Listening Room Harrogate
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background information and relationship counselling in the news...
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How to find the right counsellor and what questions to ask ?
Currently anyone in the UK can call themselves a "therapist", "pyscho-therapist" or "counsellor" without standard qualifications or training.

We are professionally qualified 'Relate Counsellors' which requires two years formal training at the national Relate Institute, followed by 500 hours of supervised counselling. We've been practising as Relate Counsellors since 2009, we are members of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adhere to their Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines. We undertake regular supervision and CPD training and work to recognised standards.

Jordan Dunbar and Anisa Subedar article for BBC News looks at why it’s important to build trust and confidence with anyone providing therapeutic service and what to look out for…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-59162715
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Online counselling
Counselling sessions take place at our office in central Harrogate, or online through Skype or Zoom and last year just under a quarter of our sessions were held ‘online’.
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Although it is very much dependent on individual circumstances, holding sessions online may be more suitable if you’re unable to travel into Harrogate, if you or your partner regularly work away from home, if you are each based at different locations, or if you need to accommodate childcare.
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​Summer holiday blues
Statistics show that alongside Christmas and New Year, the summer holidays can make August and September one of the most stressful times of the year for any relationship. We can suddenly find ourselves spending all our time with our partners and families and any existing tensions or issues that are usually hidden away under the normalities of work, careers, families or the school run, can suddenly become intensified.

​Or we can all become frustrated when the holiday that we’ve planned to bring us closer to our partners or family, doesn’t live up to our expectations... 
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How it feels when your partner comes out as gay
Phillip Schofield’s recent announcement took all the headlines, but this article on the BBC looks at the impact on the impact on the other half of the ‘couple’. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51413187
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What do couples argue about ? 
Couples typically argue about money, parenting, sex, household chores, the balance between individual and couple time, religion, holidays, work versus home time etc., etc. Teri Watkin, a BACP accredited counsellor, published an article on the Counselling Directory website which argues that perhaps what’s more important is to look at WHY couples argue about all these things.

Teri suggests that understanding what made us attractive to each other in the first place – the qualities that couples share and the qualities that are more complementary – may also be the causes of conflict as their relationship matures; and by recognising this, couples could make it easier to resolve conflict and to learn how to live with their differences. http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellor-articles/what-do-couples-argue-about
One in six people now experiencing depression
The Office for National Statistics reports that one in six adults are now reporting experiencing moderate or severe symptoms of depression. This compares to one in ten before the pandemic. Specifically people under 40, women and people with a disability were the groups showing the biggest rise in the 3,500 people surveyed.

Recognising and acknowledging depression can have a big impact in the dynamic of any relationship. 
7 Things Happy Couples Do Differently
Kelsey Borresen at Huffpost UK writes an article highlighting 7 things that Therapists think that happy couples do... 

Things such as: giving each other the benefit of the doubt, feeling secure enough in the relationship to express their true feelings without worrying that things will fall apart, being gentle with each other… https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/happy-couple-habits-therapists_l_62e99936e4b09fecea48c1e1?ncid=APPLENEWS00001
No-fault divorce laws come into effect
The law in England has changed to end separating couples who both want a swift end to their marriage having to allocate ‘blame’ in order to avoid a two year wait. The change in the law also applies to the dissolution of civil partnerships.

​This article on BBC News explains the new system https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61004089
Signs of a toxic relationship
BBC Bitesize ran an article recently examining ‘6 signs that you could be in a toxic relationship’; suggesting that if you’re spending more time feeling unhappy when you’re with your partner than you do feeling happy, it could be a sign that need to check if your relationship is actually working…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrd9y9q
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The positive and negative impact of Lockdown on relationships
BBC News reports on a survey by Relate which suggests that nearly a quarter of people felt lockdown had placed additional pressure on their relationship. Lockdown had often created a "make or break" environment with people having "relationship realisations" - both good and bad.
 
A further survey by Relate found 8% of people said lockdown had made them realise they needed to end their relationship - but 43% said lockdown had actually brought them closer together.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-55146909
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Re-evaluating a relationship after lockdown
BBC2’s ‘Together’ is a light-hearted look at a real-life issue that’s faced a lot of couples over the last 15 months – looking at the impact of lockdown on a couple’s relationship towards each other, around things like personal ambitions, careers, parenting and family.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000x2lk/together
A Couples Therapist guide to surviving the ‘Brexit split’
Ashitha Nagesh’s article for the BBC presents the UK’s 'Brexit divide' as a ‘marital breakup’ after 47 years together, where one half of the couple never wanted to separate, but both parties now have a need to move forward together.

