Sometimes it can feel as though we have completely lost the ability to relate to our partner. We might feel angry, frustrated, and deeply hurt that they do not seem to hear what we are trying to say… and sometimes, they might feel the same! It might be that you feel betrayed and are unable to imagine ever getting past these feelings, or bringing the intimacy and connection back into your relationship.
Counselling can offer a safe environment in which, facilitated by the therapist, you can be guided to freely express your feelings, and feel secure enough to assert your needs openly and honestly.
Blame can become a significant part of a relationship that is in conflict, and both partners might really need to feel heard and appreciated before they can even begin to let go of resentment. Using the concepts of attachment theory, I can help you to recognise and understand the origins of your relational patterns and their impact now. I can then facilitate the development of potentially transformative deep listening skills, leading to new ways of communicating with each other.
This might even mean that you find a way to accept each other’s difficult feelings without necessarily trying to change them. You might find ways of understanding the other’s perspective and resolving conflict, so that you are able to show care and kindness to each other again. Whilst there might be significant issues that feel insurmountable, it is not always necessary to agree on everything to live together in peace and harmony.
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to a greater understanding of ourselves”
Carl Jung
There can be an assumption that only couples who have been together for a long of time can benefit from therapy. However, I also see couples who are at the beginning of a relationship and are noticing difficult issues beginning to surface. If this describes your relationship and you feel determined not to repeat the patterns that might have proved problematic in previous relationships, then early intervention from counselling might really help to change this
Should you wish to contact me for further information about my practice or to book an appointment, please call 01225 315 935 or contact me by e-mail. I will respond to your message as soon as possible.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
© Alison Penfold
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