Couples coming to counselling bring a variety of issues: conflict, sex, affairs, growing apart, internet pornography, parenting, mental health, major life changes, etc. However, at the heart of these issues is nearly always a difficulty with communication.
In this session, I wanted to explain how I helped couples to improve their communication, and thus, their sense of emotional connection.
We started by examining existing communication patterns: how did they greet after being apart, how did they say goodbye, how did they try and connect, how did they negotiate and make decisions, and how did they manage disagreements.
Next, we focused on where priorities for change might lie. In essence, I tried and helped them focus on and understand their own and each other's feelings more effectively.
This may seem controversial to some counsellors but I usually recommend some 'homework' – communication exercises to try at home – sometimes modelling them in the sessions first. Clients often complain that these can seem artificial, too structured, and lack spontaneity. In the context of the pressure to 'measure outcomes', I may lack formal evidence but I can assure you that these exercises really do seem to work!
Course Content
Presenter
I have a private practice in Sheffield, mainly counselling couples, but I also counsel individuals. I am a supervisor and offer training, both to young people and adults.
I am BACP Accredited, and achieved both my Person-Centred Diploma in Counselling, and Person Centred Certificate in Supervision at Temenos, in Sheffield.
