Counselling for couples
Our relationships with others are important. Whether romantic, familial, or friendship, we forge and maintain various relationships at different stages of our lives. However, relationships can face various challenges at different life intervals, making it difficult to navigate the situation. No matter how hard you try to communicate or make amends, you may feel unhappy or frustrated with some of your relationships.
During such challenging times, relationship therapy can help you find a way through. Let me, Mark Greenaway-Robbins, a registered counsellor and psychotherapist with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), help you. My passion and curiosity in therapy enable my work as a therapist and bring confidence, hope, and joy to the healing process.
If you’re seeking couples counselling in Cardiff, let’s have a conversation.
What is Counselling for Couples?
Relationship counselling (also known as ‘couples counselling’ or ‘marriage counselling’) is a form of talk therapy that addresses difficulties in an intimate relationship. Typically, it’s for two people in a romantic relationship and works as counselling for couples. Through relationship therapy, couples can express and address their relationship difficulties in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment. It’s not about who is right or wrong; it’s about facilitating an open discussion and helping partners achieve the outcome of their choosing.
Relationship therapy can also be used by any two people wanting to improve their relationship, such as two family members, or two partners in business. This counselling is for relationships at any stage, although partners often begin due to a crisis. It requires commitment and engagement from everyone involved. Some people will find the experience strengthens their relationship. Others will realise separating and moving on independently is the best option for them.
I aim to offer a compassionate and effective way of navigating various issues in your relationships. I believe in intervening early on in the relationship and addressing issues before they escalate. You don’t have to wait for your relationship to sour to seek therapy; I can help you iron out the smallest of relationship difficulties.
How I Help As Your Relationship Counsellor
Unlike other forms of therapy, there are usually three parties in the room in addition to the psychotherapist. There is each of the partners and the relationship itself. In couples, or relationship, counselling the relationship is the client.
I will work with you towards creating a ‘conscious relationship’ in which an empathic connection grows between you, and you are resourced differently in your relationship.
As a relationship counsellor and an LGBTQIA+ ally, I adopt an inclusive approach in my sessions. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and traditions, and this is something that I’m passionate about.
Remember, transformation is possible when partners feel empathy for each other. A way to build empathy is through decoding symbolic issues in the relationship dynamic which helps to uncover invisible needs and fears.
Through focused relationship help, I can counsel you and your partner in the following relationship difficulties:
- Conflicts in communication
- Difficulty in managing major life events, such as changing careers, starting a family or bereavement.
- Trust issues arising from discovering an affair
- Jealousy issues
- Uncertainty about commitment
- Mental and emotional health problems
- Conflict in differing parenting styles and approaches
- Losing connection or falling out of love
- Conflicts arising in parent-child relationships or between extended family members
- Sexual difficulties
- Fertility issues
- Financial disagreements and challenges
Benefits of relationship therapy with mark GR
Counselling for couples is effective only through supporting open and non-defensive communication, which helps you and your partner make your own decisions about how to progress. It can involve modifying the way you interact as a couple, how you spend time together and apart, or how you deal with specific issues in your relationship.
As a relationship counsellor, I never judge or take sides. Instead, I facilitate a process in which you and your partner decide on the course of action most suited to each of your needs.
What to Expect From My Relationship Therapy Sessions in Cardiff
You can connect with me through a brief telephone call, email exchange, or online meeting, to get a sense of who I am as a relationship counsellor. I’ll also email you a welcome pack before your first therapy session.
The welcome pack includes a contact form, contract-working agreement, and references for seeking help outside of our sessions. Your first paid session with me is an assessment session to understand our synergies and how we can work together.
As your counsellor, I am here to help you create a therapeutic space where:
- exploration happens with safety and challenge – without blame or judgement
- an agreed focus is established
- emotional connection is built through empathic listening
- the needs and fears of each partner are clarified, alongside the hope for the relationship
- the experience of each partner is recognised and appreciated
- the impact of the past on the present is recognised
- what gets in the way of intimacy is noticed and explored
Book a Relationship Therapy Session with Me, Mark Greenaway Robbins, for Relationship Help
No matter your gender, type of relationship, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation, I’m ready to help with your relationship troubles.
It doesn’t matter what your motivation for seeking my support through relationship counselling is. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone.
We can work together to explore your options for all types of relationship difficulties. Contact me on 07534 599 233.