Forth View Counselling
Relationship Counselling
Discover the Magic of Relationship Counselling
Counselling is a very personal process, and choosing a therapist with whom you can relate and build trust is really important to allow you to feel safe in exploring the issues you bring to your work. Your issues will be as unique as you are, and we will build understanding together at a pace that is right for you.
Where you choose to work as a couple, the focus will be on your relationship and what you both bring to it while you build an understanding of the relationship you would like for the future.
The first question can often be, what has changed? When did we lose the spark between us? It can be hard to remember exactly what changed and when. When I meet with clients, they often speak about how they want more fun and adventure and, most importantly, to learn to speak to each other again.
Relationship Therapy is unique for every client as everyone brings their life experience, values, needs and hopes to the counselling sessions. One of the areas we explore is how each partner shows love to others. Some individuals will show their love by bringing gifts to their partner, while others may be happy to do things for their partner. When you don’t notice how they tell you they love you, it can feel confusing and hurtful if you don’t feel appreciated. Understanding your love language and how your partner receives it can start to help build understanding between you.
As this understanding builds, you can start thinking about what you think you are hearing and seeing from your partner and whether this matches what they are trying to communicate to you through their words and body language. This can be a really powerful work within couples counselling as you start to think about what you learnt to expect versus what is being said.
There are many other aspects to working with couples, which you guide as the client as we work together in each session. My way of working will always be tailored to your needs, and we will continually review this while working together to evolve with you.
Can Therapy Help?
Common Issues in Relationships
Understanding Common Relationship Challenges
Relationships can be incredibly fulfilling, but they can also face various challenges that may strain the bond between partners. Some of the most common issues couples encounter include:
1. Communication Problems:
Misunderstandings and lack of effective communication can lead to frequent arguments, resentment, and a feeling of disconnection. Partners may struggle to express their needs or listen to each other, which can create a cycle of conflict.
2. Trust Issues:
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Trust issues can arise from past betrayals, infidelity, or insecurities. Without trust, partners may feel anxious, suspicious, or constantly on edge.
3. Intimacy and Sexual Issues:
Changes in sexual desire, performance anxiety, or differing expectations about intimacy can create a divide between partners. These issues often go unspoken, leading to frustration and emotional distance.
4. Financial Conflicts:
Money is a common source of stress in relationships. Disagreements about spending, saving, or financial priorities can cause tension and lead to arguments.
5. Life Transitions:
Major life changes such as moving, changing jobs, having children, or dealing with health issues can put a strain on a relationship. Couples may struggle to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.
6. Parenting Disagreements:
Raising children can bring joy and challenges. Disagreements on parenting styles, discipline, and responsibilities can create friction between partners.
7. External Stressors:
Work stress, family dynamics, and external pressures can affect the quality of a relationship. Couples may find it difficult to balance external demands with their relationship needs.
How Relationship Therapy Can Help
Relationship therapy provides a supportive and neutral space for couples to explore their issues and work towards resolution. Here’s how therapy can help:
1. Improved Communication:
A therapist can teach effective communication skills, helping partners to express their feelings and needs clearly and listen to each other with empathy. This can reduce misunderstandings and foster a deeper connection.
2. Building Trust:
Through therapy, couples can address the root causes of trust issues and work towards rebuilding trust. This may involve learning how to be more transparent, accountable, and forgiving.
3. Enhancing Intimacy:
Therapists can help couples explore and address issues related to intimacy and sexual health. This can lead to a more satisfying and connected intimate relationship.
4. Financial Counseling:
Therapists can facilitate discussions about financial concerns, helping couples to understand each other’s perspectives and find common ground. This can reduce financial stress and promote teamwork.
5. Navigating Life Transitions:
Therapy can provide support and strategies for managing life changes together. This can help couples to adapt and grow stronger through transitions.
6. Parenting Support:
A therapist can help couples align their parenting approaches and develop a unified strategy for raising their children. This can reduce conflict and create a more harmonious family environment.
7. Managing External Stress:
Therapists can offer tools and techniques for managing stress and maintaining a healthy relationship despite external pressures. This can help couples prioritize their relationship and support each other through difficult times.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Relationship
You’re not alone if you’re experiencing any of these challenges in your relationship. Seeking help from a relationship therapist can be a transformative step toward better understanding each other and building a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. Contact me today to schedule a session and start your journey towards a healthier relationship.
About Me
Hi, my name is Elaine, and I have many years of experience as a Relationship Counsellor.
Like everyone, I have faced different challenges in my life and found counselling helpful in giving me space and time to reflect on what is happening, what might be impacting me, and what I have experienced in life before that has brought me here.
I have been lucky to work in several different jobs, and what has made each of them special and memorable is the people I have met along the way. I believe that people matter, and how we relate to each other can make a huge difference in how our relationship develops. Sometimes, being able to understand why we just don’t hit it off with someone else can help us.
I am neurodiverse, so I think differently and am not afraid to be curious and check things out with clients. I have worked in financial services for many years and have a great depth of life experience, which allows me to empathise with some of the situations clients may face. Like my clients, I am many things to many people and understand the happiness and pressure this can bring to relationships and the benefit of a safe space to explore.
I work with counsellors who are themselves neurodiverse or with clients who bring their neurodiversity to sessions. I continue to work with curiosity, building and deepening my knowledge continuously.
Would you like to have a conversation? We can introduce ourselves, you can share why you’re considering counselling, and I can answer any questions you might have.
We can arrange a chat over the phone or a video call to see if we click. After all, the relationship is the most important thing when seeking a new therapist.
I love the Forth Estuary. Every image captured shows different lights and tides, and this can often reflect how it can feel dark and troubling sometimes but looking into the distance you can see change, blue skies, sunshine and light.
Looking for Clinical Supervision
I offer supervision to counsellors, creating a calm, safe space for you to deeply reflect on your practice. Our work is built on a foundation of trust and safety, where we bring challenge to the sessions, not only to improve your work with clients but also to foster our relationship.
I recognise the importance of a trusted relationship with your supervisor and I am dedicated to bringing my personal style and experience to our work.
Qualifications
BSc Psychology; Open University
Diploma in Relationship Counselling. Relationship Scotland COSCA accredited
Post Graduate Diploma.Clinical Supervision, Relationship Scotland COSCA accredited
Find Us
Edinburgh, Scotland and Online
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