Many couples, whether in a heterosexual, gay or lesbian relationship, at some time in their lives together, experience a troubled time. If the relationship is based on mutual trust, understanding and good communication they can often overcome the difficulties and work together to solve the problem/issue

However, sometimes they get stuck, cannot see the wood for the trees and find themselves growing apart, neglecting each other, feeling very angry or sad.

It may be triggered by money problems, little time together because of work or family commitments, a bereavement or serious illness, an affair, the inability to communicate their feelings or loss of interest in the relationship.

This is where the benefit of seeking couple counselling can be helpful. Find yourself a qualified couple therapist, commit to therapy and if you both commit to changing the way you operate in the relationship there is a very good chance that you will see a way through and return to a happier relationship – it may even be better than it was before!

Couples whose relationship is nearing an end or that has come to an end often find it helpful to talk to a couple counsellor together to enable an ending to be as amicable as possible and to help them both move on.

It can also be very helpful for an individual, after a relationship breakdown, to talk to a therapist to try understand their feelings and move on. To be listened to, understood, and helped can be a very supportive experience during a troubled time.