Anne Swift Counselling

Relationships

I have worked as a couples' and relationship councillor in Hitchin for over 25 years. Below are some examples of the things that I have helped couples with, both in my experience over 14 years as a Relate counsellor, and in private practice.

Counselling is never about a one size fits all approach, so don't worry if your particular problem is not described here. Often people see me because they have realised they are making the same mistakes over again, or simply because something feels wrong in their life or their relationship.

I may see you both or just one of you, whichever feels right. Sometimes only one of a couple will want to come and this is OK as I can work with you on the problem by yourself.

Many of my clients have said that they felt at ease from the moment they made the first contact with me. Why not contact me today to find out how I can help you?

We have a new baby and our relationship has changed

It is amazing how much such a tiny baby can change your life. It is common for couples to feel tremendous pressure to "make the most" of being new parents. At the same time it is quite normal for you not to feel positive about all of the changes to your life. There can be many reasons for this. You have less time to spend with each other, more responsibility and less sleep! It might even be the case that your past experiences are making it hard for you to cope.

Try to make time for each other, remembering that even five minutes of good quality time together is better than nothing. It might not have occurred to you to see a couples' counsellor, but many people in your situation have found it useful.

I have over 25 years experience as a couples' counsellor in Hitchin, including 14 years as a Relate counsellor. I have helped many new parents with their relationship. Why not give me a call today to find out how I can help you?

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One of us has had an affair

Maybe the affair has only just come to light, or maybe you have been working together to get through this for some time.

It is possible to mend a relationship after an affair. Perhaps you will be able to move forward and start to rebuild the trust between you.

Some couples come to me with different agendas, where one party no longer wants the relationship whilst the other wants to try and mend it. I help both parties to understand why the relationship is in trouble, so that they can decide whether to try again or to end it. Sometimes it helps both to feel that they at least understand their part in what has happened.

Whatever stage you are at, talking to someone who is impartial can help.

I have over 25 years experience as a couples' counsellor in Hitchin, including 14 years as a Relate counsellor. I have helped hundreds of couples with their relationship. Why not give me a call today to find out how I can help you?

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One of us is closer to someone than the other one thinks is appropriate

It may be just a friendship, but when does it become inappropriate? An emotional affair is when your partner starts to share intimacies with their friend that they would not share with you. Although this may not lead to physical infidelity, it can be as emotionally painful as a physical affair. Talking to someone who is impartial can help a couple to understand why it happened and agree future boundaries for friendships.

I have over 25 years experience as a couples' counsellor in Hitchin, including 14 years as a Relate counsellor. I have helped hundreds of couples with their relationship. Why not give me a call today to find out how I can help you?

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We don't talk anymore

Many couples seeking relationship counselling say that communication breakdown is the main reason they've decided to seek help. On the face of it, communication seems simple, but in practice it can be difficult to find quality time to talk to each other in a way that helps strengthen your relationship.

I have over 25 years experience as a couples' counsellor in Hitchin, including 14 years as a Relate counsellor. I have helped hundreds of couples to listen and be heard by the other. Why not give me a call today to find out how I can help you?

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We can't stop arguing with each other

Very few couples get through life without arguing. Think about what you are really arguing about. Sometimes arguments are triggered by small events, but are actually fuelled by much bigger things. Talking can help you to find the root cause. This might be more effective if you use an impartial third party to guide you.

I have over 25 years experience as a couples' counsellor in Hitchin, including 14 years as a Relate counsellor. I have helped hundreds of couples with their relationship. Why not give me a call today to find out how I can help you?

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