Couples Therapy – Relationship Counselling
All relationships have their ups and downs. There are so many things that can add pressure to our lives including financial stresses, parenting concerns, family communication – that sometimes these can build up and really start to impact on our personal relationships. We often lean in to our personal relationships for support and love at times of stress and pressure. But sometimes the relationships themselves can be challenging and this is when couples counselling is often considered.
When things start to break down our relationships can be a major source of anxiety, depression and our sense of safety and security can come into question if our relationships become fractured.
What is TA Couples Counselling?
Couples counselling, or couples therapy, is an effective form of talking therapy that focuses on the relationship between two people.
Transactional analysis (TA) is a theory of personality and a theory of communication that emphasises the importance of examining interpersonal interactions and patterns in communication. In couples therapy, TA is often used to help couples identify, and modify patterns of behaviour that contribute to relationship difficulties.
The basic premise of couples counselling using Transactional Analysis is that individuals have three ego states: Parent, Adult and Child. For more info on this download this useful infographic. Each of these ego states represents a different way of thinking, feeling and behaving. In couples therapy I will work with each partner to identify their ego states as well as the ego states of their partner. This allows the couple to better understand how they communicate and relate to each other.
What are common reasons for seeking relationship therapy?
There is a wide range of issues that people seek relationship therapy including; communication difficulties, interpersonal conflict, infidelity, family issues, adjustment problems, the impact of one person’s depression, and much more besides. Couples counselling could focus on any of the below;
-
Pre-nuptial Counselling
You may be interested in pre-nuptial counselling to prepare you both for the commitment of marriage. As a type of therapy undertaken before getting married, pre-nuptial counselling guides a couple through various aspects of their relationship such as communication, conflict resolution, financial management and family planning. The goal is to identify potential areas of conflict, develop strategies for working through these and to strengthen the relationship.
-
Marriage Counselling
Through TA, spouses gain insight into their roles in conflicts, learning to communicate effectively and address underlying issues. I guide couples in shifting negative interactions toward healthier, more balanced exchanges. By fostering awareness and accountability, TA marriage counselling promotes mutual understanding and strengthens relationships.
-
Conflict Management
Conflict management in couples counselling involves helping clients to effectively navigate disagreements and conflicts with others. A variety of techniques can be used to help you develop better communication skills and problem-solving strategies.
-
Relationship Maintenance
Couples therapy is also a way to maintain healthy relations and communication. While many couples seek couples therapy too late, it can also be a preventative measure used to enhance any relationship.
-
Separation and Divorce
If a couple has already decided to separate and divorce, or is in the process of deciding whether to separate or divorce, couples counselling can support both parties in the decision making process and subsequent journey. Having therapy can support a couple to end a relationship with clarity and support, ensuring a general healthy outcome for both.
How does Couples Therapy work?
Couples therapy works in much the same way as other therapy does but the focus will be on the relationship between two people rather than on the individuals. As a couples therapist I take a neutral stance from what is going on in the relationship and can support both people to see alternative perspectives.
Another important aspect of TA therapy is the use of contracts. I will work with a couple to create contracts that specify the goals of therapy and the behaviours that each partner will work on. These contracts are often used to address specific issues in the relationship such as communication problems or conflicts around intimacy.
Together we will develop new, more effective ways of communicating and relating within your relationship. This may involve learning new skills or behaviours such as active listening or assertiveness training. The ultimate goal is to help you develop a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship. This is done by improving communication and addressing problematic behaviour patterns.
Book a Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
The terms ‘Psychotherapy’ and ‘Counselling’ are often used interchangeably and essentially they are both characterised by a form of “talking therapy”. You will see many practitioners will use both terms when referring to themselves.
Fundamentally both psychotherapy and counselling have the same goal of providing relief to someone with some sort of psychological symptom or obstacles although there are some subtle differences.
‘Counselling’ is often used to describe a shorter-term process than psychotherapy. A goal in counselling is to enable someone to make better use of resources they may already have in place. Counselling often focuses on a specific issue, life event or experience or on a particular symptom.
‘Psychotherapy’ is often a longer process of treatment and focuses on facilitating the exploration and development of new resources for a person. In psychotherapy you will have the chance to look deeper into the root of your issues. You will have the chance to explore patterns of behaviour, thinking and feeling in your life at a greater depth that allow you to focus more on your way of being in the world.
Psychotherapy training is also a more rigorous and academic process.
Someone who may be in training to be a Psychotherapist may refer to themselves as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor until they have completed certification to be known as a Psychotherapist.
I hope that my website has given you an overview of who I am and how I work and if you are interested in finding out more I would recommend an initial consultation to meet each other to see if it feels right for you when we are in the room together. We will probably be able to establish quite early on if I am the right person for you.
Choosing a therapist is a very individual choice and I recommend you take the time to meet at least a couple people with a view to having some thought about who you may work best with. I believe that each relationship is individual and unique and it is a privilege for me to get to know people I see and to support them on their therapeutic journey. Relationship is central to building a therapeutic alliance and working together, so trust your instinct to make a decision and start your own journey.
I look forward to meeting you!
Following our initial assessment, if you would like to start sessions together we will agree a day and time for your sessions. I will send you a standard therapy agreement that outlines my commitment to you and it details much of what I would have discussed in the assessment session. This includes details of my professional commitments and of the administrative aspects of our therapeutic relationship. We will both have a signed copy of this agreement.
Payment is due each session and I accept cash or BACS transfers. Any missed sessions with less than 48 hours notice will be payable on the following session.
If you want to work longer term I am also happy to work on monthly payments.
Your Therapy
Professional
Qualifications
Qualified Practitioner and Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA(P)), Dip. TA Practice, Clinical member of UKCP, Registered member of BACP (MBACP).
Convenient
Locations
West Sussex location in Washington (RH20). Washington is just off the A24 and within easy distance of Storrington, Steyning, Ashington, Thakeham, West Chilt, Worthing and surrounding villages. Daytime (Mon to Fri only) and evening appointments available.
Memberships
& Insurance
I am fully insured and a member of professional bodies including BACP, UKCP, UKATA.
Ready to Make a Change? Book an Initial Consultation Today
If you have any questions at all about therapy or would like to make an appointment, get in touch. I will usually be able to respond to you within 24 hours.