From the time we take our first breath we are relational in nature. Relationships are vital for our wellbeing and happiness. I work with all relationships including those that are seeking one. I work with people who are stressed anxious or isolated. Couples who are perhaps no longer communicating or are feeling like the relationship is falling into a rut or perhaps need to resolve bigger issues around infidelity, money or children. Families who are going through a divorce. When we are feeling good about our relationships we are able to manage life’s stresses better.
How rewarding is relationship therapy?
That is often a question in the minds of people who are about to start couple therapy. Starting therapy is daunting. Most comment how much calmer they feel after the first session. My role is to keep in mind what it is that the couple wish to achieve and from that point remain on the side of the relationship and which enables me to remain neutral, find the strengths and develop meaningful communication. The vast majority of my clients find the rewards are great and often remark that they wish they had come earlier.
What would you say is key to making a good relationship?
Gosh! Well how long have you got. I think key to having a healthy fulfilling relationship is having the ability to negotiate difference. What I mean by that is that often we are not very good about communicating nor negotiating our needs to be met. Our partners are often very different (and difference is good in a relationship) but we have often not got the skills to negotiate what is in the best interest for the relationship. People are often fearful that it will take huge shifts and changes to get a relationship back on track. In my experience it often requires small but important changes that make a big impact.
How do you work?
I work with clients at my practice in Wimbledon. I also run a very successful workshops for people who wish to enhance their emotional wellbeing.