Some of the biggest issues that people bring to work on with a counsellor are to do with their relationships.
These could be their relationships with their partners or spouse's; family relationships; work relationships; etc.
They may be about relationships that they have at present; in the past; or relationships they hope to have in the future.
For those who are in relationships there are a number of possibilities why they might be seeking help.
Perhaps something does not feel right for one or both partners.
One person might have had an affair.
Perhaps there is a new baby to cope with, or there may be difficulties with other children.
Perhaps the children have grown up, the so called "empty nest syndrome".
Whether the problems are about going through a difficult time or about trying to keep the relationship going this may prompt the couple to seek help.
In this case the couple may choose to have joint sessions with a counsellor to help them to talk about their situation.
This can help by giving the time and space to express how they are feeling and for the other person to listen and understand the others point of view.
At other times one or both may have individual sessions to explore their part in the relationship difficulty.
This can help when one or the other does not fully understand why they behave in a particular way.
This may lead back to joint session to help heal the difficulty so that the couple can move on.
For those who are not in a relationship but are looking for one counselling can also help.
The counselling then may focus on why they are struggling to find a relationship.
This may involve exploring how they feel about past relationships.
It may also involve looking at their hopes and goals for that relationship helping them to focus on realistic expectations.
It may also involve working on any low self esteem or self worth issues they may have.
Family work is another part of relationship counselling.
This may involve helping children and parents to communicate better.
It may again involve individual or group sessions.
Often family work can involve each person looking at the roles they play in the family and how these interact to cause the difficulties they are all facing.
Whatever the reasons or focus for relationship counselling it is often both challenging and rewarding work.
At its best it can lead to healthier more stable relationships for all those involved.