Understanding 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.

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What are relationship difficulties?

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.

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.

Through connection,
change is possible

Our compassionate team at Seed Psychology is here to help you regain your wellbeing and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity. Connect with us to book an appointment with a psychologist in our Brunswick clinic or via telehealth Australia-wide.

Fostering resilience in Brunswick and beyond for over 16 years

Freqeuently asked questions

  • Therapy is a shared process. While your Psychologist brings expertise, insight, and support, the most meaningful outcomes often come when you’re actively engaged in your own growth. This means being open and honest during sessions, reflecting between appointments, and being willing to try new approaches-even when it feels challenging. Therapy can take time, and progress isn’t always linear, but your commitment matters. Here are some ways to support your journey:

    • Be open and honest with your Psychologist, even (and especially) if something feels hard to say.
    • Give feedback if something doesn’t feel right or if your needs change.
    • Stay open to exploring new ideas and practices within a safe, supportive space.
    • Take notes or keep a journal to reflect on insights or patterns between sessions.
    • Try to attend regularly-consistency is key to building momentum.
    • Be kind to yourself. Growth can be uncomfortable at times, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
    • Invest in your wellbeing outside of therapy by building habits and routines that nourish you.

    Therapy is a courageous act of self-investment. By showing up and staying engaged, you create space for real and lasting change.

  • Our experienced team of Psychologists offers warm, evidence-based support that’s collaborative, inclusive and grounded in genuine understanding. We provide individual, relationship or family therapy for a wide range of concerns. Additionally, we offer couples therapy, online therapy, psychological assessments (including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Assessments), and workshops.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long therapy takes. At Seed Psychology, we tailor each intervention to your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Some people come to therapy to navigate a specific challenge, like managing anxiety, adjusting to a life transition, or processing a relationship difficulty. Others may be seeking deeper emotional growth or support for longer-term concerns. Because of this, the number of sessions can vary. Many clients attend between 6 and 18 sessions, though some need fewer and others continue for longer. Your Psychologist will discuss an estimated treatment plan with you after your initial assessment and continue checking in over time to ensure it feels helpful and aligned with your goals. Ultimately, the pace and duration of therapy is something we navigate together, guided by your progress, preferences, and what feels right for you.

  • Consultations with a psychologist last between 50 and 60 minutes.

  • At Seed Psychology, your safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. While we are here to support you through regular therapy sessions, we are not a crisis service and may not be available outside of scheduled appointments. If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, experiencing a mental health crisis, or needs urgent support, it’s important to seek help straight away through the appropriate emergency or crisis services. You can find a list of trusted organisations and services here that can provide immediate support when you need it most.