Communication

Relationship Counselling in Clayfield, Brisbane

Communication is the foundation of any strong and lasting relationship. It’s how you share your thoughts, express your feelings, and let your partner know what you need. But no matter how well you know or love one another, your partner can’t read your mind. Miscommunication can easily happen, often leading to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, anger, or even resentment. That’s why learning effective communication skills is vital to maintaining a healthy, happy relationship.

Research shows that couples who communicate openly and effectively tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Yet, many of us aren’t naturally equipped with the tools to navigate the complexities of communication. In fact, it’s common for each person in a relationship to have a different communication style or way of processing emotions. One partner might prefer direct, open discussions, while the other may lean towards more subtle or indirect ways of expressing themselves. These differences, while normal, can sometimes create barriers if not addressed.

It’s important to recognise that perfect communication isn’t the goal—realistically, no couple gets it right 100% of the time. Instead, what matters is finding a way of communicating that works for both of you and reflects the unique dynamic of your relationship. This might mean learning how to listen actively, express yourself assertively without blaming, or develop strategies to handle disagreements constructively.

Healthy communication takes time, effort, and practice, but the rewards are immeasurable. When couples work together to improve their communication, they often find their relationship becomes more resilient and fulfilling. They’re better equipped to handle challenges, build trust, and strengthen their emotional connection.

At Lighthouse Relationships, we’re passionate about helping couples thrive through relationship counselling in Brisbane. Whether you’re struggling to navigate miscommunication, facing recurring conflicts, or simply looking to strengthen your bond, our expert team is here to help. We offer tools, strategies, and support to help you communicate more effectively and create the love and partnership you deserve. Remember, it’s never too late to learn, grow, and reconnect.

Signs your relationship may need support

More couples than ever are seeking relationship counselling to learn quality communication skills. Open and clear communication can be learnt. Here are some signs that you and your partner may benefit from learning some quality communication skills:

• Disconnection – you or your partner may feel like the connection that was once in your relationship is slipping away. There are many reasons why this feeling can occur. Often, it can leave us feeling unseen or unheard.

• Passive Aggressive Behaviour – often this kind of communication can appear calm on the outside but is actually a symptom of resentment or contempt.

• Increased Arguments – conflict in relationships is normal and healthy, if it is dealt with calmly and respectfully. If arguments are increasing or cannot seem to be resolved, it may be time for some professional support.

• Unhealthy Habits – often when we are frustrated or stressed, we can resort to some unhealthy communication habits, such as yelling, name-calling or swearing. These habits are not helpful in resolving conflict, as they can often cause our partner to shut down emotionally. There are healthy communication habits that can be learned.

How Can Counselling Help?

In the busyness of life it can be difficult to find the time to get to a counsellor, however, relationship issues surrounding miscommunication and conflict are best dealt with early. To provide flexibility and support to couples navigating the pressures of everyday life, we offer face-to-face and Telehealth appointments during and after business hours.

Relationship counselling (sometimes called couples therapy or marriage counselling) can assist you in finding effective strategies to improve communication, conflict resolution, navigating expectations for the future, increasing appreciation and rebuilding intimacy. When counselling couples, we assess each client’s needs and use an appropriate selection the treatments below:

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy is an approach that includes a detailed assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates evidence-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. The aims of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to develop quality verbal communication, develop healthy conflict styles, increase intimacy, respect, and affection and build empathy.

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques bring your awareness to the present moment, in order to give your body and mind a break from exhausting negativity and worry. These strategies can also help train the mind in directing your attention towards those things you want to focus on and can help with feelings of being ‘stuck’ or ‘flooded’ during conflict.

• Solution Focused Therapy helps you to identify goals that are meaningful to you, measure where you currently sit in relation to those goals and identify a range of options to help you navigate the gap.

• Prepare/Enrich is a strengths-based approach, which includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationships to identify specific strength and growth areas. It integrates research-based interventions and exercises that teach communication and conflict resolution skills. This approach is particularly useful for couples who are in the early stages of their relationship (e.g. 0-5 years).

• Psychoeducation is the process of learning about and understanding mental health, wellbeing and relationships. It is similar to physical education, where an individual learns about how their body experiences and reacts to different stressors - but instead the education is applied to the relationship.

For some simple tips on how to keep your connection strong, consider listening to: The Date Forever Podcast - The Simple Things with Megan and Nahum Kozak.

Book an appointment or give us a call

Lighthouse Relationships serves clients based locally in Clayfield, Aspley, Teneriffe, Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley, East Brisbane, and Brisbane central. We’re also just a short trip from Albion, Herston, West End, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, Kelvin Grove, Petrie Terrace, Highgate Hill, Norman Park, Hawthorne, Wooloowin, Wilston, Windsor, Nundah, New farm and Balmoral - and we’re also available for Telehealth or zoom sessions from anywhere worldwide. If you feel we are a good fit for you, we welcome clients from anywhere.