When a couple decides that they have found their ‘soul mate,’ or their ideal partner with whom to share the rest of their lives, counselling is rarely the first thing that they consider. So why would someone chose to take this step?

Marriage and all other permanent relationship pairings have changed as people’s expectations and aspirations have also changed along with the revolution in social structures, over the last few generations. It has now become a ‘throw-away’ world where things that no longer work are quickly discarded and this includes marriage. Surprisingly, many people assume that marriage will be capable of dealing with the inevitable problems that arise despite the comparative ease of separation and divorce. Women, in particular, are now rarely dependant upon a partner to completely financially support them and there are many exterior support agencies available in comparison to, say, the 1950s