Healthy Relationships Are Good For Our Well-Being
As human beings we are hard-wired to seek and maintain long-term intimate relationships. Successful, well functioning relationships provide us with love, support, comfort, pleasure and friendship; and contribute significantly to our personal well-being. However maintaining a healthy relationship through life’s challenges can sometimes require hard work and commitment.
It should come as no surprise then, that when our relationships become disconnected, or even hostile, it can have a profound impact on our self-esteem. We can be left feeling unhappy, anxious, confused, lonely, angry, and a range of other overwhelming feelings.
While it is normal for couples to have “ups and downs”, sometimes issues can arise which are painful and difficult to talk about; causing frustration and conflict.
What causes relationship problems?
Couples can find themselves clashing over a wide range of things. In our experience some of the most common areas of conflict include:
- How much time to spend together as a couple; (including preoccupation with interests outside of the relationship).
- Parenting
- The level of involvement with extended family.
- How to manage money and other financial affairs.
- How evenly household responsibilities are allocated.
- Trust and infidelity.
- Stress from major life changes such as having children, career changes, losing a loved one or relocation.
- Different sexual and physical intimacy needs.
How can we help?
While relationship counselling ideally involves both partners, there are times when it may be more appropriate for you to attend individual therapy. Such circumstances can include: when you have a partner who is not willing to participate in the process, or when there are issues that you may wish to work through independently, such as whether or not to remain in the relationship.
At TG Psychology our psychologists can teach you a range of strategies aimed at improving the overall quality of your intimate relationship; building your self-esteem, your quality of life, and your hopes for the future. Such strategies may include: teaching you structured problem solving techniques, effective communication and conflict resolution skills; and recognising and modifying your own unhelpful behaviour patterns.
We have found that many of our clients have been able to make significant improvements to their relationships by using the skills they have learned from their individual treatment sessions. However, if you do ultimately decide to end your relationship, our psychologists can also provide you with emotional and practical support to help you navigate the transition.
