What is it?
Relationship counselling, also known as couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help couples or individuals in a relationship address and resolve issues and conflicts within their relationship. The primary goal of relationship counselling is to improve the quality of the relationship, enhance communication, and promote a healthier, more satisfying partnership. Here’s how it typically works:
The therapeutic process involves assessment, goal setting, therapeutic interventions for effective communication, understanding the partner’s perspective, to express one’s feelings and needs in a safe setting, address issues related to intimacy and sexuality.
Who is it for?
Couples: It is commonly used by couples seeking to strengthen their relationship, whether they are married, in a long-term partnership, engaged, or dating.
Individuals in a Relationship
Sometimes, one partner in a relationship may seek counseling to work on personal issues that are affecting the relationship, even if the other partner doesn’t participate.
Do I need to start thinking about relationship therapy?
It’s not always easy to realise when you need to start thinking about relationship therapy, it generally takes couples at least 6 years from the start of relationship problems to seeking help. We know it’s hard, and there is (at times) a sense of denial. However, thinking about relationship therapy isn’t always a negative, it has a lot of positive effects, sometimes even for couples who are not experiencing any serious relationship issues. Here are some signs that you may need to think about relationship therapy:
- Frequent unresolved conflicts
- Breakdown in communication
- Lack of intimacy
- Persistent feelings of resentment or anger
- Infidelity or trust issues
- Feeling disconnected or distant
- Repeated patterns of unhealthy behavior
- Considering separation or divorce
- Avoiding difficult conversations
- Feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in the relationship
Pre-Marital Counselling & Marriage Counselling in Singapore
Some couples opt for pre-marital counselling to prepare for the challenges that may arise in marriage and to ensure a strong foundation for their partnership.
The effectiveness of relationship counselling often depends on the willingness of the participants to actively engage in the process and make the necessary changes to improve their relationship. Both pre-marital counselling and marriage counselling in Singapore is useful, depending on what your relationship goals are.
