The Silent Retreat: Quiet Quitting in Relationships
Posted in Couples Counselling
Ending relationships is rarely easy and often comes with emotional and mental challenges. But, perhaps even more difficult to come to terms with is when a partner begins acting as if the relationship has ended or is ending, with no explanation. This type of withdrawal, sometimes called “quiet quitting,” is usually characterised by a gradual […]
Love Multiplied: The Rise of Polyamory
Posted in Couples Counselling
In recent years, polyamory has gained recognition in popular culture, offering meaningful and fulfilling connections to many people who do not resonate with more traditional, binary relationship models. However, this type of relationship has also been reduced to a “fad” or trend in public discourse and is often the subject of much-misunderstood debate. Traditional, “nuclear […]
Build a Sense of Belonging: The Power of Connections
Posted in Couples Counselling
At the heart of our psychological and emotional landscape lies an intrinsic need for a sense of belonging, inextricably connected to our mental and emotional fulfilment. This longing for interconnectedness is not unique to humans, it is a universal thread which binds all living beings. From the intricate networks between mighty trees to the social […]
Love Languages: The Art of Speaking Your Partner’s and Discovering Your Own
Posted in Couples Counselling
Within the varied and intricate strands which weave our relationships, the tender experience of feeling unloved or unappreciated is a common thread which drives many couples to seek counselling. Questions like “Why won’t they spend more time with me?” or “Why do they try to compensate for hurting my feelings by buying things?” often hint […]
Accountability in Relationships: Ending the Blame Game
Posted in Couples Counselling
Embarking on the heartfelt journey of self-improvement and deepening connections with those around us, we stumble upon a profound truth: the grace of admitting our mistakes is not just an act of humility but a crucial step towards genuine growth. At the heart of nurturing enduring, meaningful relationships lies the art of accountability. The glue […]
Relationship Doubts as a Catalyst – Transforming Questions into Connection
Posted in Couples Counselling
Today’s conceptions of romantic relationships are largely shaped by narratives of fairytale endings and romcom rides into the sunset. Although these simplistic notions of romance as being an endpoint, a resolution which then absolves us of discomfort, in reality, the joining of individuals in a committed relationship often creates more questions than answers. This is […]
Christmas, Loneliness and Meaningful Relationships
Posted in Couples Counselling
The midst of the festive season’s glittering splendour can magnify feelings of loneliness. For many, the emphasis on cherished family moments and meaningful gatherings can stir feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Those without a robust network of loved ones might find themselves grappling with a sense of not measuring up, feeling adrift amidst the season’s […]
Family Estrangement – A Path to Healing
Posted in Couples Counselling
Family estrangement can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Whether this has been initiated by yourself or your family, cutting ties with your family of origin is never a decision taken lightly. Feelings of guilt, grief and sorrow can often accompany this experience. These emotions can be exacerbated by cultural or national celebration times, such as […]
Healing the Heart: Navigating Grief and Finding Meaningful Connections
Posted in Couples Counselling
Grief is an unavoidable part of any life which includes love, connection, hopes and future plans. Simply put, we do not grieve things we do not care about. The experience of grief could in many ways be defined as a byproduct of love. Psychologist Dr Colin Murray Parkes describes the relationship between love and grief […]
Q&A with Therapist Julia Pugh – Surgery, Couples and Psychosexual Therapy
Posted in Couples Counselling
Trainer, speaker to universities and charity organisations, therapist and author, Julia Pugh is a couples and psychosexual therapist, with over 15 years of experience working in various medical settings. Julia is dual-trained as a Member of the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine (IPM), a qualified COSRT member and a BACP member. Julia works in the NHS and […]