Couples and Family Therapy
Relationships can be deeply meaningful... and deeply complex.
When patterns of misunderstanding, conflict, distance, or emotional reactivity develop, it can feel difficult to find a way forward.
Couples and family therapy offers a structured and thoughtful space to explore relational dynamics and strengthen connection.
What We Work On
Couples and family therapy may address:
Repeating conflict cycles
Emotional distance or disconnection
Trust difficulties
Parenting tensions
Communication breakdown
Life transitions
Blended family challenges
The aim is not to assign blame, but to increase understanding and develop healthier, more flexible ways of relating.
My Approach
I draw from a mixture of:
Family Systems Therapy
Psychodynamic Models
Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT)
Transactional Analysis
Attachment Theory
Family systems therapy helps us understand how each person influences and is influenced by the wider relational system. Rather than locating the problem in one individual, we explore patterns of interaction and communication.
Psychodynamic approaches bring attention to unconscious processes and emotional histories that may shape present-day conflict or misunderstanding.
Mentalization Based Therapy focuses on strengthening the ability to understand your own thoughts and feelings — and those of others — particularly in moments of emotional intensity.
Transactional Analysis examines relational roles and patterns that can become repetitive or stuck.
Attachment theory helps identify how early relational experiences influence expectations of closeness, safety, trust, and conflict.
When Individual Therapy May Be Recommended
At times, I may suggest that one or more members of the couple or family undertake individual therapy — usually with a different therapist — either as a precursor to, or alongside, relational work.
This can be helpful when:
Individual distress is significantly impacting the relationship
There is unresolved trauma requiring focused work
Emotional regulation skills need strengthening
Personal exploration is necessary before effective joint work can occur
This recommendation is always made thoughtfully and collaboratively, with the aim of supporting the overall therapeutic process
Taking the First Step
If your relationship or family dynamic feels strained, therapy can provide a space to pause, reflect, and begin rebuilding understanding. You are welcome to make contact to discuss whether couples or family therapy would be appropriate for your situation.
