In some people, this need to form close relationships is suppressed. Typically this might happen when a person has had a poor experience of relationships and fears being hurt again. Getting emotionally close to someone involves vulnerability and trust, which can be frightening.
Others get into relationships that are ultimately harmful to them. For example, they might subconsciously choose partners who take too much from them or are emotionally unavailable.
All of us tend to repeat patterns from one intimate relationship to the next. Relationships are complex and difficult to navigate. Most of us received no teaching about how to be in relationships; we learnt by observing our parents/caregivers and through our own relationships with them. We adopted patterns of relating that we saw them use or that we needed to adopt to cope with them, whether healthy or unhealthy.
If you are in a relationship and the issues you want to address are occurring there, it is probably most beneficial to come as a couple. If that isn’t possible, or if you aren’t in a relationship at the moment, then come on your own – our relationship therapists will be able to help you either way.
If you come as a couple, your counsellor will facilitate discussions between the two of you and will be able to see first hand any problematic dynamics within the relationship. They will help you to understand these and to adopt new ways of relating to each other.
Whether your relationship is gay or straight, monogamous or open, your therapist won’t judge you. Discussions in therapy are confidential.
Our therapists don’t have an agenda to keep the two of you together; that is up to you to decide. If you choose to end your relationship, counselling can help you to do it with clear communication, without attacking each other or causing unnecessary distress to children if you have them.
Some of our relationship therapists are also trained in psychosexual therapy. If sexual issues are a concern for you, you may prefer to see one of them.
The issues we frequently see in relationship therapy include:
Appointments available
Mondays to Fridays
7.30 am until 8.30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays
8.00 am until 6.00 pm
Call to book a first appointment
0333 207 9330
Connect with Us
Starting relationship therapy can be difficult. It means facing up to the problems in your relationship and you (or your partner) may feel scared to do that. Often, couples put off coming to therapy until their relationship has reached a point of crisis, when animosity has built up or one partner has already checked out. Counselling is still helpful at that stage, but it’s better to come to therapy before things reach that point.
If you (or your partner) is resistant to starting therapy, an initial consultation may put your mind at ease. You will see that our therapists are supportive and non-judgmental. We choose our therapists carefully, hiring only those who are warm, empathic and knowledgeable. They create a safe space in which you can share your hurts, worries and hopes. They will help you to understand each other and to feel heard.
There is no obligation to continue with therapy after the initial consultation; it’s your opportunity to decide whether it’s the right thing for you.
You can book your initial consultation online, or contact us here. We want to help.
I’m often struck by the anxiety that I see on the faces of clients when they come to their first couples counselling appointment. They are invariably wondering what’s going to happen. Will they have to reveal things they don’t want to say in front of their partner? Will their…
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Sexual issues are common. Sex taps into many different parts of us: the emotional, the physical, the psychological and even the spiritual. The opportunity for something to go wrong in our sexual wiring is great. Most people will experience some kind of sexual dysfunction at some point in…
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Jasmine is a qualified counsellor specialising in couples therapy and relationship dynamics She believes that each partner brings unique experiences and insights to their relationship and aims to create a space where both voices are heard and valued By fostering authentic connection, Jasmine helps couples explore their relational patterns, deepen their understanding of...
Bloomsbury
Damla offers psychodynamic psychotherapy in a supportive and confidential environment where you can explore the emotions, behaviours and challenges shaping your life Her approach focuses on understanding the deeper, often unconscious factors influencing your thoughts and experiences Whether you’re navigating a specific situation or grappling with long-standing personal...
Oxford Circus
Lara is an integrative therapist who offers short- and longer-term therapy to individuals Starting therapy can feel daunting, but Lara’s warm demeanour helps her clients feel more comfortable She creates a confidential and non-judgemental environment, which enables her clients to open up about their thoughts, feelings and experiences With empathy and curiosity, her...
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Aaron offers a psychodynamic approach to psychotherapy which emphasises the unconscious mind and its influence on clients’ behaviour It often involves exploring past experiences and their impact on present-day thoughts and feelings Aaron creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can express themselves freely without fear of judgment Aaron is open to...
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Gregory is a psychodynamic therapist offering both short-term and long -term therapy to individuals He appreciates how difficult it can be to seek help and therefore places great importance on creating a warm, empathic and safe space for clients to explore whatever is on their minds Gregory helps individuals uncover and understand the underlying patterns that shape...
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Ben believes that at times we all struggle with the challenges life has to offer and therapy provides a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space to explore this Ben works with individuals to make sense of who they are and how they respond to the world today, and to explore new ways of being Ben is also sensitive to how difficult it might be for a client to talk to a...
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Amrita works with adults in an integrative way, drawing on various therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the needs of each client She provides a safe space to help clients better understand themselves She offers short term and long term therapy Amrita has experience of working with clients on issues such as trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship...
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Tom is a popular and approachable psychotherapist who has extensive experience working with people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds He brings a wealth of life experience, training and understanding to his work, offering help with depression, trauma, anxiety, abuse, sexual problems, addiction, relationship difficulties and many of the other obstacles life...
Oxford Circus
As a psychodynamic therapist Shelley brings a wealth of experience to her work and supports her patients to talk about those aspects of their lives they are finding painful, upsetting or difficult to deal with, in a confidential, non-judgmental and peaceful setting Shelley is particularly interested in working with those who are experiencing depression, bereavement, high...
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Antonella is a psychodynamic therapist offering short- and long-term therapy to adults She also sees couples facing issues within their relationship Since obtaining her Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, Antonella has worked in different organisational settings (charities, NHS and university counselling services) helping people from...
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0333 207 9330
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