From the point of view of an experienced couples therapist (Manchester)  

Relationship counselling can be an incredibly beneficial way to work through the challenges that all couples face at some point in their relationship. At our Manchester counselling practice, we offer a safe and supportive space for couples to explore the difficulties they are experiencing and to find new ways of relating to one another. Our experienced counsellors at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling can help you to understand the dynamics of your relationship, to develop more effective communication, improve conflict-resolution skills and improve your sex life. If you are struggling in your relationship, we encourage you to seek help sooner rather than later – counselling can make a real difference. Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling has been helping couples since 2002 build happier and healthier relationships. 

Relationship Counselling services 

When a couple comes in for relationship counselling, one of the first things we do is assess each partner's therapy goals. Sometimes couples come with relationship difficulties they don't even agree upon, this is quite common. An experienced marriage counsellor knows how to handle these differences in opinions and open up or improve the lines of communication. Setting an agenda and creating a safe space is normally the start for most relationship counsellors and relationship therapists. Creating a sense of safety, boundaries and having a structure is helpful because it can have a big impact on outcome of the therapy session. For example, if one partner is straight and the other is bisexual, they may have different needs and expectations when it comes to sex and intimacy. If both partners are heterosexual, they may still have different levels of comfort when it comes to sexual expression, responsibilities and views on how a relationship should look and feel. Understanding and listening to each person's position is essential for a positive experience in marriage counselling.  

How can couples therapy help?  

The relationship counselling process can be incredibly beneficial for couples, regardless if they have issues or just want to feel closer. It provides a safe and supportive space in which to explore the unique challenges and experiences that come with being a sexual or gender minority. Couples counselling with a qualified therapist can help with the effects of previous relationships, self esteem issues, life transitions, sexual problems, behavioural patterns, resolve problems, discuss issues with greater clarity, speak about future plans and concerns in a safe and confidential environment. Individuals within the relationship develop a stronger sense of identity, learn how to cope with the relationship issues in their relationships and the challenges Manchester can bring to modern day relationships.  

What is marriage guidance counselling?  

Marriage counselling or couples therapy is a type of therapy that helps couples to improve their relationship and mental health. It can be useful for couples who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship, such as communication problems, conflict, or infidelity. Marriage counselling can also be helpful for couples that want to protect their relationship from future difficulties. Couples in long distance and open relationships also find couples therapy a very useful tool for their relationships. Our counsellors use a variety of techniques to help couples improve their relationship. These may include problem-solving exercises, communication training, and conflict resolution skills. Marriage guidance counselling is provided by a trained professional. Couples typically attend counselling sessions together, although some therapists also offer individual sessions, or both, depending on the case.  

How is individual counselling different than relationship therapy?  

Individual counselling and relationship therapy differ in a few key ways. First, individual counselling focuses on the individual’s issues, such as self esteem or personal development and how they relate to their personal history, while relationship therapy looks at the couple’s issues and how they interact with each other. Second, individual counselling sessions are usually confidential, while relationship therapy sessions may be conducted with both partners present. Finally, individual counselling may focus on topics such as depression or anxiety, while relationship therapy may focus on topics such as communication or conflict resolution. While there are some differences between these two types of counselling, both can be helpful in addressing personal or relationship problems. 

What is Imago relationship therapy?

Imago relationship therapy is a type of couples counseling that is based on the idea that we are all attracted to people who are unconsciously familiar to us. According to this theory, we choose partners who help us to reenact the unresolved issues from our childhood, which gives us an opportunity to heal our past wounds. This process can be painful, but it can also lead to a deeper level of intimacy and connection. The therapist plays an important role in helping couples to understand and work through these issues. Ultimately, imago relationship therapy can help couples to create a more conscious and loving relationship.

What relationship issues can marriage counselling can help with?  

Marriage counselling can help couples to address a variety of problems. One common issue that counselling can help with is poor communication. Couples may find that they are not able to effectively communicate their needs and desires to one another, which can lead to conflict.  

Couples counselling at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling can provide couples in Manchester and elsewhere with the tools they need to improve their communication skills. Additionally, therapy can help couples to deal with trust issues. Trust is an essential component of any relationship, and when it is broken, it can be difficult to repair. However, counselling can provide couples with the resources they need to rebuild trust. Finally, counselling can also help couples who are experiencing financial strain. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of divorce, but marriage counselling can help couples to navigate these difficult conversations and find solutions that work for both parties. 

How many sessions will we need? 

The amount of sessions depends upon the needs of your relationship and circumstances. I have clients who I have known for over 14 years that come to see me on a weekly basis, other couples come for a few sessions. In my experience, couples that attend therapy together on a regular basis, have a deeper connection, are happier, have more sex, feel more secure, feel more supported and argue less. The decision is always up to the couple.  

How often should sessions take place?  

Mental health and relationship challenges are usually more severe in the start of therapy. As a rule of thumb, I recommend to the couples that I work with they come on a weekly basis. Sometimes, due to schedules, children, or finances my couples are only able to come once a fortnight. Two times a month is normally fine for when there are more minor issues. Major issues such as impending divorce, custody issues, fertility issues, childcare problems, infidelity, drug addiction issues, cancer or terminal illnesses will require at least weekly sessions.  

Relationships can present a wide range of issues than none of us really ever imagined experiencing when we were growing up. Working with experienced psychosexual therapists on sexual or relationship issues makes a big difference.  

