The benefits of individual relationship counselling
Individual relationship counselling simply means attending therapy solo, rather than with your partner, in order to learn how to better function and cope in healthy ways within existing relationships.
Sometimes a relationship may become unbalanced, interests clash, decision making is weighted towards one partner, or one person has stronger feelings.
When this is the case, attending individual relationship counselling can be extremely beneficial.
We have extensive experience in many areas; however, we place a particular focus on individual relationship counselling.
It may not even necessarily be a romantic relationship which you are seeking to delve into, friendships and family bonds can be just as distressing if something has gone wrong within them.
Through our sessions, we’ll delve into the dynamics of your relationship, teaching you to apply an assertiveness that takes care of both your needs and the needs of your relationship.
Why do people choose me?
When deciding on the best type of relationship counselling to have, several factors should be considered.
Answering these questions requires a deep understanding of counselling and the dynamic between two, or more, people.
- I have a proven track record as one of the best couples counsellors on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, with over 20 years of experience.
- I provide couples with the support, safety, and healthy coping mechanisms that can help them function better as a team.
- I create an atmosphere of compassion, empathy and understanding for all of couples.
- I believe the best approach to couples counselling is centred around the healing power of mindfulness.
- I am always attentive to and aware of the present state of your relationship.
- I constantly consider all aspects of your emotions, thought processes and histories.
The techniques, coping mechanisms and empathetic skills you will learn here can be carried forward into all aspects of your life for a happier and healthier journey.
Explore my other services
Hypnosis
I can help you to free yourself from unhelpful beliefs, habits or negative thought patterns with the use of Ericksonian hypnosis. This method allows us to create a script together, using words and phrases that have meaning for you, facilitating a way to loosen blocks you may have to change or to help with pain management. Hypnosis allows us to engage fully with your mind, bringing the underlying causes of relationship dysfunction to your conscious awareness, where we can work towards resolving them.
Individual Relationship Counselling
I have extensive experience and training in many areas of the counselling field, however my speciality is working with individuals who are experiencing relationship pain, whether with partners, or with various family members or even within friendships. Providing insights into the dynamics of your relationship, learn to apply an assertiveness that takes care of both your needs and the needs of your relationship. When relationships become unbalanced, it can be beneficial to attend a session on your own.
EMDR
Developed from Thought Field Therapy by psychologist Roger Callahan, this is an energetic therapy which uses our body’s energy system to release blockages created by negative thought patterns. We release these by tapping on acupressure points throughout the body, rather like ‘do it yourself’ acupuncture, without the needles. I have been doing EFT with my clients for 14 years and many report feelings of immediate relief as well as the reassurance and comfort that comes with knowing you have a tool you can use any time you need it. EFT works especially well for those who have experienced a trauma of some kind
Emotional Freedom Therapy
Developed from Thought Field Therapy by psychologist Roger Callahan, this is an energetic therapy which uses our body’s energy system to release blockages created by negative thought patterns. We release these by tapping on acupressure points throughout the body, rather like ‘do it yourself’ acupuncture, without the needles. I have been doing EFT with my clients for 14 years and many report feelings of immediate relief as well as the reassurance and comfort that comes with knowing you have a tool you can use any time you need it. EFT works especially well for those who have experienced a trauma of some kind
Meditation
I offer meditation practice and instruction for those who are interested in learning more about themselves and who wish to foster an increased ability to self soothe and relax, using various breathing techniques. Creating awareness of your surroundings, meditation encourages you to see your partner’s needs more clearly, helping you work towards common ground. Teaching forgiveness, developing gratitude, spreading positivity, and bringing contentment, meditation can help keep you connected with your partner.
Psychotherapy
I work with couples who are experiencing negative and destructive patterns of communicating and help them develop the skills for forming and maintaining healthy and loving relationships. I also work with couples who have committed to a relationship and want to learn how to make it work as well as they can. Whether you and your partner are arguing more often, find your relationship has lost its spark, or there is a major difference in opinion across cultural, racial or financial aspects, couples counselling can help you reconnect with your partner and in many cases leave with a stronger bond.
7 relationship warning signs
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You fight over the same things all the time
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There are more and more periods of silence
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You spend less and less time together
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You are unable to talk about and resolve your issues
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You are focusing more time on the kids and less on each other
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You are feeling drawn to someone outside your relationship
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You are having little to no sex
The most common relationship problems
Infidelity
When infidelity occurs in a relationship the emotional hurt can feel overwhelming.
