"We can work it out"

As things turn nasty for Beatle Paul McCartney and wife Heather Mills McCartney family support charity Scottish Marriage Care is appealing to couples to try counselling to work it out.

The very public spat between the celebrity couple has seen allegations of physical and mental abuse, dispute surrounding the amount of a financial settlement and custody of their daughter. And though counselling doesn't always prevent divorce it can assist couples come to terms with the situation and achieve a more amicable resolution.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland this morning SMC Chief Executive Mary Toner said; "When relationships break down there can be a lot of upset and anger which can make people act impulsively and say hurtful things. There was a point when those two people in the relationship loved and cared for each other very much. It's important for couples to talk through issues rationally.

"Whatever the problem is and whatever the outcome of the counselling, we offer a safe and confidential place for people to come and talk about their problems," said Mary Toner. 

Relationship difficulties can filter into every aspect of a person's life increasing stress levels and raising the risk of ill health and erratic workplace attendance. There is also sufficient evidence to suggest that dysfunctional relationship between adults can have a profoundly negative effect on children's development. 

Relationship counselling aims to change negative behavioural patterns such as criticising, insulting and failing to listen. It helps to reduce stress and enables people to manage their family situation more effectively by increasing their awareness of important relationship skills, such as communication and conflict negotiation. Approximately 80 percent of SMC clients to stay together after accessing our service.

"I thought when we first came that our marriage was over. I now feel that while there is work to be done, we will come through this," said one SMC client.

Almost 11,000 divorces are granted each year in Scotland and family breakdown is estimated to cost the Scottish economy £1.5billion each year. Couples wait on average eight years before seeking help, despite counselling being identified as a key factor in relationship resolution. 

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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