Counselling for Relationship Issues in London

Intimate relationships play a central role in the overall human experience. We have a universal need to belong which is satisfied when close relationships are formed.

Intimacy may be emotional as well as sexual and intimacy, for some people, is difficult. Getting emotionally close to someone involves a great level of trust. Intimacy requires a person to be both separate (an individual) and together (as part of an intimate relationship).

Relationships usually involve some level of interdependence. In other words, the people in a relationship usually influence each other and depend on each other in varying ways. Because of this interdependence, things that change or affect one person in a relationship will almost always have an impact on the other person.

Our personal relationships also have a great impact on who we are individually. It has even been suggested that a person’s self-concept is defined by the relationships he has with others. How we form relationships with others and how we manage conflicts within those relationships plays a significant role in the success of our close personal relationships.

The shape of relationships is changing

In recent years, trends in human relationships have been changing. As people grow more independent and financially self-sufficient, traditional relationships have altered. In 2008, the number of marriages registered in England and Wales was 232,990 – the lowest number since 1895 (228,204). Many people’s lives now consist of several significant relationships rather than ‘one for life.’ The number of weddings in the UK has also been declining from a peak in 1972 as more people choose civil (non religious) ceremonies.

The Civil Partnership Act came into force in December 2005 allowing same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. The number of same-sex couples applying for civil partnerships has also declined since 2007.

These statistics do not necessarily indicate that relationships are less important to people. In fact, they could suggest that relationships are more important as people seek to find fulfillment through relationships with more than one partner.

Counselling helps resolve relationship and intimacy issues

For many years, relationship therapy has helped many couples in the form of couples counselling, a type of therapy where both partners attempt to resolve relationship problems with the help of a couples therapist. Couples therapy provides a unique forum where both partners in a relationship discuss issues with each other in a controlled, structured manner. An experienced couples therapist facilitates theses discussions and helps identify any problematic dynamics within the relationship. Couples may also find the help of a sex therapist useful.

Just as in individual counselling and psychotherapy, discussions in couples therapy are always confidential.

It is a misconception that people only seek counselling for relationship problems within intimate, sexual partnerships. While couples are the most likely clients for relationship therapy, people sometimes seek help for relationship problems within families, within friendships or with colleagues.

Sometimes individuals seek personal counselling for help with any relationship or intimacy issues they might be having. Personal therapy can be useful in helping someone identify problematic relationship patterns or intimacy issues, in hopes of having more satisfying relationships in the future.

Overall, relationship therapy can help both couples and individuals with relationship, sex or intimacy issues.

Wherever people come together there will be potential for miscommunication, anger, frustration, disappointment and hurt. To speak in confidence with one of our therapists about problems within personal relationships, please get in touch.

Relationship issues are one of the most common problems that people bring to us. One of our therapists may be able to help.