Couples and Relationship Therapy
All relationships have their ups and downs. Pressures such as finances, parenting, work, family dynamics, and life transitions can place strain on how we relate to one another.
We often lean into our relationships for support and connection, but sometimes the structure or expectations within a relationship can themselves become a source of tension.
I work with couples and partners in a wide range of relationship structures, including monogamous relationships, open relationships, and consensual non-monogamy. Therapy can provide a space to explore challenges, strengthen connection, and develop a relationship that feels sustainable and authentic for everyone involved.
What is TA Relationship Therapy?
Relationship therapy focuses on the dynamics between people — how you communicate, relate, and make meaning together.
Transactional Analysis (TA) is a theory of personality and communication that helps us understand patterns in relationships. In therapy, we explore how these patterns develop and how they can be changed.
TA works with the concept of three ego states — Parent, Adult and Child — each representing different ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. For more info on this download this useful infographic. By understanding these ego states, you can begin to recognise patterns in your interactions and develop more effective ways of relating.
This approach can be applied to relationships of all structures, whether between two partners or within more complex relational systems.
What are common reasons for seeking relationship therapy?
People seek relationship therapy for many different reasons, including communication difficulties, conflict, infidelity, family issues, and the impact of mental health.
Some clients come to therapy not because something is “wrong”, but because they are actively shaping or rethinking their relationship — for example, exploring opening a relationship, navigating non-monogamy, or redefining boundaries and agreements.
Relationship therapy could focus on any of the below;
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Pre-nuptial Counselling
You may be interested in pre-relationship or pre-commitment counselling — whether you are preparing for marriage, deepening a long-term partnership, or clarifying agreements within a different type of relationship structure. The goal is to identify potential areas of conflict, develop strategies for working through these and to strengthen the relationship.
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Working with Different Relationship Structures
Not all relationships follow the same model. I offer a non-judgemental space to explore what works for you, whether that is monogamy, an open relationship, or consensual non-monogamy such as polyamory.
Therapy can support you in:
– negotiating agreements and boundaries
– navigating jealousy, insecurity, or trust issues
– improving communication across partners
– making decisions about the direction of your relationship
– maintaining clarity and emotional safety within complex relational dynamicsThe focus is not on prescribing a “right” way to have a relationship, but on helping you build one that is conscious, agreed, and sustainable.
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Conflict Management
Conflict management in couples counselling involves helping clients to effectively navigate disagreements and conflicts with others. A variety of techniques can be used to help you develop better communication skills and problem-solving strategies.
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Marriage Counselling
Through TA, spouses gain insight into their roles in conflicts, learning to communicate effectively and address underlying issues. I guide couples in shifting negative interactions toward healthier, more balanced exchanges. By fostering awareness and accountability, TA marriage counselling promotes mutual understanding and strengthens relationships.
This work applies to married couples as well as long-term partners and those in committed relationship structures.
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Relationship Maintenance
Couples therapy is also a way to maintain healthy relations and communication. While many couples seek couples therapy too late, it can also be a preventative measure used to enhance any relationship.
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Separation and Divorce
If a couple has already decided to separate and divorce, or is in the process of deciding whether to separate or divorce, couples counselling can support both parties in the decision making process and subsequent journey. Having therapy can support a couple to end a relationship with clarity and support, ensuring a general healthy outcome for both.
How does Couples Therapy work?
Couples therapy works in much the same way as other therapy does but the focus will be on the relationship between the people involved rather than on the individuals. I work to hold a balanced and thoughtful position, supporting all parties to be heard while also maintaining a focus on the health and sustainability of the relationship(s).
Another important aspect of TA therapy is the use of contracts. I will work with a couple to create contracts that specify the goals of therapy and the behaviours that each partner will work on. These contracts are often used to address specific issues in the relationship such as communication problems or conflicts around intimacy.
In more complex or non-traditional relationship structures, contracting can be particularly important in helping to establish clarity, shared understanding, and agreed expectations.
Together we will develop new, more effective ways of communicating and relating within your relationship. This may involve learning new skills or behaviours such as active listening or assertiveness training. The ultimate goal is to help you develop a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship. This is done by improving communication and addressing problematic behaviour patterns.
Book a Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
The terms ‘Psychotherapy’ and ‘Counselling’ are often used interchangeably and essentially they are both characterised by a form of “talking therapy”. You will see many practitioners will use both terms when referring to themselves.
Fundamentally both psychotherapy and counselling have the same goal of providing relief to someone with some sort of psychological symptom or obstacles although there are some subtle differences.
‘Counselling’ is often used to describe a shorter-term process than psychotherapy. A goal in counselling is to enable someone to make better use of resources they may already have in place. Counselling often focuses on a specific issue, life event or experience or on a particular symptom.
‘Psychotherapy’ is often a longer process of treatment and focuses on facilitating the exploration and development of new resources for a person. In psychotherapy you will have the chance to look deeper into the root of your issues. You will have the chance to explore patterns of behaviour, thinking and feeling in your life at a greater depth that allow you to focus more on your way of being in the world.
Psychotherapy training is also a more rigorous and academic process.
Someone who may be in training to be a Psychotherapist may refer to themselves as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor until they have completed certification to be known as a Psychotherapist.
I hope that my website has given you an overview of who I am and how I work and if you are interested in finding out more I would recommend an initial consultation to meet each other to see if it feels right for you when we are in the room together. We will probably be able to establish quite early on if I am the right person for you.
Choosing a therapist is a very individual choice and I recommend you take the time to meet at least a couple people with a view to having some thought about who you may work best with. I believe that each relationship is individual and unique and it is a privilege for me to get to know people I see and to support them on their therapeutic journey. Relationship is central to building a therapeutic alliance and working together, so trust your instinct to make a decision and start your own journey.
I look forward to meeting you!
Following our initial assessment, if you would like to start sessions together we will agree a day and time for your sessions. I will send you a standard therapy agreement that outlines my commitment to you and it details much of what I would have discussed in the assessment session. This includes details of my professional commitments and of the administrative aspects of our therapeutic relationship. We will both have a signed copy of this agreement.
Payment is due each session and I accept cash or BACS transfers. Any missed sessions with less than 48 hours notice will be payable on the following session.
If you want to work longer term I am also happy to work on monthly payments.
Your Therapy
Professional
Qualifications
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, PTSTA(P), Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA(P)), Dip. TA Practice, Dip. Supervision, Registered member of BACP (MBACP).
Convenient
Locations
West Sussex location in Washington (RH20). Washington is just off the A24 and within easy distance of Storrington, Steyning, Ashington, Thakeham, West Chiltington, Worthing and surrounding villages. Daytime (Mon to Fri only) and (limited) evening appointments available.
Memberships
& Insurance
I am fully insured and a member of professional bodies including UKCP, BACP, IARTA, ITAA, EATA.
Ready to Make a Change? Book an Initial Consultation Today
If you have any questions at all about therapy or would like to make an appointment, get in touch. I will usually be able to respond to you within 24 hours.