Couple counselling or relationship therapy is aimed at giving the couple a better understanding of relationships and each other. Your reasons for coming into the process will be explored. As with individual therapy, couples therapy will focus on your goals or best hopes for the process. Communication skills is an important skill for relationships and may inadvertently be discussed. I tend to focus on what is working well in the relationship which you both can use to further improve the relationship and not only focus on problem saturated talk which tends to be disconcerting and overwhelming at times. It is important to recognize that you CANNOT change your partner. You only have control over your own behaviour. Focus needs to be on your own shifts and changes rather than on your partner's change.
3 PHASES IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP
3 PHASES IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP
- The Honeymoon Phase – this phase is the initial phase in your relationship where you see your partner and the relationship as all positive. You usually overlook negatives that may come up or don’t see them altogether.
- The second phase of the relationship is the Conflict or Disillusionment Phase – you start seeing the negative characteristics of your partner and start questioning your decision to be in this relationship. You may feel like you are no longer in love with your partner. This is a very common and normal phase.
- The third phase is the Mature Phase where you get to know your partner for who they are and accept them for who they are.