Are you and your partner struggling to communicate, experiencing recurring arguments or feeling that you've grown apart? Perhaps trust has been damaged, you're finding it difficult to understand each other's needs or you're uncertain about the future of your relationship.
I'm Sarel du Plessis, a registered counsellor based in Tauranga. I offer relationship and couples counselling in a private, supportive and non-judgemental environment where both partners have the opportunity to feel heard and understood.
My aim is to help you recognise the patterns affecting your relationship, improve communication and explore ways to rebuild trust, understanding and connection.
Relationship issues I can help with
Every relationship is different, and couples seek counselling for many reasons.
I work with couples experiencing difficulties such as:
- Communication problems and recurring arguments
- Affairs, infidelity and broken trust
- Emotional distance and feeling disconnected
- Intimacy and sexual difficulties
- Jealousy, insecurity and relationship anxiety
- Differences in expectations, values or priorities
- Parenting disagreements and family challenges
- Financial conflicts and ongoing stress
- Major life changes, including parenthood, relocation or illness
- Considering separation or divorce
I also offer premarital counselling for couples who would like to explore their expectations, values and potential challenges before getting married.
You don't need to wait until your relationship reaches a crisis point before seeking support. Counselling can also be an opportunity to strengthen your connection and develop a better understanding of each other.
Understanding your relationship patterns
When communication becomes difficult, couples can find themselves having the same arguments without reaching a resolution.
One partner may feel unheard or misunderstood, while the other becomes frustrated or withdraws. Over time, these patterns can create emotional distance and make it increasingly difficult to connect.
In our counselling sessions, I offer a neutral and supportive space where both partners can express their thoughts, feelings and concerns.
Together, we can explore the underlying patterns affecting your relationship, including how you communicate, respond to conflict and express your needs.
My role is not to take sides, but to help you understand each other's perspectives and consider different ways of relating to one another.
Rebuilding trust and emotional connection
Trust is an important part of a healthy relationship. When it has been damaged through infidelity, dishonesty or repeated conflict, it can be difficult to know how to move forward.
I support couples in exploring the emotional impact of these experiences and understanding what each partner needs.
We can look at unresolved difficulties, communication patterns and the changes that may be necessary to rebuild trust.
I recognise that every relationship has its own history and circumstances. Rather than assuming what the outcome should be, I aim to support you in finding greater clarity about your relationship and the direction you would like to take.
My approach to couples counselling
My counselling approach is person-centred and tailored to the needs of each couple.
I draw on Person-Centred Therapy, Narrative Therapy and elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
This allows us to explore not only the difficulties you're experiencing, but also the experiences, beliefs and patterns that may be influencing your relationship.
I believe it's important that both partners feel respected and supported throughout the counselling process.
Whether you're working through a particular conflict, navigating a major life transition or wanting to reconnect, our sessions focus on your circumstances and what matters most to you both.
How many counselling sessions will we need?
I generally suggest starting with approximately 6–10 counselling sessions, although this varies depending on the couple and the difficulties you're experiencing.
Some couples may need fewer sessions to work through a specific concern, while others may benefit from more time to explore deeper or ongoing relationship patterns.
We can discuss your needs and goals together and review your progress as we go.
Couples counselling in Tauranga and online
I offer face-to-face relationship and couples counselling from my private counselling office in Tauranga.
Online couples counselling is also available via Microsoft Teams, allowing you to attend sessions from a private and comfortable location.
Whether you're experiencing ongoing relationship difficulties, recovering from a breach of trust or simply wanting to strengthen your connection, you're welcome to get in touch.
Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.
Sarel
Registered Counsellor (NZAC)
