2008-2011 Copyright © Martin Cox & Achieving Balance. All rights reserved.
For an informal chat feel free to call Martin on 01923 256999 or email martin@achievingbalance.net
Relationship therapy combines all of my training and experience gained in working in this specialist field since I started counselling for Relate in 2003. Whether you want to better understand and come to terms with the break up of a relationship, work as a couple towards improving communication between you, or figure out how best to manage difficulties in your family, relationship therapy may be just what you’re looking for. Individuals, couples and families are welcome to attend.
I understand how important it is for you to start ongoing therapy as quickly as possible after you have taken the courageous step of seeking professional help, so there are no long waiting lists; daytime, evening and weekend sessions available; and I will even arrange home visits in certain circumstances for those struggling to get to my office. And you will pay the same reasonable rate no matter how many people attend, because I think it is only fair that you pay for my time and expertise, not for how many seats you fill!
While the therapy you receive will be completely tailored to you own particular circumstances, some of the more common topics covered include:
I understand how important it is for you to start ongoing therapy as quickly as possible after you have taken the courageous step of seeking professional help, so there are no long waiting lists; daytime, evening and weekend sessions available; and I will even arrange home visits in certain circumstances for those struggling to get to my office. And you will pay the same reasonable rate no matter how many people attend, because I think it is only fair that you pay for my time and expertise, not for how many seats you fill!
While the therapy you receive will be completely tailored to you own particular circumstances, some of the more common topics covered include:
working together to set the ground rules for effective, respectful therapy
understanding each others hopes and concerns about the therapy process
clearly defining how and when we will work together
understanding the limits of confidentiality
looking at patterns of communication
practical ways to improve current communication
managing disagreements so that they don’t escalate out of control
how to take some useful ideas from the therapy room and use them in the outside world
breaking unwanted patterns
the often unacknowledged rules by which you live your life and their affordances and constraints
the different roles you have undertaken often without realising it
the way your life experiences can influence your beliefs about relationships and vice versa
the effects of a betrayal of trust
understanding the feelings that a betrayal can generate
alternative ways of thinking about an affair and where best to focus your attention
considering your options
understanding the many differences in perception between the you and your partner after an affair comes to light
defining the problem: differences in perception
where exactly does the problem lie?
the limitations of blame
where to concentrate the work: past, present or future, problem or solution?
goal setting
tasks between sessions
coming to terms with an ending
understanding the effects on your children
working out how to establish and maintain a good joint parenting relationship
the challenges faced within blended families
where did it all go wrong - an opportunity to learn from your experiences
working together to avoid unnecessary conflict
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but instead gives a flavour of the incredibly rich and diverse work of relationship therapy, which also includes:
Difficulties with sex and intimacy; the effects of work stress, redundancy, unemployment and financial strains; issues around housing and homelessness; the effects of parenthood, infertility and fertility treatment on the relationship, the influence of families of origin and cross-cultural difficulties; single parenting; loss and bereavement; physical ill-health, dependency on others and disabilities; mental health difficulties; the effects of substance abuse; domestic violence; physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
understanding each others hopes and concerns about the therapy process
clearly defining how and when we will work together
understanding the limits of confidentiality
looking at patterns of communication
practical ways to improve current communication
managing disagreements so that they don’t escalate out of control
how to take some useful ideas from the therapy room and use them in the outside world
breaking unwanted patterns
the often unacknowledged rules by which you live your life and their affordances and constraints
the different roles you have undertaken often without realising it
the way your life experiences can influence your beliefs about relationships and vice versa
the effects of a betrayal of trust
understanding the feelings that a betrayal can generate
alternative ways of thinking about an affair and where best to focus your attention
considering your options
understanding the many differences in perception between the you and your partner after an affair comes to light
defining the problem: differences in perception
where exactly does the problem lie?
the limitations of blame
where to concentrate the work: past, present or future, problem or solution?
goal setting
tasks between sessions
coming to terms with an ending
understanding the effects on your children
working out how to establish and maintain a good joint parenting relationship
the challenges faced within blended families
where did it all go wrong - an opportunity to learn from your experiences
working together to avoid unnecessary conflict
The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but instead gives a flavour of the incredibly rich and diverse work of relationship therapy, which also includes:
Difficulties with sex and intimacy; the effects of work stress, redundancy, unemployment and financial strains; issues around housing and homelessness; the effects of parenthood, infertility and fertility treatment on the relationship, the influence of families of origin and cross-cultural difficulties; single parenting; loss and bereavement; physical ill-health, dependency on others and disabilities; mental health difficulties; the effects of substance abuse; domestic violence; physical, sexual and emotional abuse.