The couple relationship is one of the most important relationships for most adults. Most couples start out happy together, and state that their relationship is a source of joy, excitement and support. Many people think that they have found their ‘soul mate’ or ‘perfect match’. This first phase of the relationship, called the ‘romantic phase’ can last from 6 months up to 3 years (depending on how often you see each other, the stressors in your life, your expectations and your relationship skills).
After the initial romance phase of relationships most couples report that their relationship takes on a different dimension. Research typically calls this next phase of love ‘companionate love’ in recognition that the flush of romance has often passed and the relationship has settled into a rythm, where you each have established some patterns of interacting with each other. While all couples report this change not all couples understand why the relationship has changed. Some couples are very disappointed in the loss of romantice love and feel that the relationship is no longer right for them. Some couples blame their partner for not being the person they initially were attracted to. Some couples struggle on feeling empty in their relationship but unsure of how they can help thier relationship feel stronger and more intimate.
There are also many factors that place stress on the couple relationship, such as having children and parenting, caring for parents, friends, careers, illness, and financial strain. How the couple copes with these life stressors can also impact the love they feel towards one another. Couples counselling, couples therapy, marriage couselling, marital therapy, premarital therapy, sex therpay, and couple relationship education are all terms used to describe approaches psychologists use to help couples with their couple relationship. Each of these terms is defined in more detail on this website. Whether you are seeking counselling around a new relationship or long term relationship, it is important to seek immediate help if there is physical aggression in your relationship. Domestic violence is a major problem in couple relationships and if you need crisis support please turn to DV connect for those who live in Queensland.
Our Brisbane Psychologists offer counselling at Mt Gravatt. Freecall 1800 877 924.
Psychologists in Brisbane offering relationship, marriage and family counselling. No Waiting, see a Brisbane Psychologist and book now!
