Relationship Counselling and Sex Therapy for Couples

Relationships, Couples Counselling, Marriage Therapy, Does it really work?
There have been many approaches, much research and an abundance of opinions about the efficacy of therapy for couples. As a therapist I have always wanted to ensure that I am clued up with the latest trends.
I have often compared psychological approaches to religions. As students fractured from their teachers and created their own perspective, they created new religions to follow. Generally, we take what we like from CBT, Mindfulness, Family therapy, Schema therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy and apply what we feel will best suit the client.
With couples you are dealing with two people and can't be applying a multitude of approaches. What I have found with the Gottman approach is a strong framework, a clear process, and interventions that clients learn to incorporate into their relationships. It is also backed by some impressive scientific research.
Having seen infidelity as being one of the largest causes of couples seeking therapy. I agree that if you can nourish your relationship and be motivated to protect the negotiated boundaries of that relationship, then you can hopefully keep the wandering eye focused.
People far to often expect things to just work or will work themselves out. According to research, couples have been enduring conflict and difficulty for on average 6 years before they seek help. I encourage couples to invest in their relationship sooner and often. There are many myths that dominate couples ideas of why things aren't working or why a partner cheated like "monogamy is for woman" and "Qudi Pro Quo" think and behaviour. Challenging these thoughts and ideas is important.
As always there are no guarantees in life, and yes there are couples who wont make it. However, there is definitely hope.I would rather grab that hope with skilled therapist backed by indisputable research.

For couples who have experienced Cancer in their lives, this easy to ready e-pub can be downloaded as a PDF as well and well worth a read. It is a practical guide to helping people with cancer and their partners to better understand what effects cancer and its treatments have on an individual as well as what you can do to maintain and nurture your relationship. Below is the link to the PDF doc. http://www.cancer.org.au/content/about_cancer/ebooks/aftercancer/Sexuality_intimacy_and_cancer_booklet_May_2016.pdf#_ga=1.55644331.1677973695.1475934567

Rekindling Desire - Whose problem is it – his, hers or ours?
By Barry MacCarthy

Sexual Desire /Libido
- Medications such as antideprssants
- Low testosterone in men and woman
- Relationship issues
- Past trauma
- Life changes
- Stress
- Family history of attitudes to sex
- Religious factors
Loss of Trust
Infidelity, secrets are possible terminal events for relationships. If a relationship has a good foundation to work with then navigating the bumpy road back to one another is possible. This TED talk by Esther Perel is a fabulous resource for anyone who is experiencing infidelity in their relationship.