Couples Therapy
Most couples experience disconnection in their relationship from time to time. I specialise in supporting couples who are feeling disconnected, who find themselves living unfulfilled or separate lives, and support them to rebuild connection, intimacy, and honest, open communication. I work with couples throughout the UK online and in person in Burnley, Lancashire.
Couples Therapy Journey
Step 1: Introductory Call
I offer a short (15 minute) introductory call to both partners to briefly discuss your needs, what's bringing you both to therapy, and I will explain how I work, and the couples therapy journey.
Step 2: Initial Session
This session lasts for 1 hour, and during this session I'll ask you both to share individually what's bringing you to therapy, and I'll ask you what you'd like to be different in the relationship.
Step 3: Ongoing sessions
Typically, ongoing sessions take place at the same time either weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your needs as a couple. Ongoing sessions last for 1.5 hours and couples find this is a safe space where they can talk openly together.
Step 4: Review
Reviewing progress is an essential part of the journey. It helps to ensure we are making progress towards the relationship vision outlined at the beginning, or gives space to amend the goal(s). As part of the work, sometimes individual sessions are recommended.
My approach
My approach is a combination of somatic and embodied therapeutic work, Imago Relationship Therapy, and Relational Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. Together, these approaches can help couples move out of defensive patterns and back into curiosity, empathy, and connection.
I use the Imago Dialogue structure within my work with couples, which allows each partner to speak without interruption, feel fully heard, and explore challenging conversations safely. Many couples find that they are able to open up more and understand their partner better after engaging in this. I teach this process gradually, which helps support more open and honest communication between partners.
An important part of my role as a couples therapist is not to take sides or judge either partner. My role is to guide both of you through safe, structured dialogue, support expression of underlying feelings and needs, and encourage new ways of listening and responding. Another important part of my work is to support you both in feeling more connected, both emotionally and physically. I will offer practices you can do outside of sessions to further support this.
I work with heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples at any stage of their relationship. I also work with partners who are in non-monogamous relationships, and I am experienced working with couples where one or both partners are neurodivergent.