My approach is systemic, which means placing great importance on relationships and a view that people and distress cannot be understood in isolation from different contexts or from important relationships to others as well as their relationship to themselves.

The terms systemic therapy, family therapy and systemic psychotherapy are used interchangeably and is an evidence based psychological therapy appropriate for individuals, couples and families. In social care and in the NHS the approach is common mostly in the form of seeing whole families. 

Couples therapy is very different from individually focused therapy and many therapists offering couples therapy are primarily trained in individual approaches that they apply to couples. There are a lot of limitations with that way of working and for many couples the therapy ends up feeling limited and not as useful as it could be.

My training and qualification in systemic therapy is at an advanced level to specifically work with relationships, couples and families in addition to individuals.  Undertaking therapy with couples requires advanced training and knowledge. To qualify as a Systemic, Family and Couples Psychotherapist it is necessary to undertake four years of rigorous academic and clinical training to a master’s level in addition to having an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.

My style includes a warm and appreciative approach; one of my aims is for us to go at your pace, establishing what your goals and hopes are for therapy. This includes giving encouragement and reflections along the way towards those while you are facing what is difficult and uncomfortable. I also will respectfully challenge and there are times when humour plays an important part as well.

The systemic approach is generally considered brief, around 12-20 session of 60 min. However, as there is no assumption on weekly sessions, and we negotiate and agree of frequency, this can become spread over several months. Additionally, some difficulties are more complex and may more work and take longer and this is something we continually discuss.

I work both short-term and long-term depending on what fits your relationship and your situation. I work in a respectful and appreciative way, that is also thought-provoking and exciting. Couples therapy is collaborative and together we build on existing strengths and nurture new ones. This can help you both experience more positive emotions and find new ways to address your difficulties and move your life in the direction that is meaningful for you.

For this to happened it is important for me to lead on establishing an accepting relationship with you as a couple where I can also challenge you, so you feel you both can approach and explore what is difficult and hard, as well as what strengths and resources you have. Some couples are helped by exploring their past and process what they have experienced, and some couples are helped more by exploring the present and what the future holds.

If you and your partner are interested in exploring what couples therapy with me might look like and ask questions you can send an email and I will get back to you. You are also welcome to book one initial session and decide after that if you would like to have further sessions or not.