If infidelity has become a part of your relationship, attending therapy together with a partner may prove emotionally difficult.
In this instance, attending counselling alone may be the easier option, allowing you to freely talk through feelings that can be distressing.
Anxiety
If you or your partner experience anxiety, you will know how this disorder can put a strain on relationship.
During counselling you will learn how to manage anxiety both in yourself and others, and if your partner is the one suffering with the condition, you will learn the correct, healthy methods for understanding and empathising in order to build a closer and more cohesive relationship.
Trauma
Trauma due to a negative event in early life can have lasting effects as we age and go through further relationships.
What is classed as a traumatic experience can be extremely broad, and you may not realise you are suffering from trauma at all.
With individual relationship counselling, we can examine where your feelings of trauma originate from and work towards overcoming them.
Sexuality
In many adult relationships there is a difference in sexuality.
Perhaps one partner’s libido is higher, or one partner’s sexual interests may be very different.
Whatever the difference is, counselling can help to close this gap by creating empathy and understanding, and introducing a healthy amount of compromise.
Solo relationship counselling can be useful in dealing with this emotionally charged issue.
Low self-esteem
When suffering from low self-esteem, though outside factors can play a part, often the root of the issue lies within ourselves and how we view our own personalities.
If you feel as though you would benefit from some one-on-one time in counselling, individual relationship counselling is the ideal method for getting that extra little bit of attention on yourself to help you work through your low self-esteem issues.
Getting started with individual relationship counselling
Step One – Book a free 10 minute phone consultation
Taking the first step to attend counselling can be a challenge.
Convenient, flexible and with your needs in mind, let’s chat about your expectations and concerns in a complimentary 10 minute phone consultation.
Step Two – Make an Appointment
If you choose to go ahead and book a counselling session we’ll arrange a time that’s suitable to you and your partner (if applicable).
As a safe and transparent space my consulting room is private, tranquil, and completely confidential.
Benefits of Individual Relationship Counselling
Both couples counselling and individual counselling may be effective in restoring the connection you and your partner once shared.
The truth is that both are extremely effective at resolving difficulties or conflicts within the relationship.
Individual relationship counselling, however, means that you will have the freedom to fully express yourself to our counsellors without any stress about revealing things to your partner.
In every relationship, there are concerns over how much to divulge, and attending solo sessions can help to quash this concern.
Of course, even though you attend sessions alone, you can still share what you learn with your partner after.
Sharing the techniques and healthy thought processes you pick up can help to repair your relationship, even if only one person attends.
How does individual relationship counselling work?
My process is simple and effective.
I like to approach each client with a clear mind, on a clean slate.
By viewing each client in this way – as complete individuals from whom no two lives are remotely similar – together we can approach therapy in a healthy and progressive manner.
Making no assumptions and promising to approach each session free from pre-determinations and diagnoses, we can view your life in its entirety and paint a vivid picture.
This holistic approach to therapy means that everything is deemed as potentially relevant in your history, and through this learning process we will be able to provide unique insight into the inner workings of both you and your partner, and the roles you fulfil within the relationship.
Once this has been established we can take things forward, teaching you coping strategies and helping you to rebalance the relationship in a healthier frame.
My ultimate goal is to provide you and your partner with the skills you need to have a long, happy relationship together.
Testimonials
‘My wife and I had reached a stage in our relationship where we weren’t getting along at all, and for the longest time we both ignored this issue, hoping it would simply pass or fix itself. However, nothing improved, so I started individual counselling. I learned a ton of ways to view myself, my wife, and our relationship together in a more healthy light, and through practice, we are slowly getting back to how we used to be: happy.’
Ron
‘I was cheated on by a spouse last year, and the event truly damaged me. I lost my self-esteem and my faith in others was shaken up. I found myself having difficulty opening up to people, and viewing myself in a terrible light – I viewed it all as my fault. However, thanks to counselling, I have learned that I was blaming myself for something I shouldn’t have – and much more besides. I’ve finally been able to move on, and it feels so good.’
Claire
‘I’ve always had a strained relationship with my father, and for decades I accepted it as a mere fact of life. I assumed everybody had the same tumultuous upbringing and dreaded Christmas dinners. However, when my wife recommended counselling, I was surprised. She talked me into it, and I’m so glad I went. I learned heaps of information about how to cope with the relationship, and how to improve it.’
Richard
Individual relationship counselling
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