Relationship Counselling and Marriage Counselling
Relationship Counselling Melbourne and Marriage Counselling Melbourne Provider
• Each couple that comes to see me has a unique situation and consequently I work to address their specific needs.
• Some couples come to therapy simply wanting to enhance intimacy, whilst others come to address specific issues that have arisen over the course of their relationship. On occasion couples come seeking assistance in navigating the end of their relationships.
• The way I practice relationship counselling and marriage counselling is a blend of three approaches:
The Gottmans
I draw on the work of the Gottmans who have studied the communication patterns of thousands of couples in what they call the Love Lab in Seattle, USA. By making specific observations of the frequency with which couples use “criticism”, “contempt”, “defensiveness” and “stonewalling” they are able to predict whether a newlywed couple will divorce with 91% accuracy. Using the Gottmans’ observations I help couples to reduce these kinds of interactions which tend to have toxic effects on relationships.
Imago Therapy
Imago therapy is a form of couples therapy founded by Harville Hendrix. I have found the Imago Therapy approach of “Couples Dialogue” to be of great assistance in helping couples to enhance their communication. It involves learning how to listen accurately to what your partner is saying, understanding and validating your partner’s point of view and expressing your empathy for your partner’s feelings. With a little bit of coaching and practice most couples find that they can master these skills and as a result experience enhanced intimacy.
Transgenerational and Family Systems Therapy
Transgenerational family therapy theories help to understand how our families of origin impact our current relationships. When I work with couples I help them to explore how their experience in their families of origin may be affecting their current relationship.
Family systems therapy looks at families and couples as interacting systems with each individual affecting each other. This can be most readily observed when partners get in to cyclical patterns of interaction. For example, one partner doesn’t talk because they feel criticised, the other partner criticises them for not being more communicative, which further reduces their desire to talk. I help the couples I work with to become aware of dynamics such as these and find ways to have more fulfilling relationships.
• I enjoy the dynamic nature of working with couples and the satisfaction of seeing deep connections unfold right before my eyes in the counselling room. If you decide to try couples therapy I am certain you will also personally benefit by developing a greater sense of self awareness and significant understanding of your way of being in relationships.
For Relationship Counselling Melbourne or Marriage Counselling Melbourne consult Paul the Counsellor
0458 090 687
paulthecounsellor@gmail.com
253 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
