Couples counselling (or therapy) is the process of working through issues in committed romantic relationships. Most people associate couples counselling with married couples, but it is not limited to marriage. Typical approaches include psychodynamic (e.g. Relate) or psychoanalytical (e.g. Tavistock). Some approaches are skills-based, such as the Gottman Method, while others are emotion-focused (e.g. Emotion Focused Therapy / EFT).
My approach is based on Relational Life Therapy (RLT), which targets relational issues head-on and facilitates profound change. I also draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), parts work (IFS and CFT inspired), attachment-based psychodynamic therapy, and sex therapy where appropriate, to support each couple in working towards their desired relationship.
Most typical issues I work with include, but not limited to are:
- break-down in relational trust
- break-down in communications
- relentless arguments
- feelings of isolation and abandonment
- growing-apart
- sexless marriage
- 'empty-nest' syndrom
- how to break-up amicably
- whether to stay in the relatioship/ can it be salvaged
Couples therapy will not be effective where there is ongoing physical abuse or other acting-out behaviours, such as ongoing infidelity, or untreated mental health or addiction issues. If you are unsure whether these elements are present in your relationship, they can be identified over time in sessions and appropriate support can be put in place.
Couples counselling sessions can last 50 minutes (£215 per session) or 90 minutes (£315 per session), depending on your goals. I recommend you start with a couples diagnostic session (90 minutes), if you prefer the 50 minute format we can work with that also. Sessions are conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Ready to work on your relationship? Simply book and pay via the links below! Please note there is a 48-hour cancellation policy, should anything change please notify me before this timeframe for a refund or reschedule.
Please contact me if you have further questions otherwise go ahead and book directly into my diary below. I look forward to working with you.
My aim is that every couple who chooses to work on their relationship is able to experience a relationship that far exceeds what they initially came to therapy for. This includes developing a sense of mutual cherishing, freeing themselves from relentless—often toxic—arguments or silent, numbing indifference, and moving towards sustained relational joy, for themselves and for any children involved.