Relationship Problems
Most couples will face relationship problems at some stage of the relationship. If you and your partner are facing relationship strains, you are not alone.
Symptoms Of Relationship Strain
Some common signs of relationship strain include, but are not limited to:
- Frequently arguing
- Avoidance of important conversations
- Distancing emotionally
- Lack of intimacy
- Jealousy or distrust
- Feeling misunderstood or unappreciated in the relationship
- Increase in stress or sadness concerning the relationship
Common Causes Of Relationship Difficulties
Some causes of relationship difficulties include, but are not limited to:
1. Communication Breakdown
Misunderstanding one another and a lack of open conversation can cause partners to disconnect, which can lead to unresolved conflicts. Over time, this can cause assumptions and emotional distance in addition to the unresolved conflicts. Without respectful and honest communication, couples can feel unheard or misunderstood.
2. Financial Stress
Disagreements in regards to saving, spending, and financial goals can cause tension, particularly when partners differ in their views and habits.
3. Intimacy Problems
For most couples, emotional and physical intimacy is necessary for a healthy relationship. Whether it is a reduction in affection, mismatched libidos, or emotional distance, unmet needs in this area often lead to frustration, hurt, or seeking closeness elsewhere.
4. Jealousy and Insecurity
When one partner feels insecure, it can cause jealousy or controlling behaviours, such as constant check-ins or limiting the other’s independence. Over time, this can damage trust and reduce emotional safety in relationships.
5. Emotional or Physical Neglect
Feeling ignored, unsupported, or unimportant can deeply affect a person’s well-being. Failing to meet each other’s needs can make individuals feel unloved or ignored, which can create a disconnect.
6. Values
We all grow up with a certain set of values and when there is a clash with those of our partner, it creates problems and misunderstandings.
Signs Of An Unhealthy Relationship
1. Toxic Relationship Traits
These may not be physically violent, but can be extremely damaging. It can include constant criticism, being controlling or possessive, emotional manipulation and drama cycles. Over time, these behaviours can significantly impact your self-worth, stability and autonomy.
2. Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a type of emotional abuse whereby the victim gets manipulated into questioning their sanity or reality.
It can look like denial even when there is evidence, twisting facts, blaming or making you feel too sensitive or “crazy”. Over time, gaslighting can cause self-doubt, loss of confidence and confusion.
3. Verbal, Emotional, or Physical Abuse
Abuse comes in many forms, and not all leave visible scars. It can include yelling, hitting, humiliation and many more. Abuse is never justified and never your fault; you do not need to “endure” or “fix” it.
How To Improve Your Relationship With Your Partner
1. Communication
Practice honest, open and non-judgmental communication. Using “I” statements, listening, and checking they understand instead of assuming. Both partners can feel heard and valued by setting aside time to talk without distractions.
2. Trust
Trust is built through honesty, consistency, and following through with your words. Ensure you are reliable, transparent and accountable for any of your actions. Create a space where you allow yourself to address past breaches of trust openly and give each other enough time to rebuild respect and safety.
3. Intimacy
It is important to nurture emotional and physical closeness through quality time, affection and checking in on one another. Deepen your bond by being vulnerable, sharing feelings and showing appreciation for one another
4. Consider Relationship Counselling
Relationship counselling is a therapeutic modality used to help couples or partners improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationship. It provides couples with a safe space to explore each other’s perspectives and issues while developing healthier ways of communicating.
When To Seek Help?
It may be time to consider couples counselling when conflicts escalate, there are communication breakdowns or when it feels like the connection is fading. Early intervention can prevent worsening problems.
How Can Us Help You?
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
Couples Therapy
The goal of Couples Therapy at Us is to improve our understanding of each other, renew our friendship and connection and resolve any hurt and betrayal that has occurred. Couples Therapy helps couples break unhelpful conflict cycles and deepen their understanding of their hopes and dreams within life and their relationship.
Marathon Couples Therapy
Marathon Couples Therapy is an intensive, focused treatment approach designed specifically for couples who want to repair, enhance, or strengthen their relationship with the expert guidance of a therapist. Unlike traditional therapy sessions that typically last 50-120 minutes, Marathon Couples Therapy offers a more immersive experience, with each session lasting between 4 to 6 hours. This extended duration allows couples to dive deeper into the underlying issues of their relationship, understand each other’s perspectives, and work together to foster stronger emotional bonds.
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About Relationship Problems
What are the most common issues in a relationship?
Communication problems, trust issues, financial disagreements, lack of intimacy, and differing priorities are frequent challenges within a relationship.
What are the signs of a bad relationship?
Signs include constant criticism, feeling unsafe or disrespected, lack of support, manipulation, and persistent unhappiness.
What is the 222 rule in relationships?
The “2-2-2 rule” in relationships: date night every 2 weeks, planning a weekend getaway every 2 months, and taking a week-long vacation every 2 years