Relationship counselling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counselling, is a form of therapy designed to help couples or individuals address issues within their relationship and improve their overall satisfaction and well-being. When mental health conditions affect a relationship, relationship counselling can be particularly beneficial in providing support, guidance, and strategies for managing the effects of those conditions. Below is an overview of understanding relationship counselling, its techniques for managing mental health effects, and when to seek help.

Effects of Mental Health Conditions on Relationships

Mental health conditions can impact relationships, as mentioned earlier. These effects can include communication difficulties, emotional instability, reduced intimacy, increased stress and caregiving responsibilities, social withdrawal, financial strain, co-dependency, and relationship dissatisfaction.
Relationship counselling can help individuals and couples understand and address these effects in a supportive and therapeutic environment.

Techniques for Managing Effects of Mental Health Conditions:

Psychologists and Relationship counsellors employ various techniques to assist couples or individuals in managing the effects of mental health conditions on their relationships. Some common techniques include:

• Communication skills training: Counsellors help individuals and couples improve their communication patterns, active listening skills, and conflict resolution strategies. This can enhance understanding, reduce misunderstandings, and facilitate healthier communication.
• Psychoeducation: Couples or individuals are provided with information about mental health conditions, their impact on relationships, and coping strategies. This knowledge can foster empathy, reduce stigma, and improve the overall understanding of the condition.
• Individual and couple’s therapy: Relationship counsellors may conduct individual sessions with each partner to address their personal mental health concerns. Couples therapy sessions allow for a safe space to explore the impact of mental health conditions on the relationship and develop strategies to cope with the associated challenges.
• Stress management and self-care: Your psychologist or counsellors can help individuals and couples develop effective stress management techniques, including self-care practices, relaxation exercises, and healthy coping mechanisms. These techniques can mitigate the impact of mental health conditions on the relationship.

When to Seek Help

It may be beneficial for understanding relationship counselling in the situations that are listed below.

• Mental health conditions significantly impact the relationship: If mental health conditions are causing significant distress, conflicts, or a decline in relationship satisfaction, seeking professional help can be beneficial.
• Communication difficulties arise: When communication becomes strained, characterized by frequent misunderstandings, constant arguments, or difficulty expressing emotions, relationship counselling can help improve communication patterns.
• Intimacy and sexual issues emerge: If mental health conditions lead to a decline in intimacy, loss of desire, or sexual problems, seeking counselling can assist in addressing these concerns within the relationship.
• Emotional instability affects the relationship: When extreme mood swings or emotional instability impact the relationship dynamics, relationship counselling can provide support and coping strategies.
• Caregiving responsibilities become overwhelming: If the caregiver’s role becomes overwhelming or the balance of responsibilities becomes strained, relationship counselling can offer guidance and support.

Final Thoughts

It is crucial that both partners are willing to participate in counselling and work together to address the challenges within the relationship.

Seeking help is a personal decision, and there is no shame in seeking support when needed. Relationship counselling can provide a safe and constructive space to address the effects of mental health conditions on relationships and work towards healthier dynamics and overall well-being.

Get a Referral To See a psychologist

To be able to claim a Medicare rebate you will need to speak to your GP to refer you to a psychologist. Once you have initiated your Mental Health Treatment Plan you can claim a rebate from Medicare for up to 10 appointments with a clinical psychologist. Mention this in your initial call and we can guide you in this process.

Our Clinic Location and Reach

Our Mental Health and Psychology Practice is conveniently located in Woolloongabba, our practice is easily accessible by public transport. We proudly serve not only the surrounding suburbs of Coorparoo, Camp Hill, Morningside, and Carina but also receive referrals from various Brisbane suburbs, including Albion and Kedron. Through telehealth, we extend our psychology services to rural areas in QLD, NSW, and Victoria, ensuring that distance doesn’t hinder your access to quality care.