Couples Counselling in Logan - Online or In Person
If we are not mindful of our relationships, break-ups and conflict can seem to come out of nowhere. Relationships can be on one of three states - functioning, breaking or broken. Couples counselling can proactively help you improve relationships that seem flat, uninspired or dull, and when things go awry, counselling can also help with helping re-establish happy, healthy and functional relationships.
Relationships break apart in different ways, from infidelity and betrayal to the simple loss of spark. As a relationship therapist, I seek to understand the specific challenges or difficulties a couple is facing and to adjust my approach to work with couples to find their way back to where they would like to be. For some, this could be a respectful, fulfilling and inclusive functional relationship with lots of intimacy, for others this could be helping each other to separate in love, or just create space to re-evaluate the couple’s emotional contract and negotiate new changes.
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Relationship therapy isn’t just for marriages on the brink of divorce, or relationships on the rocks. While there is sometimes a stigma around seeking help from a relationship therapist—as if asking for assistance and guidance is tantamount to admitting that your relationship isn’t ‘strong enough’ to weather the hard times. The truth of the matter is that most couples can benefit from counselling, and we are all a work in progress .
Please don't wait until things are at crisis point. Book an appointment to work on your relationship or if you are not sure, book in for a free 15 minute consult via telephone. |
Communication & ConflictIf you find yourselves bickering alot, and while your love relationship is still relatively intact, it is getting harder and harder to connect on a level that makes you feel warmth, and loving kindness towards your partner. We can work through the issues towards restoring the joy of connection and deepening your relationship.
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Love, Sex, Intimacy and PassionYou might be on the verge of separation, after years of not being intimate, and the sex has died. It may feel like there is no way back from where you are at in your relationship right now, and talking about it is even taboo. These hot topics are what we talk about in session, and move through the perpetual issues that show up in a gentle and graceful way.
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BetrayalsThere are so many questions that come up when news of an affair (in person or online) implodes a relationship. What are my next steps? How do we save our marriage? Can we ever trust each other again? How do we recover from this? Why and how did I not see this? What really happened?
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There is always hope...
Working towards quick repair, being open to influence, learning to compromise while expressing your needs in a positive manner may create movement towards re-engagement, and possibly, deeper connection. If you already feel like your relationship is breaking, and you still do nothing about it, then consider counselling as a support to being in action around your partnership.
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My approach is to address it from a needs perspective couched within the Gottman evidence-based approach and along with aspects of Stan Tatkin's PACT approach. When needs are not satisfied, there is a human tendency to look elsewhere. We are all works-in-progress, and no-one does relationships perfectly, myself included!
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When should I choose online or in-person sessions?
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Couples therapy has helped countless couples find solutions to their problems and strengthen their relationships. However, it can be difficult to find the time every week for both people to meet at the therapist’s practice for an hour-long session, especially when you work and have kids or other time-consuming obligations. One great solution is an online couples therapist. Also known as a virtual couples therapist, this type of counsellor offers the same services as a conventional couples’ counsellor, except online in the form of a zoom session, video or text chat.
If you would like to explore the advantages of online therapy, Nicolette Ward Counselling can help. |
When couples therapy is conducted in session, it does offer more information to both the client and therapist in terms of body language, felt sense and feeling tone. This is the highest fidelity of information exchange ie. the non-verbal message can come across loud and clear. This doesn't always mean that in person is more effect than online. Both work, and there is hard science behind it! There are however one or two things to consider when choosing your way forward and that is if there is trauma - childhood development trauma, event trauma or systemic (family generational) trauma. I will usually consult with you if you are not sure whether you have trauma or not in your first session anyway, and after that the decision may be clearer for you. Either way, I am available for either in-person couples counselling or online virtual therapy.
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Online Couples’ Therapy: A Rapidly Growing Trend
Benefits of Online Couples Counselling
More and more couples are trying online therapy as a convenient way to express their feelings and work through issues together. Here are a few specific reasons that virtual therapy is gaining ground.
- Convenience. One of the main reasons why so many people are flocking to online therapy is because you can choose when to schedule your sessions, and you can attend them without ever leaving your home. Whether you have trouble scheduling appointments because of a busy work schedule or you prefer not to - or can't - leave your home, online therapy offers an alternative that can work for you.
- Affordability. Face-to-face counselling is often prohibitively expensive for the people who need it. Cost is a significant factor that can keep individuals and couples from obtaining the support that they need. For a variety of reasons, online therapy can offer more affordable options, making it more widely available.
- Comfort. Some people who are hesitant to participate in counselling at all might find online therapy to be an easier transition or steppingstone to face-to-face therapy. Or it may simply be so comfortable for some participants that they decide they prefer it over traditional therapy. Virtual therapy can also be used in conjunction with in-person visits for a complete approach to couples' counselling.
Tips Regarding Online Couples' Therapy
It's not difficult to see how helpful virtual couples' counselling can be in many situations. If you would like to try it out, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
- Set aside intentional time and a safe space. Prepare for your online therapy appointment by carving out a private space where you won't be disturbed and put away all distractions so that you can give your partner and your counselling session your full attention. Therapy can be hard work, and you'll get the most out of it by focusing well.
- Be flexible with formatting. Some online therapy services offer a range of options, such as messaging, video chats, and phone calls. Consider which one will work best for you. For example, if there are other people in your home and you'd rather they not overhear your conversation, then you might choose messaging for the most privacy.
- Work on being able to name your emotions and needs. If you've spent time in face-to-face therapy, then you're aware that your therapist will observe your body language and facial expressions to better intuit your emotional state. If you're using messaging with a virtual couples' therapist, those cues won't be there, so you'll need to be able to name what you're feeling, what you want, and what you need.
What Sets Nicolette Ward Counselling Apart Regarding Virtual Couples Therapy
If you're looking for an online couples' therapist, Nicolette Ward Counselling has you covered. I offer both in-person and online couples' conflict resolution to suit a range of needs. Here are some of the things that set me apart from other therapists.
- A variety of services. I offer a range of services, including individual counselling for women and men, and couples' counselling. I can help you deal with the stressors of modern life and find ways to foster healthy relationships with the people around you. I employ a phased structure involving assessment, treatment, and maintenance to help you achieve your happiest self.
- Quick appointment availability. When you contact a psychologist, you will likely have to wait upwards of six to eight weeks for your first appointment. The problem is that, if you are reaching out for help from a mental health professional, you likely don't want to wait two months just to talk to someone. I can offer faster appointments and help you get started on your path to a happier, healthier life sooner.
- Free consultation. When you work with a therapist, it's important that you have the right rapport with this person and feel comfortable talking with them about personal issues. That's why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation - to give you a feel for my style and make sure you feel comfortable before making a financial commitment.
About Nicolette Ward Counselling
At Nicolette Ward Counselling, you can participate in holistic couples' counselling in both online and face-to-face formats. I am LGBT-friendly and welcome all kinds of individuals and couples. I'll work with you closely and make sure that I understand your unique challenges, goals, and needs, and I'll use a tailored approach to helping you achieve what desire through your counselling sessions. I offer reasonable rates and flexible scheduling with early and late appointments available to suit your situation. If you do decide to visit me in person, you'll enjoy a homey, welcoming setting where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions with your therapist. If you would like to take advantage of our free consultation option to see whether I‘d be a good fit for you and your partner, don't hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to helping you create the life you want and deserve.