smartcouples...  marriage counselling, relationship counselling, relationship psychotherapy...   positive steps toward improving and securing relationships.

Counselling and therapy for individuals and couples looking to improve relationships in Sydney CBD.

Philip Johnson, BCHC, MCAPA, provides effective was to make relationships work better.  To make an appointment please call

1300 667 996        02 9362 3025       0425 281 251

smart couples...

• take time to actively listen, and
• speak assertively for the things they want, and
• are willing to learn knew things about themselves, and
• encourage learning new things about their partner, and
• attempt to act responsibly, and
• remain open to discussion, and
• have independence from their partner, and
• foster mindfulness of the effect they have on their life, and the effect they have on their partner's life, and
• are aware that emotions affect reactions, and
• try to be enthusiastic about tackling the hard issues, and
• show a positive and forward thinking attitude, and
• feel empathy and understanding, and
• moderate the desire for instantly having answers, and
• are self-confident, secure and OK when alone, and
• can easily admit their mistakes and forgive, and
• act as they feel, believe and think (are congruent), and
• think, consider, plan, expect and act reasonably...

and smartcouples, knowing all this, can be rewarded with loving, caring, forgiving and supportive relationships. Sometimes, through attending couple psychotherapy sessions or couple counselling sessions. the rewards can be very great.

Learning new ways of being in relationships

Sounds like hard work!  And, yes, it is sometimes difficult to juggle all these requirements for having a good relationship with being a mother, father, housewife, breadwinner, colleague, friend, daughter, son, aunt, uncle, neighbour, relative... getting the balance right is hard work.

However... time, practice and the desire to be better with ourselves and our partner are extremely rewarding.

You may have realised by now that all the above qualities I've identified as being critical to have a great relationship are actually significant requirements for anyone to have a strong and active and good self-esteem.  Of all things we need to have in the world, in or out of a relationship, it is the feeling that we are OK in the world, just as we are. 

Conscious decision making... there is no better description of what constitutes the essence of how smart couples keep their relationship real, exciting, rewarding and long lasting.

Top 

What makes relationships strong...

• smartcouples are mindful of their effect on themselves and on others. How much do you believe your beliefs impact on your ability to deal with your own issues and deal with difficult situations you face with others. 
  • Are you  self-aware? Do you follow Socrates' advice, "Know thyself."?  These are fundamental qualities to possess because they underpin your ability to deal with the trials and tribulations of your relationship. Read more....
• Emotions often overwhelm us because past (bad and good) experiences flood our mind when we are feeling threatened or excited. 
  • If you can contain unhappy thoughts and reactions and calm our immediate feelings you are far more likely to have a positive effect on your interaction. Read more...
• Listening and responding calmly to your partner is helps to be in tune with them.  When you can show empathy and real understanding for their ideas, thoughts and feelings a smooth path opens and both of you start getting what you want.  Read more...
• Openness and vulnerability are two other critical aspects of a nurturing and fulfilling relationship. Being open to other people's ideas and feelings allows us to feel empathy. 
  • Relationships thrive on our belief that our partner understands, is in tune with our ideals, aspirations, goals, expectations.  And vice versa. We want that in our partner too.  Read more...
• Reasonability... having a rational and clear way of thinking about the things that happen in your life lets your partner feel free to express their doubts and uncertainties;  with freedom to speak comes honesty and truthfulness (whether it is about themselves, you or your relationship).  Read more... coming
• Enthusiasm gives life to you and your relationship.  When you experience frustrations and set-backs, maintaining a positive outlook helps keep the relationship on track. 
  • If your partner responds to your doubts and frustrations negatively, your job is to establish a climate of civility and friendliness to facilitate an enthusiastic atmosphere within which both of you can tolerate the bad times.  Read more... coming
• Self-motivation is linked to an enthusiastic attitude.  Your position within the relationship is better served if you maintain your individualism.  It is easy to be affected by other people's frustrations. 
  • Being self-motivated means keeping your eye on your ball; what you want, what your goals are, what your dreams are.  Read more... coming

That's how to have...

smart relationships

smartcouples presented by
Philip Johnson of choosingchange
and  Counselling Sydney CBD

 

Great relationships begin with smart thinking and grow with smart acting.