Whether we are single or in a couple, surrounded by a large circle of family and friends or alone; relationships are an important part of all our lives. All of us are born into relationships and we spend all our lives experiencing and managing relationships.
Relationships can make us feel loved; help us meet physical and emotional needs; offer care, support and companionship as well as enable us to feel creative, alive and passionate.
Problem relationships however, can sometimes cause us pain and distress; leave us feeling confused and anxious; induce fear, anger and hurt; and can make us feel depressed, unfulfilled and at times, lonely.
Problems in life can put stress on our relationships, requiring us to reassess them or in some cases causing them to breakdown completely.
Our relationships with others can also tell us so much about ourselves. How we relate to others is an important part of who we are and understanding this is sometimes the key to a better quality of life and a greater sense of well-being.
Seeking professional and non-judgemental counselling – either on your own or with the partner or with the family members you are experiencing difficulty with – can help make sense of relationship problems; offer strategies and solutions and provide a little bit of hope to help you overcome difficulties. Therapy can also support you when making difficult decisions about relationships, ensuring that the impact on all those involved can be carefully managed.