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Dundee Counselling
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Relationship Problems

Love brought you together, but as life’s stressors continually press, your relationship may suffer. Having children, losing a job, suspicions or jealousy, moving house, emptying the nest, addictions, abuse from childhood or previous relationships, health issues, etc. can be catalysts for relationship breakdown. It’s rare that a partner is completely blindsided by their partner leaving (though this appears to be increasing), but rather a gradual drifting apart that is the greatest threat to relational satisfaction.

As it is often difficult to perceive a slowly drifting separation, here are some signs that you and your partner should seek help:

  • You remember and dwell on the negative aspects of the relationship more than the positive.
  • Conflict rarely gets resolved.
  • There is violence or abuse (physical, emotional, drug, or alcohol).
  • You rarely laugh together.
  • You feel you or your partner are having or in danger of having an affair.
  • You avoid sharing your true feelings with your partner to minimize conflict.
  • Depression or other health problems are recurring.
  • There seems to be secrets and trust is missing.
  • Loss of desire for sexual intimacy.

In couples counselling, you and your partner meet together with the therapist, where the relationship, rather than the two individuals, is the “client”. Sometimes couples counselling works best alongside individual counselling for either or both partners, and your therapist can advise and arrange for this as well.

If at all possible, the therapist benefits from having the couple come together for couples counselling or at least the initial assessment to hear from both individuals their desires within the relationship. We realize that one partner may not feel like therapy is necessary, so we are willing to work with either partner individually.

With a therapist present, the couple has the opportunity to voice issues in a safe environment, and the therapist focuses on communication styles that are hindering resolution. It is often destructive communication patterns that can be tweaked to improve conflict resolution satisfaction. Working from a caring state of mind and using communication skills taught in therapy, the couple can rebuild trust and intimacy. Your relationship is worth it, invest now!

We must note that not all couples seek to improve their relationship but desire individual support as the relationship dissolves. We are happy to help in this capacity as well.

Addictions
Anger
Anxiety
Bereavement
Depression
Gender and Sexuality
Panic Attacks
Relationship Problems
Shame
Suicidal Thoughts
Trauma and Abuse

Related

Addictions
You may find that your continued involvement with a substance or activity, despite its negative consequences, is a sign of addiction, which requires understanding and addressing the roots of the issue in healthier ways.
Anger and Conflict
Conflict in relationships escalate through three stages: complaint is expressing dissatisfaction, criticism involves identifying recurring behavioral patterns, but contempt, the most toxic stage, attacks a person’s character, leading to a destructive ‘you versus me’ dynamic
Anxiety
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety such as apprehension, tension, or excessive worry, it’s important to talk to your GP and consider counselling, as it can provide valuable support and strategies to address underlying contributing factors and manage anxiety effectively.
Bereavement
In the heart-wrenching journey of grieving a loved one, counselling can be a vital support, helping individuals navigate the intense emotions associated with the Five Stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
Depression
If you are experiencing symptoms like persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and other emotional or physical changes, your GP can provide initial support and medication. Speaking with a counsellor can help identify the underlying factors and help you through.
Gender and Sexual Identity
If you have questions about your gender or sexuality, deeply intertwined with your self-identity, counselling can offer a supportive environment to enhance your self-awareness, navigate societal challenges, and gain a clearer understanding of your true self.