Is couples therapy only for relationships in crisis?

No. While many couples seek therapy during difficult times, couples counselling can be helpful at any stage of your relationship. Many couples use therapy proactively to strengthen an already good relationship, and develop better communication skills before serious problems develop.

Is it too late for couples counselling?

It’s rarely too late for anything. Personally, I believe in “better late than never.” While it is ideal to seek help before problems become crisis, many couples rebuild their relationships even after years of conflict. The most important factor is not how long you had problems, but whether both partners are willing to commit to change.

Can we attend therapy if only one partner wants to change?

I sometimes see couples where one partner is initially more reluctant. The hesitant partner often becomes more engaged once they experience the therapy process and see positive changes happening. However, both partners must ultimately be willing to participate for therapy to be effective.

Will the therapist take sides?

No. As your therapist, I maintain neutrality and help to facilitate conversation as an objective third party. Rather than assigning blame, I focus on understanding how both partners contribute to relationship patterns and work collaboratively with both of you to create positive change.

Can I bring my children to couples therapy sessions?

No, the confidential nature of couples therapy requires a private environment where you and your partner can discuss intimate relationship matters openly and honestly. Please arrange childcare in advance as our small office does not have a separate waiting room.

Do you provide online counselling for couples therapy?

No, I only provide in-person counselling sessions for couples therapy. There are advantages of having in-person counselling where couple dynamics can be observed in detail, allowing for more efficient adjustments with my counselling approaches.

couples counselling near me | LightingWay Counselling & Therapy

Couples Counselling Singapore

Relationships require ongoing effort and attention. When communication falters or conflicts become repetitive, what was once a source of comfort can become a source of stress.

How To Fix A Failing Relationship

couples therapy, marriage counselling, relationship counselling

The decision to seek counselling is a big step. You may find yourselves caught in the same arguments and it feels like you’re stuck in a loop, having the same fight over and over again.

When your relationship isn't functioning as it should, both partners often feel unheard and misunderstood. You might look at your partner and wonder how you have drifted so far from the connection you once shared.

Some couples come to therapy wondering if there is anything left to salvage. Others recognize early warning signs and seek help before crisis points.

Whether you are questioning if love remains or simply wanting to break free from destructive patterns, couples counselling can provide clarity and practical tools to move forward: either together, with a stronger connection, or separately, with mutual respect.

Taking this step is making a conscious choice you are making to address issues, rather than letting them erode your relationship further.

What is Couples Counselling?

Couples counselling (also called couples therapy, relationship therapy or marital counselling) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help partners resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationship. Unlike individual therapy, couples counselling focuses on the relationship itself, with both partners working together toward shared goals.

In couples counselling, you will have a safe, neutral space to express your feelings and concerns with the guidance of a trained professional. Your therapist acts as an objective third party to help you identify negative patterns, facilitate meaningful conversation, and teach you skills to enhance your relationship and communication.

Successful couples aren’t those who never fight – they are couples who know how to repair and reconnect even during disagreements. The healthiest relationships are those with partners who can navigate differences while maintaining respect and fondness for each other.

Through our therapeutic work, I can help you rediscover and strengthen that essential bond.

families that need marital counselling in singapore | LightingWay Counselling & Therapy

Couples Therapy in Singapore: Our Process

At our practice, we understand that seeking counselling is a big step and we want to make this process as comfortable and effective as possible for Singapore couples. I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and incorporate principles from Emotion-Focused Therapy to help you work through relationship challenges.

Gottman Method combines therapeutic interventions with a research-backed approach developed from studying thousands of couples over five decades. This method focuses on building friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning – all important elements for nurturing a strong, lasting relationship.

With Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, I help couples understand the emotional undercurrents driving their interactions. This approach highlights how our attachment needs shape our responses in relationships, helping partners recognize when they are caught in negative patterns because of deeper emotional needs for love and connection.

Both approaches are evidence-based and have shown remarkable effectiveness in helping couples strengthen their relationships. During your initial session, we will work with you to determine which techniques and exercises will best address your specific situation.

