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Relationship and couples therapy
Written by Luisa Kos
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Relationship and couples therapy: Rebuilding connections and strengthening bonds
Relationships can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life, but they can also bring challenges. Whether you’re navigating conflict, dealing with trust issues, or simply feeling disconnected from your partner, relationship and couples therapy can provide the tools and support you need to heal and grow together.
What Is relationship and couples therapy?
Relationship and couples therapy is a specialised form of counselling that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening emotional connections. It’s designed for partners at any stage of their relationship—whether you’re dating, married, cohabiting, or even separated but seeking closure.
A trained therapist provides a safe, neutral space where both partners can express their feelings and work towards shared understanding and solutions.
When is couples therapy beneficial?
Couples therapy isn’t just for relationships in crisis. It can be beneficial for a variety of situations, including:
- Communication breakdown: Struggling to express yourself or feeling unheard.
- Conflict resolution: Recurring arguments that don’t seem to have a solution.
- Infidelity and trust issues: Rebuilding trust after betrayal.
- Intimacy problems: Addressing emotional or physical disconnection.
- Life transitions: Navigating challenges like parenthood, relocation, or retirement.
- Pre-marital counselling: Strengthening your foundation before making a long-term commitment.
What happens in couples therapy?
Couples therapy sessions typically involve both partners attending together, though individual sessions may also be included. During therapy, you can expect to:
- Explore the root causes of your challenges.
- Learn healthier ways to communicate and listen.
- Develop problem-solving strategies.
- Rebuild trust and intimacy.
- Set shared goals for your relationship.
Therapy isn’t just about talking; it’s about developing real-life tools and insights to help you feel better, think more clearly, and make meaningful changes in your life.
The benefits of couples therapy
Relationship therapy helps partners move past unhelpful patterns and create a stronger, healthier connection. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved communication: Learn how to express your needs and listen with empathy.
- Stronger bond: Rebuild emotional and physical intimacy.
- Conflict management: Handle disagreements constructively without causing harm.
- Deeper understanding: Gain insight into your partner’s thoughts and feelings.
- Renewed hope: Rediscover what brought you together and build a more fulfilling future.
Finding the right couples therapist
Choosing the right therapist is essential for a successful experience. Look for someone who specialises in relationship counselling, has experience with your specific concerns, and makes both partners feel comfortable and understood.
Take the first step towards a stronger relationship
Take the first step today and connect with a therapist who specialises in helping couples thrive.
PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.
Find a specialist
Therapists who can help with relationship and couples therapy
Daisy Marsh
I am a dedicated therapist with experience in both online and face-to-face counselling. My focus lies in offering personalised support and helping individuals and couples navigate through challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Juliana Jolly
I offer an empathetic and confidential space alongside extensive theoretical understanding of and experience with psychology.
Peter Reynolds
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling. My training draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, which allows me to adapt my work to suit the needs of each individual client. Before training as a counsellor, I worked for many years in the arts, where I developed a deep interest in people’s stories, emotions and inner worlds — an interest that eventually led me to counselling. Alongside my private practice, I have worked in a bereavement charity and in LGBTQ+ mental health services. These experiences have given me particular insight into grief, loss, identity and the impact of marginalisation — all of which continue to inform my work today.
Maria Troupkou
I am a qualified Dance Movement Psychotherapist offering individual therapy sessions to children and adults.
Lynsey Hotchkies
I am experienced in working with individuals, groups and organisations.
Nick Stewart
I am an experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I trained at Kings College London, in the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IOPPN), graduating in 2018.
Richard Mann
As a therapist, I currently work for the NHS and work in private practice. I work with Anxiety, Depression and Trauma and specialise in Addiction, Relationship Issues (Infidelity, Intimacy issues and compulsive sexual behaviour ), LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiversity (Autistic and ADHD clients ) . I believe that therapy should be tailored specially for your individual needs – whether depression, anxiety, self-esteem or PTSD – and I provide a relaxed, safe space where you can feel free to share your issues confidentially and without judgement.
Katherine Watt
I’m a warm, perceptive and experienced therapist, trained in the person-centred approach. Person-centred counselling offers a supportive space in your life, where you can explore your feelings and experiences at whatever pace is comfortable for you.
Dafina Ganeva
I started my psychotherapy career as a volunteer of the bereavement team in St.Christopher’s hospice.
Amanda Salib
Shame dies when stories are shared in safe spaces. Each of us has our own unique story, and over my 7 years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing stories from people of all ages and backgrounds.
Amandeep Chana
It is important to me that I create a safe, warm and welcoming environment for you to be yourself. I know that sometimes we can feel like the world is against us.
Billi Silverstein
Seeking therapy can be a complex journey, requiring both commitment and emotional investment. She believes that within a safe and empowering relationship everyone has the capacity to become agents of change.
Eric Bettelheim
Unlike most psychotherapists I have substantial experience in the professions, business and academia.
Luisa Kos
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist trained at WPF and Tavistock Relationships, and a registered member of the BACP. Since qualifying in 2015, I have worked with both couples and individuals in South London, offering short and long-term therapy in person and online. I founded Dulwich Psychotherapy and South London Therapy Group, where I run a private practice and manage therapy rooms that host a community of around 20 practitioners. Before retraining, I spent 15 years in advertising and publishing, holding senior roles in user experience in New York and London, which gives me a unique perspective on the challenges of high-pressure professional environments.
Julie Smith
I trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and have several years’ experience working with adults in both private practice and charitable settings in London. My background includes supporting clients with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, family conflict, and life transitions.
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