Couple therapy and marriage counselling is a means of resolving problems and conflicts that couples have not been able to handle effectively on their own. It involves both partners interacting to discuss their thoughts and feelings. The aim is to help them gain a better understanding of themselves and their partner, to decide if they need and want to make changes, and if so, to help them to do so.

People seek therapy and counselling for a range of problems and every couple is different. Some of the most common complaints include lack of communication, frequent or constant arguments, unfulfilled emotional needs, financial concerns and conflicts about children. Couples seek help not because their problems are different from those of other couples, but because they are unable to resolve their problems.

My role as the therapist is to remain an objective third party who will listen to both partners as they express their thoughts and feelings and help them identify and clarify problem areas. My interpretation of the situation and issues will offer the couple a new perspective, which permits a change in feelings and behaviour. I act as a mediator, attempting to clear up misunderstandings in communication. This is often difficult for people to do themselves because they are emotionally caught up in the situation. Ultimately I help the partners consider alternative ways of approaching their relationship and handling problematic situations.