Conflict is an opportunity to learn to love our partner better over time.

Relationships, like anything, take work. But the work doesn't have to be a daunting task. It can be rewarding, inspiring and very worthwhile. 

However, when you've experienced hurt and pain in your relationship, we tend to build feelings of anger and resentment over time, which makes it really difficult for us to not only trust our partners but turn towards them with kindness and love, as we are scared we will only continue to be let down and hurt. We then tend to put our walls up and see them through a negative lens in an attempt to protect ourselves. 

Perhaps there was a breach in trust that has happened in your relationship, such as an affair, or the communication has gotten to a point where conflict is the main way you now find yourself talking to each other. Or you have grown apart but still love each other, you're just not sure what went wrong and how you got to this point. 

There are many different tools and techniques that can be drawn from, when working to repair relationships. One of the main philosophies that I work under is the Gottman Method of Marriage and Couples Counselling. Therefore, in working with me, some of the goals we will learn about and work towards are disarming communication patterns that lead to conflict and learning more healthy and gentle ways of connecting with our partners. We will also learn new ways of increasing emotional and physical intimacy in your relationships, create shared meaning and life goals for you and your partner and your relationship.  We will also build on (or rebuild) trust, nurturing the growth of appreciation and turning towards your partner with admiration and fondness. 

Your part in the process will entail challenging yourself to be an active participant in being open, honest and vulnerable, to help yourself and your relationship get the most out of your counselling experience.