Relationships are complicated at the best of times. What started off as black and white can often turn into shades of grey. Sometimes the very qualities that you found attractive in your partner at the beginning of your relationship, are now the source of constant fights and arguments. Powerful forces are often at play under the surface, as well as emotional baggage from past relationships and families. With such a jigsaw puzzle to deal with, is it any wonder that couples eventually get stuck?
Asking for help is probably the hardest thing to do. Who really wants to have all their dirty laundry picked through by a stranger? And then there is the fear that once Pandora's Box is open, what else will come out? Doesn't seeing a counsellor mean the relationship is really in trouble? If we were meant to be together, surely we should be able fix this ourselves?
These are all normal fears about couple counselling. My dream is that one day, seeing a counsellor about your relationship will be no more frightening than going to see your dentist for a check up (hopefully without having any teeth pulled out!). Just like your physical health, your relationship may be in need of some routine maintenance, i.e. removing some plaque before decay sets in. Unfortunately, most couples wait until the decay in their relationship is now causing pain.
So, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but one of strength. It shows that you are committed to working on your relationship to make it stronger, more respectful, compassionate and loving. I look forward to joining you on this challenging yet wonderful journey.