It can be hard to talk about relationship difficulties, even with our partners, and yet many of us go through periods when our relationships are much less enjoyable than they could be. If we find we can’t solve these difficulties on our own, this can cause a great deal of worry and unhappiness.

Couples therapy can offer a safe space to explore and understand what is going wrong, and to work together on relationship difficulties such as poor communication or difficulty handling conflict.

If you have a partner, it is ideal if you can both attend sessions together, because relationship and sexual difficulties rarely (if ever) “belong” to one partner or the other. If you don’t have a partner or s/he is not willing to attend, you are welcome to come to sessions on you own.

These are just some of the reasons people come for relationship therapy:

Help in understanding what’s at the root of the problems affecting you

Difficulties around jealousy and trusting each other

Recovering from affairs

Constant bickering or arguing

Problems arising from a change in life circumstances (such as having children, caring for elderly relatives or employment changes)

Sexual problems (which may have many causes, including physical, psychological, emotional or circumstantial). Perhaps there are issues from the past which are stopping you from being able fully to enjoy sex in the present?

The feeling that you've 'drifted apart' and no longer talk like you used to

" If the relationship cannot be saved, help with managing separation in the best way for all concerned

The first couple of sessions will involve taking a detailed history of the problem. We will then discuss whether relationship therapy with me seems like a good option for you at this time. If not, I will usually be able to suggest other avenues for you to try.

Often in the course of therapy I will recommend some simple exercises for you to practice during the session or, in the case of sexual exercises, in privacy at home. I may also recommend books or videos for you to try.

My fee for relationship therapy (both assessments and ongoing sessions) is £60 for couples and £40 for individuals. Sometimes I can offer concessions where this is difficult to afford – please feel free to ask if this is the case.

If you would like to arrange an initial assessment to see if relationship or psychosexual therapy might be a way forward for you, please give me a call on 07940 526664 or, if you prefer, send an e-mail to rose@whiteleywords.com