What does relationship counselling entail?

[PriscillaWhite]

I started the thread a couple of days ago about my fractured (no intimacy with H) marriage. A lot of the advice was about going to counselling.

What does this entail? I can’t discuss the issue with H himself (as he’s the reason), so telling a stranger about the issues feels even more awkward.

The issues are all H’s. As in, he has zero libido and we live like siblings (and probably irritate each other just as much). I don’t think either of us want to blow up the marriage, as we have young DC. I don’t want to spend even a weekend without them.

Does anyone have any insight into what counselling has been for you? Is there a big difference between relationship counselling and seeing a sex therapist? Was it helpful?

I’ve had a look at the Relate website and NHS pages. But that’s all marketing stuff. Real insight would help me to decide if it’s even worth the effort. Thank you

I have done relate and also private counselling. Relate I found useless. We didn't click with the counsellor and if anything it set us back. Private counselling is a different ball game. You can select a counsellor who specialises in the areas you need help with. Some offer free or half price trial sessions to make sure that you have chosen the right counsellor for you. All counsellors work in different ways but expect there to be lots of tears. You will be offered suggestions on ways to deal with different types of problems. Most of all, it's a way of expressing how you feel and being heard which in itself can be liberating. Good luck.