"Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery”

JK Rowling

 

 

 

What is Couples Counselling/Therapy?

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Couples Counselling involves three people in the counselling relationship: the Counsellor and two others. Couples Counselling involves the clients sharing and exploring their experiences within the safety of warm, confidential surroundings with someone who is interested in understanding and hearing their narrative.  It is a relationship built on a foundation of trust, understanding and honesty. 

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People who attend couples counselling have usually experienced some kind of breakdown in communication between them.  My role is to encourage/facilitate effective forms of communication between them which enables both parties to feel heard and understood.

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Couples counselling is different to Mediation which is usually used in relation to resolving a specific dispute and often provides a structured, directive means to resolve it.  As a Couples Counsellor it is not my role to resolve a dispute or provide solutions to the problems.  My role is to encourage and facilitate communication between the couple, trusting them to find their own way through their difficulty. 

 

Who is it for?

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Couples counselling can encompass many different types of partnerships such as:

 

• Married couples

• Same-sex couples

• Siblings

• Parent/child

• Work colleagues

• Friends

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What happens during the first session?

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The first session is an Initial Consultation which is a 'get to know' each other type of session.  Clients will have already been invited to complete a Client Questionnaire and the Counselling Contract prior to the first session.  I am happy to answer any further questions the clients may have and the rest of the first session is usually spent exploring what has brought the clients to counselling, what they are hoping to gain and what their expectations of therapy are.   

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Why do people come?

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People usually seek Couples Counselling because they are experiencing a difficulty in their relationship that they haven't been able to overcome on their own.  As a Counsellor working with a couple it is my role to hear what each person in the relationship has to say and value their experiences equally.  By listening and providing an environment which encourages each person to really hear the other, the couple are encouraged to navigate their way through their difficulty with the support of an unbiased witness (myself). 

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What issues do people seek counselling for?

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Issues I am experienced in and work with include:

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• Traumatic experiences/Complex Trauma/PTSD

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Relationship Difficulties

• Infidelity/Affairs

• Life Changes/Transitions

• Difficulties with Self-Esteem

• Bereavement/Loss

• Professional/Career Issues

• College/School Issues

• Medical and Health Concerns

• Sexual Abuse 

• Stress Management

• Emotional/Physical/Sexual Abuse

• Spirituality

• Gender Issues

• LGBTQ+ Related Issues

• Overwhelming/Unfamiliar feelings

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How much does it cost?

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Sessions cost £80 per 1 hour session for couples or £110 per 1.5 hour session.  I can offer concessions for students and people on a low income upon agreed negotiation. 

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