Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Relationship Counselling

Even the best relationship in the world can hit roadblocks. Whether you’re new parents or empty nesters, whether you’re facing a breach in trust or a communication breakdown, you shouldn’t underestimate the impact of bringing in an experienced, impartial third party.

Our understanding of ourselves, our partner, and our relationship is deeply rooted in personal beliefs and biases. A compassionate relationship counsellor can help unpack how you arrived at your current situation and navigate a redirection if that isn’t where you want to be.

At Sentient, we offer relationship counselling in Sydne y to help couples reconnect and find their way back to each other. If you’re ready to take the first step to improve your relationship, contact one of our experienced counsellors today.

What is Relationship Counselling and How Does It Work?

Relationship counselling is a simple solution to a complicated problem. It’s easy to underestimate the impact of having an impartial third party mediate, but just having an empathetic professional lend an ear can make all the difference in the world—even when it comes to longstanding issues. During counselling sessions, couples work together with a trained therapist to understand each other better, and to learn how to navigate conflict.

The process involves open and honest conversations about the challenges you’re facing, with the aim of finding constructive solutions that benefit both partners. Counsellors use techniques like active listening and conflict resolution to guide couples towards a healthier dynamic.

When to Consider Relationship Counselling: Early Signs You Need Help

The earlier you seek help, the better. Relationships in the final stage of breakdown can be difficult to salvage, but couples who notice early warning signs and act fast have a good chance of finding their way back to each other.

Here are some signs that you might need the expertise of a relationship counsellor:

· Constant arguments, which can signal a need for healthier communication.

· Emotional distance, including feeling disconnected or less intimate with your partner.

· Trust issues, including if trust has been broken.

· Unmet needs, as well as feeling unsatisfied or stuck in the relationship.

· Avoiding difficult conversations, which makes it harder to move forward.

· One partner feels undervalued, unheard, or ignored.

· Stress from life changes, which can strain relationships.

Types of Relationship Counselling We Use at Sentient Professional Wellbeing:

Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotional Focused Therapy focuses on improving emotional bonds between partners, helping couples express their emotions in a healthy way and create a secure emotional connection. This method is effective for couples experiencing distress due to attachment issues.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT for couples looks at the thoughts and behaviours that might be contributing to relationship problems. By identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with healthier ones, couples can reduce conflict.

The Gottman Method

The Gottman Method is based on decades of research and focuses on improving communication and building trust. This method is ideal for couples who want practical strategies to strengthen their relationship long-term.

The Relationship Counselling Process: What to ExpectThe Initial Consultation: What Happens in the First Session?

In many cases, success will depend on patience and having an open mind. If you’re in relationship counselling, then chances are you care about your relationship enough to do the work, so congratulations on taking an invaluable first step.

Your first session will likely be about getting to know who you are, both individually and in your partnership. Your counsellor might ask about your history, if you’ve sought counselling before, and what has brought you here today.

Setting Goals for Counselling and Measuring Progress

Right from the start, your counsellor will work with you and your partner to identify what you hope to achieve—whether that’s a harmonious adjustment to a big life change, or improved communication. Setting a goal early on will help both you and your counsellor determine how the sessions are going and make adjustments where necessary.

As you progress, your counsellor will regularly check in with you to measure how you're tracking towards those goals. You may notice changes in how you communicate, the ability to handle disagreements, or a deeper understanding of each other’s needs.

Progress can sometimes be gradual, but with patience, you can expect to enjoy positive and lasting change.

How to Find the Right Relationship Counsellor for You

Your counsellor should be someone that both you and your partner feel comfortable with. You should look for someone who aligns with your communication style, and understands what you hope to achieve, as well as someone who is an empathetic listener.

At Sentient, our relationship counsellors are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method. This allows us to tailor the counselling process to suit your unique needs.

The right relationship counsellor will not only help you understand each other better but also equip you with the tools to strengthen your connection for the long term. At Sentient Professional Wellbeing, we’re committed to guiding you towards a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.