At Counselling With Tyrene, I offer a warm and supportive space for couples to explore their relationship, understand each other more deeply, and rediscover the connection that brought them together.

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My approach is rooted in person-centred therapy, guided by empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. The aim isn’t to “fix” you as individuals or to judge your relationship, but to create a safe space where each of you can be fully heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Alongside this, I integrate practical tools and skills, as well as insights from attachment theory, The Gottman Method, and the concept of Love Languages, so you can apply what you learn in therapy to everyday life.

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Typical Issues Couples May Face

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Every relationship encounters challenges. Couples counselling can provide support if you’re experiencing:

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Communication difficulties – feeling unheard, frequent misunderstandings, or conversations that escalate into conflict.

Loss of intimacy – emotional distance, reduced affection, or struggles with sexual connection.

Trust issues – rebuilding after betrayal, infidelity, or secrecy.

Life transitions – stress related to parenthood, career changes, relocation, or family responsibilities.

Different attachment needs – one partner needing closeness while the other seeks more space.

Conflict cycles – repeated arguments that never seem to resolve.

Financial pressures – disagreements about money, spending, or values around security.

Parenting challenges – different approaches to raising children or balancing family dynamics.

External stressors – work stress, caring for relatives, cultural or community pressures.

Blended family dynamics – navigating relationships with children, ex-partners, or extended family.

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Recognizing these challenges is not about assigning blame, but about understanding patterns so you can work together to create healthier, more supportive ways of relating.

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Exploring Attachment Styles

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Much of how we connect—or disconnect—with our partners comes from our attachment style:

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Secure – comfort with both closeness and independence.

Anxious – fear of abandonment, high need for reassurance.

Avoidant – discomfort with too much closeness, preference for distance.

Disorganised – a mix of wanting closeness and fearing it, often rooted in trauma.

 

Counselling helps you recognise your patterns, understand each other’s triggers, and learn new ways to meet your needs with compassion rather than conflict.

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Insights from the Gottman Method

 

Alongside person-centred work, I draw on John and Julie Gottman’s research, which highlights what makes relationships thrive or falter. Together we may explore:

 

The Four Horsemen – recognising patterns of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, and replacing them with healthier alternatives.

Love Maps – building a deeper understanding of each other’s worlds: dreams, fears, and values.

Turning Towards – responding positively to small bids for connection.

Repair Attempts – learning how to de-escalate conflict and repair trust during and after disagreements.

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Love Languages

 

Many couples also find it helpful to explore their Love Languages—the different ways people tend to give and receive love. These include:

 

Words of Affirmation – expressing love through encouragement, appreciation, or kind words.

Quality Time – showing love by giving undivided attention and presence.

Receiving Gifts – thoughtful tokens or gestures that show you’ve been considered.

Acts of Service – helping or supporting your partner with tasks that lighten their load.

Physical Touch – closeness through affection, hugs, or intimacy.

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Often, conflict arises when partners express love differently than how the other best receives it. Together, we can explore what speaks most strongly to you both, and how you can better meet each other’s emotional needs.

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Skills and Tools You’ll Learn

 

Tool / Skill What It Does How It Helps

 

Active Listening : Encourages each partner to truly hear and reflect the other. Reduces misunderstandings and builds empathy.

I-Statements : Shifts communication from blame to ownership of feelings. Keeps conversations constructive and safe.

Time-Outs : Allows space when conflict escalates. Prevents escalation and encourages calmer discussions.

Attachment Awareness : Recognises anxious/avoidant/secure patterns. Encourages compassion and mutual understanding.

Gottman Repair Techniques : Tools to soften conflict and reconnect. Helps maintain closeness even during disagreement.

Love Language Awareness : Learning how each of you feels most loved. Deepens intimacy and nurtures connection.

Shared Goal Setting : Aligning on values, hopes, and next steps. Builds teamwork and mutual vision.

 

What to Expect in Sessions

 

A safe, non-judgemental space where each of you can speak openly.

Exploration of what matters most to you as individuals and as a couple.

Insights into your attachment styles and how they influence your dynamics.

Practical Gottman-inspired strategies to improve communication, trust, and intimacy.

Reflection on your love languages to help you feel more connected day-to-day.

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Moving Forward

 

If you and your spouse/s or partner/s are ready to invest in your relationship, couples counselling can provide both the space and the tools to help you reconnect, communicate, and grow together.

 

Contact me today to arrange an initial session or to learn more about how person-centred couples counselling can support you both.