Relationship Counselling Newport, Counselling Cardiff, Counsellor Newport, Counsellor Cardiff

Counselling for relationship issues can help improve the way we relate to the people around us and break free of old patterns to realise our potential. It is usually an integral part of personal or individual work.

Our sense of identity and self-worth rests on the strength of our relationships and often we despair when they fail. Our ways of relating are learned at a young age in the family in which we grew up and we can become stuck in unhealthy and unhelpful habits that restrict our lives.

Under pressure we often revert to familiar patterns. The family scapegoat may find himself quick to accept blame when the pressure builds up at work. The worker, who was bullied as a child, may find herself being drawn to the criticism of a over-demanding manager.

Self-respect and liking oneself are the most important ingredients for any successful relationship. If these are missing you may consider counselling to address them. Any relationship that reduces a person's self-esteem or confidence should be looked at closely.

Symptoms of Relationship Difficulties

• Repetitive, destructive patterns at work or home

• 'Here we go again' feelings

• Feeling bullied or pressurised

• Feelings of being held back for no apparent reason

• Limiting of social life for fear of consequences

• Anxiety or depression

Relationship counselling can offer the chance to examine our patterns of interacting with those around us to allow us to lead healthier and happier lives. We can improve our relationships with work colleagues, friends or an intimate partner when we make conscious choices and learn new skills.

Managing conflict is one of the corner stones to improving relationships. It is unrealistic to hope to avoid it. Differences can be acknowledged with respect to allow people to co-exist in any environment – at work or play. Learning the skills to negotiate and communicate better can allow unhealthy patterns to change.

Understanding the value of self-esteem can help address difficult issues with the greatest chance of success. Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are just two of a vast array of tools which can help focus on healthier ways to deal with people. Individual counselling can help build confidence and self-esteem.

Couple Counselling may be useful to examine problems in our main, intimate relationship.

How can Relationship Counselling help?

• Destructive patterns of relating can be recognised and addressed

• Conflict and communication can be improved

• New relationship skills can be learned

• The effect of change can be examined

• Relationships can be more successful

• Abusive relationships and domestic violence can be acknowledged

Counselling can help us to understand the messages and habits we may have inherited from the family in which we grew up and offer new, healthier skills to realise our potential.