Marriage counselling in Perth: Everything you need to know
You always pictured your marriage would be flourishing as you became a family. You saw yourself being supported and held by your partner as you started your journey toward being a parent. But it’s so different from what you expected…
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re facing some challenges in your marriage. Perhaps you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or at a crossroads in your relationship. If this is resonating with where you are right now, please know that you’re not alone. Many couples experience relationship ups and downs, and seeking help is a courageous and positive step toward nurturing your relationship and your wellbeing.
The truth is that marriage holds many experiences and emotions – sometimes filled with love and joy, and sometimes, there are unexpected bumps in the road. It’s not uncommon to have times where you feel like you’re drifting apart or struggling to communicate effectively.
This is where marriage counselling can make a real difference. Our skilled relationship counsellors in Perth are ready to help you and your partner navigate these tough times together.
Why consider marriage counselling?
“Do we really need counselling?” This is a question we often get asked by people who are weighing up whether or not to start marriage counselling.
Let’s unpack 5 key ways relationship counselling can support your marriage.
1. We all hit rough patches
Every couple has moments where they feel stuck. Whether it’s from parenting stresses, the aftermath of birth trauma, financial concerns, or just the everyday grind, these challenges can create a distance inside our relationships. Marriage counselling provides a safe space to talk about these feelings and work towards a solution – together.
2. Improve communication
Do you find yourself arguing about the same things over and over again? Miscommunication can create a cycle of frustration and hurt. A marriage counsellor can teach you how to express your feelings more openly and listen to each other more effectively.
3. Rekindle intimacy
When life is life-ing, it can be challenging to stay connected with each other. If you feel that spark fading, counselling can help you explore how to reconnect emotionally and physically, reigniting the passion and intimacy that brought you together in the first place.
4. Resolve conflict
It’s not uncommon to have unresolved conflicts that linger beneath the surface. A professional can help you unpack these issues and find healthier ways to address them, turning conflict into a pathway for growth rather than a source of pain and distance.
5. Navigate major life changes
Big changes – such as becoming parents, moving, or job transitions – can put immense strain on a marriage. Counselling helps couples process these shifts and come out stronger on the other side.
Here’s a little peek into the process:
A safe space
Your sessions will be a judgement-free zone where both you and your partner can express your feelings openly. Your counsellor is there to listen, facilitate understanding, and help you both feel supported.
Guided conversations
A good marriage counsellor will guide your conversations, providing space for you both to articulate what’s important to you. They’ll assist in unpacking feelings and thoughts that may be difficult to express.
Practical tools
You’ll learn practical tools and strategies to help improve your relationship dynamics. These skills can be applied in everyday life to continue to grow your connection and create the relationship you both want.
You might be curious about what brings other couples to counselling.
Here are some common reasons:
1. Communication issues
It’s easy to fall into negative communication patterns. Maybe you’ve noticed that every conversation seems to end in frustration. A counsellor can help break this cycle.
2. Feeling disconnected
If you feel like you’re living parallel lives, it might be time to seek help. Counselling can assist you in reconnecting emotionally and rekindling the intimacy you once shared.
3. Infidelity or trust issues
Betrayal can shake the foundation of your relationship. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of infidelity, a skilled counsellor can guide you through the healing process, or support you to consciously uncouple, or take some space in a constructive way.
4. Life transitions
Changes like having a baby or moving can disrupt your relationship dynamics and how you work together as a team. It’s normal to struggle during these times, and counselling can provide support as you adjust together.
5. Long-standing conflicts
If you’ve been stuck on the same issues for a while, it might be time to seek help. Counselling can provide new perspectives and strategies to help resolve these conflicts.
Relationships take work, particularly in the perinatal stage. Whether it be before, during or after pregnancy and birth it is important to consistently put in effort and nurture your relationship by communicating your needs, wants, and desires with your partner, and listening to them when they do the same. Couples counselling provides an opportunity to explore your relationship in a safe, non-judgemental, unbiased environment; gain an understanding of factors that may be influencing your situation; then work towards moving forward with tools and strategies to improve your relationship.
If any of this resonates with you, know that seeking marriage counselling in Perth is a proactive choice to deepen your connection. Many couples wait until they’re on the brink of separation before reaching out for help. However, addressing issues early can often prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Remember, it’s okay to seek support at any stage of your relationship.
Finding the right counsellor is essential. Look for someone who specialises in marriage counselling and who resonates with both you and your partner. It’s important that you feel comfortable and safe with your counsellor, as this relationship is key to your healing process.
If you’re ready to take that step toward a stronger, healthier relationship, consider reaching out to one of our experienced Perth-based marriage counsellors today. We offer a range of evidence-based and effective relationship counselling therapies including the Gottman method.
