Repeating Patterns

Repeating Patterns
Many couples find themselves stuck in familiar cycles that seem to play out again and again, no matter how much they try to avoid them. These patterns often come from early experiences or past relationships and can unconsciously shape how we react to one another. For example, one partner might withdraw whenever conflict arises, while the other becomes more insistent, leading to arguments that never feel resolved. Or a couple might repeatedly fall into roles of "critic" and "defender," leaving both feeling unheard.

Counselling helps couples recognise these hidden dynamics and understand what drives them. By bringing awareness to the cycle, partners can step out of automatic reactions and experiment with new ways of relating. With support, couples learn to communicate differently, break unhelpful patterns, and create healthier, more constructive interactions that strengthen their connection and reduce ongoing conflict.