Introduction to Couples Counselling

I really like to make sure that every minute we have together is primed and ready and used for you - as such, on initial enquiry and confirmation that you want to work with me, I send out the following expectations for our working environment and a few brief questions to both help you to focus on what you want from counselling, and allows me to get an over-view of what you are bringing to our sessions. 

Couples enjoy this as it outlines how we are all going to be towards each other, and also it starts the thinking process as soon as possible, which is especially great when there's a short waiting list. 

I try not to have too long a waiting list, but sometimes there's a week or two whilst one couple finishes before starting a new couple, and, during this time, it's great to focus on the journey ahead so that we can have some tools added to your tool kit from the very first session. 

Welcome to Asterales and your journey of couples therapy. Before we embark on this journey together, it's essential to establish a framework that ensures both confidentiality and a safe environment for exploration and growth.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our sessions. What you share here stays here, within the bounds of legal and ethical requirements. This means that your personal information, struggles, and progress will be treated with the utmost discretion and respect.

Safeguarding is another crucial aspect of our work together. It means that we're committed to ensuring the emotional and physical safety of everyone involved. If at any point during our sessions there are concerns about safety, we will address them openly and collaboratively.

In our journey together, we'll uphold principles of mutual respect and dignity. This means treating each other with kindness, empathy, and understanding, even in moments of disagreement or frustration. We expect good behaviour and fairness from both parties, creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

When issues arise within therapy, we'll tackle them head-on, using communication and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges constructively. This may involve exploring difficult emotions, identifying patterns of behaviour, and working towards solutions together.

Central to our work is the importance of both partners feeling heard and understood. Each of you brings unique perspectives, experiences, and needs to the table, and our goal is to create an environment where these can be expressed openly and respectfully. Your voices matter, and we'll strive to ensure that both are heard and validated throughout our sessions.

As we embark on this journey together, let's approach it with openness, honesty, and a commitment to growth. By working collaboratively and respectfully, we can navigate the complexities of your relationship and move towards a more fulfilling and harmonious future.

As we prepare for our first session together, I find that the best way is to undertake a pre-session questionnaire which marks the commencement of our initial work, a pivotal step towards understanding the dynamics at play within your relationship.

This process serves as a compass, guiding us through the intricacies of your journey together, helping us pinpoint the areas where you may feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Before we begin, can you confirm that you are here willingly with the intention of fulfilling the above and in taking responsibility and ownership of the process, being truly transparent and respectful in these sessions?

Signature:

The questions I ask here will help us gain deeper insights into your relationship dynamics. These questions are designed for individual reflection and consideration:

Reflecting from your unique perspective, what do you perceive as the primary issue within your relationship?

Envisioning a successful outcome, what does that look like for you? On a scale of 0 to 10, how motivated are you to actively participate in working towards this outcome? This question aims to gauge your readiness to commit to the process of couples therapy.

Taking a moment for self-reflection, what aspects of your own behaviours and contributions do you believe make you a challenging partner?

Before we begin our joint sessions, I encourage you to spend some time pondering these questions individually. Your responses will serve as a valuable foundation for our discussions and allow us to navigate your therapeutic journey with greater clarity and purpose.

In conclusion, embarking on couples therapy marks a significant step towards understanding and improving your relationship dynamics. The preliminary questions provided serve as a starting point for introspection and reflection, setting the stage for meaningful discussions during our sessions. As we journey together, know that your voices will be heard and respected, and our sessions will be structured to ensure both partners feel valued and understood. With flexible session lengths and pricing options, we aim to accommodate your needs and preferences as we progress. I look forward to working collaboratively with you to foster growth, understanding, and harmony within your relationship.

Outline of Sessions:

Each session will be structured to ensure both partners have the opportunity to express themselves and contribute to the therapeutic process. Here's an approximate outline of what to expect during our one-hour sessions:

1. Opening (5 minutes): Check-in to gauge how each partner is feeling.

2. Individual Reflection and sharing (20 minutes): Each partner will have the opportunity to reflect on the past week and the exercises completed.

3. Joint Discussion and exploration (30 minutes): Guided discussion to explore the issues identified, share perspectives, and work towards understanding and resolution. Introduction of strategies and techniques to improve communication, conflict resolution, and relationship dynamics.

4. Agreeing on exercises for work to be completed between sessions (5 minutes): Practice helps to make these strategies work, so putting in place some areas that they can be used throughout the week with each other to improve the relationship. Addressing any final thoughts or concerns.

Flexible Session Options:

Initial sessions will be priced at €100 for one hour. If needed, sessions can be expanded to one hour and thirty minutes for €125.

Following the initial period, session length and frequency can be adjusted based on your preferences and the interventions required at that time. Your comfort and progress are our top priorities, and we will work together to tailor the therapy experience to best meet your needs.