Relationship Difficulties

Understanding Relationship Difficulties

What are relationship difficulties?

Building and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships with partners, friends, family members and work colleagues is crucial for our mental health and wellbeing. It is normal to experience challenging periods in such close, long-term relationships. These may include arguments, miscommunications and emotional distance. Such issues sometimes arise in even the strongest and healthiest of relationships. However, extended periods of strain or detachment from those closest to us are likely to impair self-esteem, physical and mental wellbeing.

Some common relationship difficulties include:

  • Dysfunctional and unconstructive communication, resulting in anger and conflict
  • Difficulty asserting your needs and viewpoint
  • Sensitivity to perceived or actual criticism
  • Insecurity and fear of rejection
  • Jealousy or lack of trust

What causes relationship difficulties?

Difficulties can arise between two people for any number of reasons, and sometimes seemingly for no reason at all. Even if no issues are immediately obvious, an underlying root cause can usually be identified through clear and open discussion. The following issues are common contributing factors to relationship difficulties:

  • Poor communication skills
  • Incompatible or conflicting goals/values
  • Physical, emotional or verbal abuse
  • One or more partners experiencing mental health issues
  • Adjusting to life transitions, such as moving in together, marriage, parenting or retirement
  • Sexual concerns
  • Difficulty achieving a reasonable work/life balance
  • Managing life stressors, such as job loss, finances, or conflict regarding parenting decisions
  • Lack of intimacy or trust
  • Perceived imbalance in emotional labour or investment

 

Romantic relationships are not the only kind which can benefit immensely from counselling. All worthwhile relationships require work at some point. A strong, close relationship is not one that seemingly requires no effort or is free of conflict. In fact, making a joint effort and working through difficult times together often brings people closer and strengthens commitments.

It is crucial to learn how to resolve conflict in a healthy, loving, comprehensive and honest way. Otherwise problems can linger and inflict deeper wounds that are slower to heal. Learning how to communicate in a way that is constructive and collaborative, rather than antagonistic, is one of the principal benefits of professional help.

How can relationship counselling help us?

A relationship need not be in crisis to benefit from counselling. At any point in a relationship, it can be useful to gain an experienced and impartial outside perspective. Particularly during transitory stages, it can help to clarify and communicate needs and goals.

At Seed Psychology, we deliver the highest-quality relationship counselling to people who are experiencing difficulties with their partners, family, friends and work colleagues.

If you are experiencing any of the difficulties listed above, Seed Psychology can help you with individual or couples therapy. Our experienced psychologists work with many couples who want to improve their relationship and marriage, as well as people who wish to overcome difficulties with friends or other family members.

We also deliver one-on-one counselling to people seeking help with overcoming personal issues which are negatively impacting their relationships with others. In individual therapy, our psychologists will assist you to identify unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour that are contributing to your relationship difficulties. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we will support you to develop new skills and coping strategies.

In couples therapy, our psychologists will help you and your partner, friend or family member to recognise the issues of concern that are negatively impacting your relationship. You will develop new skills and strategies to foster better communication, understanding and respect within your relationship. You will be assisted to reconnect and identify mutual values and goals, and to regain intimacy and closeness within your relationship.

Contact us now to book an appointment. Weekend and evening appointments are available.