Why did my partner cheat on me?
At the Sydney Couple and Family Specialists we see many couples for marriage and relationship counselling – and probably one of the most common (and painful) presentations is when one person has betrayed the other. There are lots of different ways to …
When is controlling behaviour from a partner toxic or abusive?
Many people can appear controlling in a relationship and I certainly see many examples of it in couples counselling. Often controlling behaviours show up because the person is feeling insecure or highly anxious. Anxiety fuels controlling behaviours in relationships. But there …
Worried about Christmas and holiday conflict?
Whilst Sydney (and Australia for that matter) is a beautiful place to be during Summer, Christmas and the holiday season can be a challenging time for couples. The feeling of needing to conform to your family’s expectations during the Christmas break can …
Are extended family or in-laws causing problems within your relationship?
As a Family Counsellor I see this a lot in my couples work as well as in family counselling. Here are a few of the most common complaints I hear: My partner doesn’t like my family or parents and doesn’t …
What help is there for couples where there is a significant mental health diagnosis?
Some of you may remember a blog that Alex Ryder wrote back in May about the impact of mental health of a relationship – you can read his blog here. In couple and family counselling I frequently talk to people who …
How to get your partner to come to Couples Counselling
Do you think that there is a problem in your marriage or relationship? Have you been thinking it would be a good idea for your partner and yourself to attend marriage counselling or couple counselling? Have you tried to broach this with …
Going to Relationship Counselling alone
Do you know there are issues, but you think your partner is ignoring them? Is it the same old problems that arise, without ever being resolved or you feel disconnected from your partner and you are wondering where this relationship is going? …
Are you feeling angry and frustrated with your partner?
Couples often come for marriage counselling saying that they’re angry and frustrated with their partner. This can quickly lead to resentment and the relationship can be in trouble. What I see in couples counselling is that commonly the anger and frustration …
My partner is constantly criticising me. What do I do?
If you are being regularly criticised in your relationship you might be feeling hurt, demoralised and downtrodden. In fact, it is very likely you’ve distanced yourself from your partner by stonewalling, or being less loving towards them in order to help …
You want a baby, but your partner doesn’t…
If life was well planned, you and your partner would be on the same page in terms of whether you will have children or not, how many you will have and exactly when. But life isn’t. We don’t plan who we are …