Improving Close Relationships Through Therapy

1. Improving Close Relationships Through Therapy Relationship therapy can revitalise emotional connection and communication Relationships are not easy. Most of our close relationships require a great deal of effort from both parties, especially once the honeymoon period is over. As relationships progress and deepen, patterns begin to form and over time become entrenched. While these patterns can be healthy and adaptive, some of them may be maladaptive, putting strain on both parties and the relationship. Who can come to relationship therapy? Any close relationship, romantic or otherwise, can come under strain and require some form of intervention to reach a level of equilibrium where both parties feel heard and emotionally supported. Most people who come to relationship therapy have realised their relationship is struggling, at breaking point or in severe crisis, leading one or both parties to seek help. What makes people come to relationship therapy? The difficulties people encounter in their important relationships both unique and universal. Communication can fall into a rut that is damaging to one or both parties. Emotional connection may wane or feel like it has disappeared altogether. Commitments can become overwhelming and require re-negotiation. These are all good reasons to seek the help of a relationship therapist. Does coming to relationship therapy mean we have failed? Many people feel that coming to relationship therapy would mean they have failed. Nothing can be further from the truth. Seeking professional help to reassess an important relationship affirms one’s own value, the value of the other party, and the value of the relationship. Whether the intention is to revive the relationship or leave it altogether, the step is one of affirmation and care. What happens in relationship therapy? Relationship therapy seeks to create a safe space where the parties to the relationship can feel safe enough to say what they are thinking and feeling without fear of reprisal or punishment. Therapists trained in relationship therapy mediate between the two parties, allowing them to speak their minds, feel heard and come to an understanding of each other’s needs, desires and experiences. What are the benefits of relationship therapy? Relationship therapy improves the way people communicate with one another, reducing arguments and enhancing an understanding of each other’s needs and reactions. Relationship therapy restores a sense of loving connection and mutual respect between the parties. Relationship therapy also helps negotiate or re-negotiate commitments that have become burdensome or a source of conflict.

2. Improving communication The ability to communicate with those close to us is an essential tool for a healthy relationship. A qualified relationship therapist assists in the process of sharing our needs and fears and of listening carefully to the other’s needs and fears. A relationship therapist is trained to recognise and challenge unhelpful communication patterns and to teach us how to communicate more effectively. Restoring emotional connection Relationships go through stages of closeness and separation. During times of separation, we develop as individuals. Coming together again after a period of emotional or physical separation can be challenging. A relationship therapist can help people in a relationship to understand each other as individuals, leading to a greater sense of emotional connection in times of closeness. Negotiating commitments Commitments take many forms. As we develop together and as individuals, we are challenged by changing commitments that may make a previously understood way of working together no longer appropriate or healthy. A relationship therapist helps us to assess our commitments as individuals and as partners to a relationship and come to clear, helpful and healthy arrangements. Finding help Help from a trained, qualified relationship therapist can be found by contacting a therapist or therapy group in your area so that it is convenient to attend sessions. It is best to obtain a referral from an organisation or group who can advise. For example, The London Therapy Foundation in Richmond can be contacted for referrals to qualified relationship therapists in the surrounding area. About us: London Therapy Foundation (London Therapy Ltd) was established to provide the highest level of service of mental health care in the London area. As a collective of specialists across the therapy spectrum, its mission is to provide peace of mind to all those mentally, emotionally and spiritually in distress at affordable prices and without long waiting times. For practising therapists, LTF provides an environment in which to meet clients and share knowledge and advice with colleagues. The London Therapy Foundation aims to provide a sense of community both within the Centre and online for member therapists who also benefit from a range of professional services including CPD. For doctors and other care agencies, LTF provides a reliable centre of excellence for all patient referrals. For more information, please visit: http://londontherapyfoundation.com/.