Hi, I’m ben bryant

I am a couples and relationship therapist and completed my Master of Counselling degree in 2018. I have spent the last 4+ years receiving continued intensive, professional training from a supervisor who has been clinically trained in Crucible Therapy – a marriage and relationship therapy framework that underpins my counselling/therapy approach.  I have also done some post-graduate study in Neuroscience and Mental Health at the Thompson Institute, and I have a Bachelor of Ministry. 

Over the last 15+ years, I have specialised in people and relationship development. During this time, I have provided counselling for many individuals dealing with relationship issues, and I’ve also provided extensive pastoral care and chaplaincy support to people of all ages.  As well as my counselling practice, I currently facilitate personal and professional development workshops with a leadership and personal development focus, and work as an adjunct lecturer for Tabor College in Adelaide.

My wife and I have been married since late 2011 and our son was born in 2014. For as long as I can remember, I have had a keen interest in healthy connections and relationships and what is needed to help them function well.  Whilst this is a big part of what drives me to help people and my clients, I am also a big believer that a therapist can only lead their clients as far as they themselves have been willing to go. My counselling degree and, particularly my training in Crucible Therapy, have had a profound impact on me personally, and everything I use to help my clients grow is what I also use to grow personally and as a therapist. 

My hope is that this therapy will have a deeply meaningful impact on your life and help to transform the quality of intimacy, connection and passion in your relationships.

My Approach

Whilst there are several frameworks from which counsellors can draw knowledge, the main framework that underpins the therapy I use is known as Crucible Therapy, designed by Dr. David Schnarch. Crucible Therapy emphasizes personal development and emotional resilience within the context of close, intimate relationships. It focuses on aspects such as tolerating the anxiety of dealing with difficult issues in your relationship, remaining collaborative when confronting these issues, and holding onto your own identity and values without disconnecting from your partner during tough moments. It goes beyond just communication techniques and conflict resolution and empowers you by encouraging self-confrontation and development.

In practical terms, our first session will involve closely examining a dynamic or situation that you and your significant other are facing. This helps me gain a clear picture of what is going on in your relationship before offering my perspective. I will then discuss each person's behaviours towards one another, and together we will explore how each individual can improve their functioning to handle difficult situations in a healthier way.

While this approach is aimed at couples, it is also beneficial for individuals looking to navigate relational situations more effectively. When two people choose to change, it can have a powerful impact on a relationship. However, even when one person alters their approach to a situation, it can change the entire relationship dynamic. This therapy can be transformational, helping you deal with your current reality and move forward with clarity and from the best in yourself.