In couples and family work, I will try to understand some of the patterns of relating that are leading you to seek help. Along with what is happening now, I will help you explore and make sense of this in the context of your personal and family history, as well as the cultural contexts that are most relevant to you, whether that relates to gender, race, religion, age, sexuality or ability.
In particular I’ll explore with you some of your early relationships, family beliefs and values in the family you grew up in, as well as the beliefs and values that tend to dominate in our society. Consciously or unconsciously, these are likely to inform how you approach your current relationships and the sore spots that might get reactivated in close and important relationships. Through understanding these, I hope to help you find ways of relating that allow you to be more aware of and look after each other’s sore spots.