How to improve intimacy in your relationship
Couples I see in couples counselling often state “improving intimacy” as a goal for their work with me. There are different types of intimacy and it’s not all just about sex and touching. Intimacy is also about communication and time together. There …
Are value differences a deal-breaker for couples?
Many couples in the early stages of their relationship push aside value differences, hoping everything will work out, only to find these differences cause big problems down the track. Differences in values can cause deep resentment between couples and even lead to …
How to share mental load in a relationship
If it feels like you carry an unequal portion of the domestic duties and mental load around them, then you’re not alone. Inequality between genders was a key finding of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey – 2019 – with …
How do I get my child to open up to me?
Raising resilient children who can tackle their own challenges is something we all strive for as parents. But how do we also ensure they seek our advice if they encounter a difficult problem or they feel anxious about something? Or, in their …
How to stop bickering with your partner
Bickering, niggling ongoing arguments between a couple can really drag a relationship down and lead to general unhappiness for everyone concerned – the couple and any children who are often witness to it. Bickering can also impact extended family and friends if …
How to re-build Respect in your Relationship
Couples in relationship counselling often ask me what the most important ingredient of a relationship is, thinking the answer will be something to do with love. In fact, many couples base their wedding vows on notions of love, believing that will …
How to stop smart phones damaging your relationship
“My Partner is Always on their Phone” A complaint about mobile phone use may not be the first thing a couple raise when they come to see me for couples counselling, however, phone dependency, phone intrusions and prioritising phone use are strongly …
Relationship Roles and Responsibilities
The issue of household chores and responsibilities is a common topic in couples counselling and marriage counselling. While it may sound trivial, many couples find that disagreement on these issues can occupy a huge amount of mental space and emotional energy… …