Ashitha suggests an analogy with the stages of emotional loss - denial, anger, sadness, bargaining and finally acceptance; and looks at how using ‘counselling’ strategies could help deal with the division and to help both sides to recognise their common ground and move forward.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55348994
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Midlife mental health crisis ?
Rosa Siverman’s recent article in The Telegraph looks at new research that suggests that middle age is the worst period for mental ill-health and describes six signs to watch out that could suggest that you may need help or support.
Read in The Telegraph: https://apple.news/AUexP7gYZSeWhbgy2js5_Fg
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Male domestic abuse up 60% since lockdown
The Men’s Helpline ‘Respect’ has reported a 60% increase in calls for help since the lockdown started – typically around area such as psychological abuse, controlling behaviour and financial control. The article on BBC News reports specifically from the ‘Men Standing Up’ charity in Bradford and the telephone support services they offer.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54237409

Across the board there were 40,000 calls made to the National Domestic Abuse helpline during the first 3 months of lockdown.

Depression doubles since Coronavirus pandemic
The Office for National Statistics reports that twice as many adults are now reporting symptoms of depression compared to 12 months ago. Specifically women, people under the age of 40 and people with a disability were the groups showing the biggest rise in the 3,500 people surveyed. Recognising and acknowledging depression can have a big impact in the dynamic of any relationship. 
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Our tips for surviving isolation...
Here's our suggestions for helping your relationships survive isolation ...or see these individual articles below...
- ​Counselling Directory - 6 key ways to maintain a healthy relationship during isolation
  • https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/6-key-ways-to-maintain-a-healthy-relationship-during-isolation
- BACP – how to maintain healthy family relationships
  • https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2020/27-march-coronavirus-lockdown-how-to-maintain-happy-family-relationships-in-difficult-circumstances/
- Relate - advice on maintaining your relationship with your partner
  • https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/covid-19-advice-and-information/maintaining-your-relationship-your-partner
- Conversation.com - The coronavirus lockdown could test your relationship - here’s how to keep it intact (and even improve it)
  • http://theconversation.com/the-coronavirus-lockdown-could-test-your-relationship-heres-how-to-keep-it-intact-and-even-improve-it-134532
- BBC - Coronavirus and sex
  • https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-52063221
Ending a relationship
BBC’s ‘Women’s Hour’ ran an article about ‘how to end a relationship’, with the key points including
  • Agree to end as a ‘couple’ and not as ‘enemies’
  • Put your children first and think of the impact that the breakdown of your relationship has on them
  • Going through the courts invariably leads to hostility and the costs can quickly escalate
  • Staying ‘friends’ will be challenging when one of you meets somebody else
  • Using a ‘neutral’ can be an effective way mediate around issues and provide you both with support
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000l8dq
Body Image
The July issue of ‘Therapy Today’ reports on a Mental Health Foundation survey of over 4,000 people that finds that more than a third of UK adults have felt anxious or depressed about their body image. The survey confirmed that women are more affected than men and that 20% of those 55 and older reported anxiety because of their body image. 
People still want a lifelong, stable and satisfying relationship
Nicholas Hellen’s piece in the Sunday Times reports on research carried out by the Marriage Foundation that suggests that the idea of a lifelong, monogamous relationship is still the goal for most people. Their report suggests that couples develop ‘marital resilience’ as they move through the various stages of marriage, using positive shared experiences to resolve disagreements and to improve their relationship – with half of all marriages still lasting a lifetime.

Statistically the report suggests that 'marital happiness' rises over the years and 'marital strife' declines, although woman in general do tend to report more problems in their relationship than men.
http://marriagefoundation.org.uk/

hy so many women think their partners have Asperger's syndrome
Jolyon Jenkins Radio 4 documentary explores why an increasing number of women think that their partners lack of empathy, sociability, and romantic impulses could point to them being ‘on the spectrum’.

The report suggests that today's men are required to be more emotional in their relationships than their fathers and grandfathers were and asks if the fact that some men struggle with this really mean that more Asperger's is being uncovered - or maybe this is just 'normal' male behaviour?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03wp5j4
Key triggers for loneliness
The British Red Cross and the Co-op have released a report ‘Trapped in a Bubble’, based on a survey of more than 2,500 people. The report identifies several key triggers to loneliness, including ‘separation or divorce' (33%), 'long-term health problems' (32%) and 'bereavement' (19%).

Relationship support for men
The Men’s Health Forum, in conjunction with Relate, have published a report exploring men’s attitudes to seeking relationship help and support.


"According to the report, men have less access to emotional support from relatives and friends than women, are less likely to seek professional help for personal problems and less likely to consult relationship counselling services. They are more prone to ‘avoidance strategies’ such as the increased consumption of alcohol.

The report suggests work is a key factor. Men’s tendency to work longer working hours can cause relationship problems and conflicts around the life-work balance while financial difficulties can increase pressure on the male, who is often still the primary breadwinner in the family.A new birth also often triggers relationship issues."

https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/mhf_relate_trytoseeit2013.pdf


More single men than single women
The Office for National Stastictics data shows that the number of couples getting married in 2013 dropped for the first time since 2009. Daniel Binns article in Metro reports that that number of single women getting married for the first time has now fallen to a record low, although statistically women still tend to get married at an earlier age than men.

