Couples Therapist /
Relationship Therapist
There are no perfect relationships. Relationships and love require maintenance, and this can sometimes involve hard work. Everyone experiences problems in their relationship from time to time.
Experiencing difficulties in a relationship does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with the relationship or that you are not meant for each other. However, it can indicate that it is time to listen and get to know the person you love better, so that you become better at making each other—and yourselves—happy. What determines the longevity of a relationship is how you handle the challenges that inevitably arise along the way.
As a couples therapist, I prefer the term relationship therapist, as romantic relationships exist in constellations beyond just couples. I work with relationships that extend beyond traditional partnerships, such as open relationships or polyamorous arrangements.
Below, you can read more about common examples of areas for which many people seek support from a sexologist to discuss (this list is by no means exhaustive):
Understanding Yourself and Your Partner(s) Better
Invest in your relationship together and gain new perspectives that help strengthen your bond for the long term. There doesn’t need to be any “problems” to benefit from time with a relationship therapist—there is great value in deepening a relationship and understanding each other in a preventive way.
Sexual Imbalance
Sexual imbalance can involve both voluntary and involuntary desires to have more or less sex than one’s partner or partners.
Crises in the Relationship
Infidelity, family crises, or other challenges that have impacted the relationship.
Lack of Trust
After crises such as infidelity, trust in each other may have diminished and need to be rebuilt.
Life as Parents
Life as parents can bring significant changes that are not always easy. Stress, lack of time, absence of personal time or time with your partner are common challenges. The desire and need for sex can also change significantly after becoming a parent. Get support to find a better balance and reconnect to a strong and present relationship with each other.
Children, Parenting, Divorce, and New Family Structures
These aspects encompass many areas, including biological children, stepchildren, and former partners. Parents navigating divorce, separation, relocation, conflicts, and emotional upheaval often struggle to understand how much their children—or their partner’s children—are affected. Children may react in various ways. Support can help you understand this complexity and take preventive steps for the well-being of the children—and for your own well-being.
Infertility
Not having children can sometimes cause as many challenges as having many children. It can be a taboo subject, and many people experience feelings of loneliness around it.
Cooperation Skills
Cooperation can involve many different aspects, but it often relates to shared areas such as finances, household responsibilities, and children.
Different Needs and Values
Accepting and compromising with each other’s differences can be challenging, and sometimes guidance is needed to find a way forward and achieve balance in these areas.
Setting Boundaries
Difficulty setting boundaries and speaking up is more common than many realize, as many people have never reflected on where their limits lie. Get support to understand yourself and your boundaries.
Open Relationships / Polyamory
If you are considering opening up a relationship to involve other people, the first steps can be very important. For some, this can be a great opportunity for personal growth and fulfillment, while for others it may feel too challenging. Whether you are in a monogamous relationship, an open relationship, or practicing polyamory, an open and honest communication, clear boundaries, and understanding each other’s needs and desires are essential. Trust and respecting each other’s feelings are also key components. Guidance from a sexologist and relationship therapist can be extremely valuable in this process.
Cultural Differences
If you and your partner come from different countries or simply different lifestyles, there may be many topics you have never had to communicate about before. Support can help minimize conflicts and increase the likelihood of effective communication and mutual understanding.
Communication
Good communication is an important part of any relationship and sex life. However, it is not always easy, especially when it involves topics that feel difficult or uncomfortable to discuss. Working with a relationship therapist can provide tools to communicate and put into words what is hard to talk about.
Dating
Finding a partner can be challenging, and many people use dating apps. A relationship therapist can help by identifying negative patterns, improving self-awareness, boosting self-esteem, and developing your ability to communicate about relationships and sex. You may also need support in understanding and managing your own needs and boundaries, as well as addressing any trauma or challenges that may affect your relationships. Guidance can also be provided on creating an effective dating profile and managing nerves on dates.