Couples come to see me for all sorts of reasons.

It might feel that things just don’t work between you anymore; no matter how hard you try – it’s just so hard to talk to each other.  Whatever you say or do, it just seems to make everything worse.

Or maybe you don’t really talk to each other anymore.  You live in the same house; you talk about going on holiday, or what’s happening with the kids.  But there’s a deadness, a lack of connection between you.  It might have been a long time since you last had sex.

Or one of you might have had an affair, or been tempted to do so.   And this feels awful, like it won’t go away.  You don’t know what to do to get it back to how it used to be.

I can help.

“Admitting we had big problems in our relationship, and starting couples counselling was a huge step both for us, but Samantha helped us through an extremely emotional and difficult time in a sensitive, insightful and even-handed way. In a safe environment she helped us face up to our difficulties, challenging us to find better ways to communicate, and to change damaging habits which had been in place for over thirty years. Delving into the past, she helped us understand our behaviours and to recognise certain behaviours which were harming the relationship. Through a series of exercises and articles, (which we still are still using, several months later), we have found a more inclusive style of communication. We are still learning, but Samanthae has given us a platform to move forward into the future together, given the major changes in our lives. Thank you.”

The aim of couples counselling is to provide both of you with a confidential opportunity for you to explore your thoughts and feelings in safety, to assist your learning, healing, understanding and growth.

MY role is to help you through this process but WE will create the direction of our work together.

Couples counselling has both risks and benefits. You risk experiencing uncomfortable feelings as well as having to examine your contribution to the difficulties you are having with your partner/person you are bringing to counselling.

Couples counselling cannot guarantee the happiness and longevity of your relationship but it can benefit you greatly by bringing an increase in understanding of each other and by helping to change the patterns that have come between you.

For couple counselling to bring about these benefits you both:

• Attend all the sessions together. If you arrive separately, the session will not start until you both arrive.
• Agree that there is a difficulty/ies affection your relationship, and that each of you have your part to play in those difficulties.
• Agree to listen and engage with what is being discussed, even if you don’t agree with it.
• Engage in all the sessions in a courteous and respectful way to everyone in the room.  Shouting, swearing or otherwise intimidating behaviour will lead to the session immediately ending.
• Are committed to the counselling process and are able to devote time and energy to your relationship outside of the sessions
• Agree that there is no current physical violence in the relationship and that you will both treat each other, and me, with respect during the sessions.

Fees

I charge £65 per session for Couples Counselling.