Category: Marriage & Long-Term Relationships

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Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health Relationships

Rebuild Trust, Intimacy & Connection

Healthy relationships are essential for emotional well-being, but challenges like communication breakdown, intimacy issues, or addiction can strain even the strongest bonds. If you’re searching for relationship counselling in Plymouth, psychosexual therapy in Devon, or help with sex and porn addiction, professional support can make a life-changing difference.

Expert counselling services in Plymouth; Our experienced therapists offer confidential, compassionate support for individuals and couples facing issues such as:

  • Relationship Problems – Communication difficulties, infidelity, emotional disconnection.
  • Psychosexual Therapy – Loss of desire, painful sex, erectile dysfunction, orgasmic challenges.
  • Addiction Counselling – Sex and porn addiction recovery, support for partners affected by addiction.
  • Mental Health Support – Anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma impacting relationships.

Why choose our counselling services? With over 30 years of experience, we provide tailored therapy sessions in a safe, welcoming environment in Plymouth’s historic Barbican area.

Our goal is to help you:

  • Rebuild trust and intimacy
  • Improve communication
  • Overcome sexual health challenges
  • Heal from addiction and emotional pain

To learn more about all of the above, take a look at our Psychosexual Therapy & Relationship Counselling website.

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Addiction Children & Young People Difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy Featured Article Gender & Sexuality Grieving & Loss Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health PTSD & Trauma Relationships

Why we started blogging

Over the years, we have had the privilege of sitting with people through some of their most vulnerable moments – heartbreak, confusion, grief, and growth. Each story is unique, but many share common threads: the need to feel heard, the desire for connection, and the courage to seek change.

Blogs are our way of extending that space beyond the counselling room. Whether you are navigating a relationship breakdown, supporting a young person through a tough time, or simply curious about how therapy works, we hope these posts offer insight, comfort, and maybe even a sense of companionship.

What you will find here; We write about the real-life issues that bring people to counselling:

  • Communication and Reconnection: How small shifts in how we listen and respond can rebuild trust and closeness.
  • Grief and Loss: Understanding the many forms grief can take, and how to move through it at your own pace.
  • Young People’s Challenges: From anxiety and identity to peer pressure and family dynamics – we explore what it is like growing up today.
  • Relationship Dynamics: Whether romantic, familial, or platonic, relationships shape us. We look at how they evolve, and how to nurture them.

Why it matters; We believe that healing begins with understanding – and sometimes, reading something that reflects your own experience can be the first step. Our hope is that our blogs feel like a gentle companion, offering clarity when things feel cloudy, and reminding you that you are not alone.

We are based in Looe Street, Plymouth, and always happy to chat in person when the time feels right for you. Until then, we invite you to explore, reflect, and reach out if something resonates.

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Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health Relationships

Communication and Reconnection

Sometimes we talk, but don’t really hear each other. Words are exchanged, but the meaning – the emotion behind them – gets lost. Over time, this can leave us feeling distant, unheard, or even invisible in our relationships.

We see this often in counselling: couples who feel like housemates instead of partners, parents and teens locked in cycles of frustration, friends drifting apart without knowing why. It’s not that people stop caring – it’s that life gets busy, emotions get tangled, and communication becomes reactive instead of intentional.

Counselling offers a space to pause. To slow down. To really listen – not just to the other person, but to yourself. It’s a place where you can explore what’s being said, what’s being felt, and what’s being missed. Sometimes, even the smallest shift – a new way of phrasing something, a moment of genuine listening – can begin to rebuild trust and closeness.

We don’t believe in quick fixes. But we do believe in the power of connection. And we’ve seen how, with time and care, relationships can heal and grow stronger than before.

📍We’re based locally in Looe Street, Plymouth, and always happy to chat in person when the time feels right for you. Whether you’re coming alone or with someone else, you’re welcome here.

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Gender & Sexuality Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health

When physical desires don’t match.

Intimacy means different things to different people. For some, physical closeness is a vital way of expressing love and feeling connected. For others, it may not hold the same importance – and that’s okay. But when two partners experience desire differently, it can create tension, confusion, and emotional distance.

