Counselling Conversations

The face of decision or, as I some times more colloquially put it, having first warned my pupils of an impending profanity, the 'what the fuck face', is something that we all share. Charles Darwin observed that it exists across culture, although different cultures will construe its meaning differently. From a functional perspective, it is a psycho-physical attitude, as Alexander would have called it.

When our relationships break down, staying connected becomes difficult; it becomes hard to see or listen to the person we love, particularly, if what is being said seems unbearable. Yet it may be necessary, to bring the unbearable out into the open, in order for a couple to be able to move on and find a future together, rekindling their love or, as sometimes happens, separating peacefully.

This can feel easier and safer to do in a neutral space, with a trained counsellor present, than it might feel at home. The counsellor can help both partners develop the skills they need to listen to each other and communicate what they each want to say. With good will, friendship and commitment on both sides, even the most broken relationships can be repaired, with a new relationship developing that is deeper and possibly more meaningful than before.