SMC supports amicable split

The breakdown of Prince William and Kate Middleton's relationship is sad, but it isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Mary Toner, Chief Executive of Scottish Marriage Care (SMC), a leading family support organisation, today said; "Most couples enter a relationship hoping they have found their ideal partner and trusting it will be a long-term partnership, but it doesn't always work out that way. However, each relationship teaches us something and helps us for when the right one comes along."

After four years together the couple have agreed to go their separate ways. Reportedly, the decision was achieved amicably.

"The good thing about Prince William and Kate Middleton's separation is that it was achieved amicably. Damaged relationships don't need to end in acrimony. SMC provide a range of relationship support services that can help individuals, couples and the wider family, including children, work through their issues and thrive," said Mary Toner.

SMC is a family support organisation with more than 40 years experience in the specialist field of relationships and provides a range of relationship counselling services to people throughout Scotland from 21 urban and rural locations.

SMC offers pre-marriage relationship services in the form of 'FOCCUS' and services for married couples in the form of 'REFOCCUS'. 'FOCCUS' relationship inventory helps couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship, raising awareness of the key components of a successful relationship while highlighting areas for development. 'REFOCCUS' has been described as a relationship MOT, an opportunity for couples to revisit areas in their relationship that haven't been discussed for a while.

"Relationship counselling works; approximately 80 percent of our clients stay together after seeking our help. Unfortunately many couples wait for up to eight years before asking for help with their relationship difficulties," said Mary Toner.

Research shows that early intervention can help ensure a successful and lasting relationship. People who attend relationship counselling feel better about themselves afterwards and tend to develop more sharing and affectionate relationships. By reducing stress and changing negative behavioural patterns, counselling enables couples to work through their issues and practise problem solving strategies in order to make positive changes.

"Many people say 'love conquers all' but that's not always true. The romantic phase of falling in love doesn't always last. Good relationships don't just happen, they are constantly evolving and changing and need to be worked at. The key skill is communication and being able to negotiate; relationships need constant attention," said Mary Toner.   

For further information, please contact:

April Mitchinson, Research and Communications Manager
Scottish Marriage Care, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA

Phone:0141-222 2166
Fax: 0141-222 2144
E-mail: Info@ScottishMarriageCare.org

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