrated" approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy for family & relationship difficulties, allows us to blend a variety of techniques simultaneously within a single framework. It also means that we can offer you a choice of either short-term or long-term therapy solutions. As a result, we are able to tailor our services to match your individual needs and requirements much more closely than any single traditional form of therapy would allow.

Family counselling or interpersonal therapies are processes which allow you to talk about your feelings and concerns, within a confidential and supportive environment. It does not involve advice, labelling or judgement. Instead, it provides you with an opportunity to gain insight into your present situation, feelings and behaviour. As a consequence, you will be able to make a clear and informed choice about your future options in life.

Therapy does not involve advice, labelling or judgement.