We often hear from people who feel rejected, unwanted, or pressured. Others feel guilty, overwhelmed, or unsure how to explain their feelings. These moments can be painful, and if left unspoken, they can quietly erode the foundation of a relationship.

The truth is, it’s rarely about who’s “right” or “wrong.” It’s about needs not being heard, and feelings not being understood. Counselling offers a space to talk openly – without blame or shame – about desire, boundaries, and connection. It’s a chance to explore what intimacy means to each person, and how to find common ground that feels safe and respectful.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Many couples face this challenge, and with support, it’s possible to rebuild trust and rediscover closeness in ways that work for both of you.

📍We’re here at Personal & Relationship Counselling Plymouth, based in Looe Street. When you’re ready, we’re ready to listen.

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Marriage & Long-Term Relationships

How to Improve Communication in a Relationship

Effective communication is the foundation of a strong, healthy relationship — but it’s often one of the first things to break down when couples feel disconnected. At our Plymouth-based counselling practice, we help couples across Devon and Cornwall navigate communication issues with empathy and clarity.

  • Understand Your Communication Style; Everyone brings different habits, expectations, and patterns into relationships. Identifying whether you lean toward passive, assertive, or avoidant communication can help you notice what’s working — and what’s not.
  • Listen to Understand, Not to Respond; Too often, we prepare our reply before truly hearing what our partner is saying. Active listening means setting aside defensiveness and focusing on your partner’s message and emotions.
  • Express Yourself Honestly and Calmly; Healthy communication involves speaking your truth without blame. Use “I” statements to share how you feel — for example, “I feel unheard when…” instead of “You never listen.”
  • Make Space for Regular Check-ins; Daily life can crowd out meaningful connection. Creating space for open conversations — even just 10 minutes a day — helps strengthen emotional intimacy.
  • Consider Couples Counselling for Support; If communication issues persist, professional support can make all the difference. Our couples counselling in Plymouth offers a safe, supportive space to improve understanding and rebuild connection.

Improving communication in a relationship is a journey — and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re navigating a rough patch or simply want to deepen your connection, we’re here to help.

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Addiction Children & Young People Difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy Featured Article Gender & Sexuality Grieving & Loss Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health PTSD & Trauma Relationships

Is your counsellor a good fit for you?

There are so many counsellors offering a vast range of different therapies and approaches that it’s hard to know how to make the right choice, but it is so important that we do.

Finding the right counsellor, one who you can connect and feel safe with is important. Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth, but only if you have a competent and trustworthy professional by your side. It can be difficult when we are feeling vulnerable and in need of help, to be confident enough to choose someone.

At Personal and Relationship Counselling (PRC) in Plymouth we offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation prior to booking a first appointment. Recommendations are good, but if you don’t have one, a telephone conversation can help and don’t be afraid to say ‘no thank you’, a good counsellor will be understanding – read about our counsellors on ‘Our Therapists’ page.

You can be assured that each counsellor has been handpicked, chosen for their competency and professionalism, empathy and compassion. We’ve checked their qualifications and experience, making sure that all are on the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists or an equivalent professional body.

We offer a range of approaches and techniques to suit individual needs and find the fit that’s right for you. If we can’t meet your requirements, we will make recommendations of other trusted local Plymouth counsellors.

Here are some skills, traits and professional behaviours to look out for in your counsellor.

Good Counselling Skills:

  • Actively listening:  A good therapist will pay close attention to what you’re saying and ask clarifying questions. If you feel misunderstood or unheard – that’s a problem.
  • Focused attention: Does your therapist seem bored, tired, preoccupied or disengaged. If so, you’re not getting the focused attention you deserve.
  • Addressing Your Specific Concerns: Therapists should and be able to hear your issues and understand the impact they have on you, and tailor appropriate responses to meet your needs. If they seem stuck in one method or aren’t able to manage with your issue – you may need to find a better fit.
  • Non-judgemental:  Therapy needs to be a safe space to explore difficult emotions. If you feel judged or ashamed this isn’t going to help you – indicating it isn’t a good fit.
  • Working together: Therapy should be a collaborative process with your counsellor helping you to explore deeper and stay with the difficult feelings – rather than handing out simplistic, generic advice and platitudes.
  • Making progress: While you might experience some emotional discomfort processing difficult topics, you should generally feel some sense of healing and hope moving forward.

