Relationship counselling in Limerick with Colette Linehan. Learn how counselling can support you

Posted May 20, 2026 by Creating Calm Counselling in Uncategorized

Relationships can be one of the most rewarding parts of life, but they can also become strained through stress, communication difficulties, parenting pressures, financial worries, health concerns or trust issues.

Relationship counselling offers a confidential, supportive space to better understand what is happening between two people and to explore healthier ways of communicating, resolving conflict and rebuilding emotional connection.

What Is Relationship Counselling?

Relationship counselling, sometimes called couples counselling or marriage counselling, supports people who are experiencing difficulties in their relationship. It is not only for married couples or couples in crisis. It can also be helpful for people who are dating, engaged, co-habiting, in long term partnerships or trying to decide what the future of the relationship should look like.

The aim is not to blame either person. Instead, counselling helps both people understand the patterns, communication styles and emotional responses that may be affecting the relationship.

How Is Relationship Counselling Different From Marriage Counselling?

Marriage counselling usually refers to support for married couples, while relationship counselling is a broader term. It can include married couples, unmarried couples, people in committed relationships, engaged couples, dating couples and those navigating separation or uncertainty.

If you are specifically looking for support as a couple or married partners, you can also learn more about marriage and couples counselling in Limerick.

When Might Relationship Counselling Help?

Every relationship experiences periods of pressure. Seeking support does not mean the relationship has failed. In many cases, counselling gives both people the space to pause, reflect and understand each other more clearly.

Communication difficulties

You may feel unheard, misunderstood or unable to speak openly without the conversation turning into conflict.

Trust issues

Relationship counselling can support people working through betrayal, insecurity, infidelity or broken trust.

Parenting stress

Differences in parenting styles, tiredness and family pressures can place strain on even loving partnerships.

Emotional distance

Some people attend counselling because they feel disconnected, lonely or unsure how to rebuild closeness.

Recurring conflict

You may find yourselves having the same argument repeatedly without feeling understood or reaching resolution.

Uncertainty about the future

Counselling can help people explore whether they want to rebuild, separate or understand each other more clearly.

What Happens During Relationship Counselling?

At Colette Linehan Counselling, also known as Creating Calm Counselling Services, relationship counselling is carried out in a confidential, supportive and non judgemental setting.

Initial Assessment

The first session is usually an information gathering session. Both people are gently encouraged to share what has brought them to counselling and what they hope to achieve.

During the initial consultation, Colette may ask about:

Your relationship history
The issues you both feel you are currently facing
Your communication patterns
What each person hopes to achieve through counselling

Joint and Individual Consultations

Most relationship counselling sessions involve both people. However, in some circumstances, individual consultations may also be recommended to explore personal issues that may be affecting the relationship.

Communication Styles and Skills Training

Communication is often central to relationship counselling. Sessions may explore how each person listens, responds, expresses emotion and manages difficult conversations.

Couples may learn practical skills such as active listening, expressing feelings constructively and creating space for both people to feel heard.

One of the valuable aspects of relationship counselling is that each person has time to speak, while being supported by a trained professional who helps both sides understand the impact of the issues on the relationship.

Conflict Resolution and CBT

As an experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practitioner, Colette may use CBT informed approaches to explore how negative thought patterns and behaviours can affect the relationship.

This may include identifying unhelpful thinking, improving emotional responses and using practical exercises between sessions. Homework can be an important part of CBT, helping clients continue the work outside the counselling room.

Exploring Emotional Intimacy

Relationship counselling may also involve exploring emotional closeness and vulnerability. Sometimes, going back to the beginning of the relationship can help people reconnect with what first brought them together.

This may include questions such as:

What initially attracted you to one another?
What made you decide to get married, live together or commit to the relationship?
What have you found most fulfilling about the relationship?
What would emotional closeness look like now?

These conversations can help lay the foundation for greater understanding, emotional connection and change.

Colette Linehan’s Approach to Relationship Counselling

Colette Linehan provides relationship counselling in Limerick through a professional, confidential and supportive approach. Her work is client centred, non judgemental and informed by her experience as a CBT practitioner.

Colette’s qualifications include a BA in Counselling and Psychometric Testing from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences, as well as a BA (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Her work is also supported by ongoing Continuing Professional Development.

Her approach is collaborative. This means she works with clients to explore what is happening in the relationship, while supporting both people to develop greater awareness, communication and healthier patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Counselling

Is relationship counselling only for married couples?

No. Relationship counselling can support married couples, co-habiting couples, engaged couples, people who are dating, people in same sex relationships and those in committed partnerships.

Will the counsellor take sides?

A professional counsellor remains supportive and neutral throughout the process. The aim is to help both people feel heard and understood, while supporting healthier communication.

What if my partner is reluctant to attend?

This is very common. Many people feel nervous about opening up or worry they will be judged. Counselling is designed to be supportive, confidential and non judgemental.

How many sessions will we need?

The number of sessions depends on the issues involved and the goals of the people attending. Some people benefit from short term counselling, while others prefer longer term support.

Can relationship counselling help with communication?

Yes. Communication is one of the most common reasons people seek relationship counselling. Sessions can help people understand communication patterns and learn more constructive ways to express feelings and listen to one another.