No matter how hard we try to keep ourselves safe or  find out what is wrong, the distance between us and one or several family members remains.

Many couples struggle to find a way to communicate effectively . Without a solid platform from which to discuss tricky subjects safely and productively we may flounder around feeling unhappy, angry and stuck. There might be rows, silences and slammed doors but no matter how much energy is expended nothing changes; the difficulties within the relationship stay the same. How might counselling and psychotherapy help? Feeling The Pressure Communication difficulties often arise -

Most parents go through some tough times when their children move into young adulthood. The family system is put under pressure to accommodate shifts in responsibilities and authority - and such changes, although necessary, can be painful. Usually, a new equilibrium is found that everyone can live with. Sometimes, however, difficulties persist and the relationship between parent and adult child becomes strained and stuck. What can be done? Does Something Need To Change? If t

I often work with people who come for help dealing with a 'difficult' mother. Many find themselves stuck in an unsatisfactory relationship with their mother and although they might feel a close connection to her - often involving strong feelings - it is not the kind of close connection that they would like. As adults, most of us manage to negotiate a relationship with our mothers which is good enough. Over time, the dynamic between us will ebb and flow and there might be p

What is it with mothers and daughters? Why does this particular relationship so often appear complicated and full of misunderstanding, resentment and emotional pain - especially at the time when young women begin to struggle for independence from their family-of-origin? I'm not even going to attempt to answer these questions, but here are a few thoughts on the subject that might spark some debate.   Recently, I have discovered the American writer, Elizabeth Strout. I read a