Maintaining Professional & Ethical standards:

  • Keeping to Appointment Times/Scheduling:  Having a regular time for your counselling is helpful. Frequent cancelling or rescheduling of appointments by your therapist shows a lack of respect for your time and can disrupt your progress in therapy.
  • Relevant Advice: Remember that therapists should stay within their area of expertise. If yours is giving medical, legal or financial advice – that’s not OK.
  • Confidentiality: Counsellors are required to keep your information private, with some exceptions. If you feel your therapist might be gossiping about you or sharing details inappropriately, that’s a concern.
  • Respecting Your Boundaries: If your counsellor shares too much personal information about themselves, pressures you to socialise outside of sessions, asks you for gifts or personal favours or makes unwanted physical contact – that’s a red flag.

Trust your instincts: Sometimes the chemistry just isn’t right. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your therapist, it’s important to find someone else, someone you can connect with.  If you do notice any of the red flags and warning signs it’s time to look for a new therapist.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us Plymouth Counselling (PRC).

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Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health PTSD & Trauma Relationships

Counselling for Armed Forces & NHS Staff in Plymouth

Feeling the Strain? Counselling Support in Plymouth for Those Who Serve

Are you a member of the armed forces, emergency services, NHS nurse or doctor, HM prison service feeling the weight of stress? You’re not alone. Plymouth is home to many heroes who dedicate themselves to keeping us safe and healthy. But even the strongest of us need support sometimes.

At PRC counselling practice on the Barbican in Plymouth, we specialise in providing confidential counselling and psychotherapy services tailored to the unique needs of service personnel and healthcare professionals. We understand the challenges you face, from the pressures of deployment to the emotional toll of daily emergencies.

Our experienced accredited therapists can help you with a variety of issues, including:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Depression
  • Relationship problems
  • Work-life balance
  • Moral injury

We offer a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. We believe that everyone deserves to feel well, and we’re here to help support you in addressing your emotional wellbeing.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We understand your world. Our therapists have experience working with service personnel and healthcare professionals, and they are familiar with the specific challenges you face, both Steve and Nigel served in the armed forces.
  • We offer flexible appointments. We know that your schedule can be demanding, so we offer appointments at your convenience.
  • We are confidential. Everything you discuss in therapy will be kept confidential, except in limited circumstances where the law requires us to disclose information.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to cope. Take the first step towards feeling better today with help from a counsellor or therapist at Plymouth Counselling.

Contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs.

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Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health PTSD & Trauma Relationships

Books Worth Reading About Mental Health

We’ve found the following books on mental health to be useful and want to share them with you.  Mental health has many facets and choosing a book is subjective, it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, considering the main counselling issues brought to us here at PRC in Plymouth, we regard the following books on the topic the most informative.

For understanding trauma and its effects:

  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk: This book explores the physical and psychological effects of trauma and offers evidence-based methods for healing.
  • What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey: This book explores the impact of childhood trauma on mental and physical health and offers insights on building resilience and healing.

For managing anxiety and stress:

  • Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb: This memoir by a therapist explores the experiences of both the therapist and the client, offering insights into therapy and mental health challenges.
  • The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne: This practical guide provides self-help strategies for managing anxiety and phobias, including relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy.

For self-compassion and self-acceptance:

  • The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams and John Teasdale: This book teaches mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) techniques for preventing and managing depression.
  • The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: This book explores the importance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and authenticity in mental and emotional well-being.

For navigating relationships and boundaries:

  • Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find–and Keep– Love by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller: This book explores attachment styles and their impact on romantic relationships.
  • Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab: This book teaches readers how to set healthy boundaries in their personal and professional lives.

For memoirs and personal stories:

  • The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon: This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the history, science, and personal experience of depression.
  • Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: This heart-warming novel tells the story of a socially awkward woman who learns to connect with others.