Once we finish the work, due to the benefits, most of my couples will come back once a while to work on other issues from time to time whenever they have need.  

What should they expect from couple's counselling? 

When a couple comes to counselling, they can expect to explore the current state of their relationship and identify areas that may be causing conflict. Together, the counsellor and the couple will work to find new coping mechanisms and ways of communicating that can help to improve the relationship.  

In some cases, couple's counselling may also involve exploring each individual's personal history in order to gain a better understanding of how past experiences are impacting the present. Ultimately, the goal of counselling is to help the couple rebuild trust and foster a deeper connection with one another. With commitment and effort, couple's counselling can be an effective way to improve even the most troubled of relationships. 

What to look for in a couple’s therapist? 

When seeking a therapist to help address challenges unique to your relationship, it is important to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in the problematic patterns you are experiencing. Not all therapists are equal and finding the appropriate support can be hard. 

As an experienced psychotherapist who offers relationship counselling online in Manchester, I offer my first appointment for free. This gives couples the chance for both you and your partner to see if the online platform is right for your needs. In doing this work for almost 16 years, I find online therapy more effective than in-person sessions as I can get a sense of the couple in their home or work environment. 

This glimpse into their lives has often led to interventions, solutions and understanding that never were possible in an office. Looking for a therapist that can provide psychotherapy, psychosexual therapy, counselling, life coaching, psychoeducation is hard. As a specialist, these are skills I draw upon daily in the work I love doing with my clients.  

It is also important that the counsellor you choose is someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing personal details with in a safe environment. A good way to get a sense of whether a counsellor is right for you is to schedule a free first session. This will give you an opportunity to meet one of our London based counsellors, ask questions, and get a feel for their style and approach.  

Remember that a therapist is not there to act as a judge in a court of law. Your counsellor is there to support the needs of each couple and to understand their individualities and help both parts to accommodate their needs.  

Tips on how to make couple's counselling work 

Relationship counselling can be an effective way to resolve conflict and improve communication within a relationship. However, there are a few things that couples should keep in mind to make the most of their counselling sessions. First, it is important to be open and honest with your counsellor. This means being willing to share your thoughts and feelings, even if they are painful or difficult to express. 

Second, it is important to be patient and respect each other's time and space during counselling sessions. This means refraining from interrupting or talking over each other. Lastly, it is crucial to be willing to work on yourselves as individuals as well as a couple. This means being willing to change the way you think and behave, even if it is difficult. When all of these things are kept in mind, couples counselling can be an incredibly effective way to improve a relationship. 

How to manage feelings in couple's counselling 

Undergoing couples counselling in Manchester or online can be a difficult and emotionally charged experience. In order to make the most of counselling, it is important to be honest with your counsellor about your feelings, even if they are negative. However, it is also important to be respectful of your partner's feelings and to avoid putting them on the defensive. One way to do this is to focus on yourself when you are sharing your feelings. 

For example, instead of saying "you never listen to me," try "I feel like I'm not being heard." By taking responsibility for your own feelings, you can help to create an environment in which both partners feel safe expressing themselves. Additionally, it can be helpful to agree on some ground rules with your partner before beginning counselling. 

For instance, you might agree to disagreed respectfully or take turns speaking. By establishing these guidelines ahead of time, you can avoid arguments and create a more productive space for working through your issues. 

How to manage boundaries in couple's counselling 

Our couple’s therapists at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling know the importance of healthy boundaries. This can be difficult. As counsellors, we must walk the line between maintaining a professional relationship with our clients while also providing support. 

It is not unusual to run into one of our Manchester based clients or Manchester based couples when doing my errands in town. Though many of my clients will wave or say "hello" I am always mindful about how the couple counselling could be negatively effected if an interaction on the outside the session were to go wrong. In fact, the British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling puts this in their ethical guidelines. Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling therapists abide by the British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling guidelines to ensure your comfort and confidentiality.  

One way to establish boundaries is to set clear expectations at the beginning of counselling. For example, Counsellors can explain what types of behaviour are acceptable and what types are not. They can also explain how much time and energy they are willing to invest in the relationship.  

It is also important for counsellors to be aware of their own personal boundaries. They should make sure to set aside time for self-care and not allow their work to consume their lives. By establishing healthy boundaries, counsellors can provide their clients with the support they need while also maintaining a healthy relationship. 

How to know if couple's counselling is right for you? 

Many couples find themselves facing difficulties at some point in their relationship. However, it can be difficult to know when to seek help from a professional. There are a few key signs that may indicate that couple's counselling could be beneficial. First, if you and your partner are frequently arguing or feeling distant from each other, it may be helpful to talk to a counsellor. 

Second, if you have experienced a major life event such as the birth of a child or the loss of a job, counselling can help you to navigate these changes as a couple. Finally, if you simply feel like you are stuck in a rut and are not sure how to move forward, counselling can provide the tools and support you need to make positive changes in your relationship. If you are experiencing any of these challenges, couple's counselling may be right for you. 

Conclusion 

Couple's counselling can be an immensely valuable tool for helping couples to improve their relationship. It can provide a space for couples to communicate openly and honestly, learn new skills for resolving conflict, and explore the patterns and behaviours that are damaging their relationship. If you are facing challenges in your relationship, couple's counselling may be right for you. 

If you are facing challenges in your relationship, Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd can provide the tools and support you need to make positive changes. Contact us today to get a free initial consultation learn more about our services.