Case Study: Eve and Jim
Eve and Jim had loved each other very much but neither had been able to talk about the cot death of their son three years earlier. Gradually Eve noticed that she was feeling very distant towards Jim, didn't want to spend time with him and found sex an increasingly difficult chore. Jim felt rejected and puzzled and after speaking to a friend suggested to Eve that they get some help from Relate.
Their counsellor worked gradually and sensitively to help Jim and Eve explore and understand their feelings towards each other and the how the death of their son had affected their relationship. Eve and Jim began to talk about him and share the pain of his passing. By the time counselling finished Eve and Jim felt closer and more able to support each other in their memories and grief.