Common Issues Addressed in Couples Therapy

Communication Breakdown

When conversations consistently turn into arguments or when one or both partners feel chronically misunderstood, communication problems are often at the root. I help couples learn how to listen actively, express needs clearly, and navigate difficult conversations in a productive manner.

Life Transitions

Major life changes such as career shifts, immigration, becoming parents, or caring for ageing parents can put significant strain on relationships. I help couples adapt to these changes while maintaining their connection.

Intimacy and Sexual Concerns

Physical and emotional intimacy can decline due to stress or unresolved conflicts. I help couples reconnect intimately by addressing underlying issues, improving communication about desires and needs, and rekindling the emotional connection that supports physical intimacy.

Cheating and Infidelity

Rebuilding trust after infidelity or other breaches of trust is challenging but possible with the right support. I provide a structured approach to help the hurt partner process their emotions, support the partner who breached trust in making amends, and guide both partners in rebuilding a foundation of trust and security.

Cultural and Value Differences

In Singapore’s diverse society, couples often navigate differences in cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, or core values. I help couples understand and respect these differences while finding common ground to build their shared life.

Pre-marital Counselling

For couples preparing for marriage, especially in Singapore where many couples apply for BTO flat together years before their wedding, pre-marital counselling helps establish a good foundation by addressing potential conflict before they become problems.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Couples Therapy in Singapore

As a proud provider of LGBTQ affirming therapy in Singapore, I offer specialized couples counselling that addresses the challenges faced by LGBTQ couples in our local context. My practice is built on a foundation of respect, understanding, and celebration of all relationships, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBTQ couples in Singapore navigate unique complexities beyond typical relationship issues, from family acceptance and societal attitudes to minority stress and legal considerations. Through my extensive work with the LGBTQ community in Singapore, I developed a deep understanding of the challenges you face and how they can impact relationship dynamics.

My approach to LGBTQ+ couples therapy is grounded in:

Cultural competence: Understanding cultural and legal context of LGBTQ relationships in Singapore
Identity-affirming practices: Honouring each partner's unique journey with sexual orientation and gender identity
Family of origin work: Navigate complex family relationships, building chosen family connections
Intersectionality: Address how multiple identities (ethnicity, religion, nationality) interact with LGBTQ identity in Singapore’s diverse society

Whether you are navigating coming out together, building a family, managing family expectations, or simply working through relationship communication challenges, I provide a safe and judgment-free space where your relationship is respected and validated.

Couples Counselling Services in Singapore

Located conveniently in the East side of Singapore near Eunos, Joo Chiat and Katong area, my practice offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy Singapore lifestyle. Understanding the demands of work-life balance, I provide evening weekday appointments and weekend sessions for couples who can't attend during business hours.

My comprehensive couples therapy services (1 hour 30 min) in Singapore include:

Couples counselling sessions
Marriage counselling for long-term relationships
Pre-marital counselling packages for engaged couples
Bilingual counselling services (mix of English and Mandarin)
One of the most affordable couples therapy options in Singapore

Whether you are facing communication breakdowns, infidelity recovery, intimacy issues, or simply want to strengthen your relationship foundation, my evidence-based approaches and culturally sensitive counselling can help you create a stronger and more satisfying relationship among our local multicultural context.

Book an appointment with our Singapore couples counselling practice today.

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Stella Ong is a Registered Counsellor at LightingWay Counselling & Therapy

Couples Counsellor

Registered Counsellor (RC) of Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)

M.A. in Counselling and Guidance, Singapore

Hi, I’m Stella, a professional psychotherapist and counsellor based in Singapore. I am committed to providing high-quality, professional, and inclusive therapy for all. Using the Gottman Method Couples Therapy and principles from Emotion-Focused Therapy, I help you to work through relationship challenges while supporting you on your journey towards your goals.

I aim to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where you can openly share, gain insight, and develop a deeper understanding of each other. Read more about my credentials here.

FAQs About Couples Counselling

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