Chances of living happily ever after
The same article looks at the correlation between the number of years married and the number of divorces.  During the first five years of marriage there is now a 1 in 2.5 chance it will end in divorce, those still together after ten years have a 1 in 4 chance and after twenty years this falls 1 in 8 – suggesting that the more of life’s upheavals a couple overcome together, the more likely they are to remain together.

Couples with young children feeling the pressure
In their recent ‘where we are now’ report, Relate suggests that families with young children are under the most pressure, with one in three parents of under-fives saying that childcare and bringing up children was one of the top three strains on relationships.

Compared to couples without children, the study found that parents with children under five were more likely to argue with their partner and less likely to engage in outside interests together. Parents who were in a relationship were also almost twice as likely to say they had not had sex in the last month (43%) compared to those without children (26%).

Relational trauma
Carolyn Spring of PODS (Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors) ran a workshop in September, looking at the coping mechanisms that people develop for surviving major trauma and the effects that this can sometimes have on their ideas of attachment, boundaries and conflict; and the impact that this can then have on their relationships.
http://www.pods-online.org.uk/

The realities of ‘uncoupling’
Eleanor Mills writes a piece in The Sunday Times 02/08/15 that outlines the realities of splitting up in light of Gwyneth Paltrow’s much publicised amicable ‘conscious uncoupling’ – suggesting that despite the best intentions, the reality is that splitting up is always messy, always complicated when children are involved, and that both parties will feel hurt, furious and let down; and that there is no such thing as an 'easy' divorce. http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/comment/columns/eleanormills/article1587964.ece


Men see their sons more than daughters after breaking up
Tracy McViegh in The Guardian 14.06.15 reports on a study by the Nuffield Foundation, that looks at the impact of breaking up on fathers. The study found that fathers who were actively involved in the bringing up of their children before the split were more likely to keep in regular contact with their children, although they tended to keep in more regular contact with their sons than with their daughters. Also, contact was more likely to be maintained the older the child was. Money did seem to play a major part, as dads with a spare room for their children to sleep with them did seem to keep in touch more.

Happy relationships earn more
Nicholas Hellen writes an article in The Sunday Times 01.03.15 bringing together research by The Marriage Foundation, Lincoln University and the Tavistock Centre, that suggests that couples who stay together typically boost their joint income by 35% over those that separate. The article also suggests that when the quality of a relationship increases, people’s earnings go up as well; focusing on the benefits of ‘sharing’ expenses, collaboration of tasks, not duplicating costs across two households and the value of a shared support network.

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Society/article1525331.ece


what is the difference between marriage and co-habitation ?
Eleanor Mills writes an article in The Sunday Times 26.10.14, where she personally explores the difference between ‘marriage’ and just ‘shacking up’. As well as looking at the legal implications, she suggests that marriage and civil partnership are different; as they are a commitment that a couple consciously decides to make, together, at a specific time point in time. The article also reports on the Millennium Cohort Study that found that 31% of co-habiting couples with a baby of 9 months had separated by the time their child was 7 – as opposed to only 12% of married couples.


more people are seeking counselling
The BACP have published findings from their recent survey of 2,000 adults across the UK. The survey revealed a growing acceptance of counselling, especially amongst 16-24 year olds; and over half the respondents had either seen a counsellor or psychotherapist directly, or knew a family member or a friend who had. This was a marked difference compared to the same survey taken in 2010. The survey also found that most people would speak to their GP or to a family member first, if they had ‘emotional’ problems, rather than making initial contact with a counsellor.

BACP Register
The BACP Register is the first psychological therapists' register to be accredited under a new scheme set up by the Department of Health and administered by an independent body, accountable to Parliament. Members of the public can now choose a counsellor or psychotherapist belonging to a register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
http://www.bacp.co.uk/

the shift in attitudes towards internet dating and its effect on relationships
According to Jonathan Maitland’s ‘Tonight’ program, shown on ITV recently, 1 in 5 relationships now start on-line. The program looks at people’s changing attitudes to internet dating and how it’s become the new ‘norm’ for millions of people. It also suggests that the speed and ease of ‘always being able to meet someone new’ may actually be a barrier for some people in developing longer lasting relationships.  

the impact of social media on relationships – does Facebook fuel jealousy ?
The Examiner is running an article by Benjamin Ritter, on the impact of social media on relationships -  suggesting that
understanding how to prevent and handle conflicts arising from social media can save relationships and marriages. It also reports on a recent ABC News news story, claiming that in 2011 one third of all US divorce filings in contained the word ‘Facebook’.

relationship therapies

The Guardian newspaper ran an article by the Therapist Andrew G Marshall, where he describes ‘what relationship therapy can do for couples on the rocks and what to expect from your sessions’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/mar/08/relationship-therapy
Listening Room Harrogate - independent Relate trained counsellors providing counselling services from offices in central Harrogate and easily accessible from Knaresborough, Ripon, Skipton, Wetherby, York and Leeds 
  • who we are
  • about counselling
  • what next ?
  • contact information
  • news
  • useful links
  • client information