If you are concerned about your own mental health, it is important to reach out to a qualified mental health professional. Here at PRC counselling in Plymouth we can offer a range of therapists who you can book an appointment with, or have an initial 15-minute chat, just to find out whether we can help you or guide you.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • The National Health Service (NHS) has a website with information about mental health – NHS UK
  • Mind is a mental health charity that provides information and support – Mind
  • The Samaritans is a charity that provides emotional support to anyone in distress – Samaritans
Categories
Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health Relationships

Choppy Waters in Your Relationship

If you’re a Plymouth resident facing choppy waters in your relationship, here are some tips to help you navigate the storm and find calmer waters:

Charting the Course:

  1. Identify Your Triggers: Understanding your own and your partner’s triggers helps avoid unnecessary storms. Often, we pre-empt our partner, thinking we know what they’re going to say. This blocks them from expressing what they really feel and think, which prevents any resolution to an argument or discussion.
  2. Calm Communication: If things get heated, avoid becoming accusatory. “You” statements can lead to defensive reactions. Instead, use “I” statements that focus on your feelings. Active listening, without interrupting, shows respect and fosters understanding, helping reduce negativity towards one another.
  3. Seek Common Ground: Remember, you’re a team, not rivals. Focus on finding shared goals and solutions instead of individual victories.

 

Weathering the Storm:

  1. Take a Time Out: If emotions start running high, agree to a cooling-off period before resuming the conversation. Take a walk, practice relaxation techniques, or engage in separate activities.
  2. Focus on the Issue, Not the Person: Attacking your partner’s character is counterproductive. Stay focused on the specific issue at hand and avoid bringing up past grievances.
  3. Compromise is Key: Be willing to meet halfway. It’s not about winning or losing but finding a solution that works for both of you.

 

Reaching Safe Harbour:

  1. Express Appreciation: Even after conflict, acknowledge your partner’s positive qualities and express your appreciation for them.
  2. Celebrate Reconciliation: When you successfully navigate a conflict, take a moment to celebrate your teamwork and strengthened bond.
  3. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to navigate conflict on your own, consider seeking professional guidance from a counsellor or therapist at Plymouth Counselling.

Remember that conflicts are normal in relationships; it’s how we handle them that matters most! 😊

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Marriage & Long-Term Relationships Mindfulness and Mental Health Relationships

Does Marriage Counselling Work? Benefits, Insights & When to Seek Help

Couple holding hands, marriage counselling, relationship counselling
Couple holding hands, marriage counselling

It’s completely normal for marriages to face challenges. Over time, these difficulties can strain the relationship, making it harder to stay connected. While some couples try to resolve issues on their own, many are now turning to professional help. In fact, nearly 10% of marriages end in divorce (ONS, 2021), and counselling charity Relate has seen a 30% rise in couples aged 20–30 seeking support since 2014.

What is Marriage Counselling?

Marriage counselling is a form of therapy where couples work with a trained professional to address issues affecting their relationship. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild emotional intimacy. When both partners actively participate, counselling can be a powerful tool to reconnect and strengthen the bond.

Rather than assigning blame, counselling provides a safe space for both individuals to speak openly and honestly. The focus is on understanding, empathy, and collaboration. Many therapists view the relationship itself as the client, encouraging both partners to take responsibility for its healing.

Through counselling, couples can:

  • Break negative patterns of interaction
  • Deepen emotional connection
  • Improve intimacy
  • Build healthier communication habits

These skills often continue to benefit the relationship long after therapy ends.

Who can Benefit from Counselling?

You do not need to be in crisis to seek help. Counselling is also a proactive way to nurture your relationship and help it thrive. For younger couples, it can lay the groundwork for strong communication and mutual understanding from the start.

If you feel your relationship could be stronger, or if you want to grow as a partner, counselling offers a space to make meaningful changes. Early intervention – even for small issues – can prevent problems from escalating.

Consider couples counselling if:

  • Arguments are frequent or unresolved
  • You feel disconnected or indifferent
  • There’s a lack of support, appreciation, or love
  • You’re facing challenges like infidelity, addiction, or abuse
  • You feel held back or misunderstood by your partner

Whatever the issue, counselling provides the tools and support to work through it together, helping you build a resilient and fulfilling relationship.

Need Support?

If you feel your relationship is struggling or simply want to strengthen your connection, our experienced counsellors in Plymouth are here to help. Feel free to call or email us – we are happy to answer any questions you may have.