Photo of Paramount Therapy Center Limited, Psychotherapist in Wakefield, England
Paramount Therapy Center Limited
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF2
I work as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. I have experience assessing and assisting people with mental health conditions and hidden disabilities within their workplaces. I have specialist knowledge and experience in Personality Disorder, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I follow the BACP code of ethics. This means that I work with honesty, integrity, mission, and values. I offer Counselling and Psychotherapy on a short- and long-term basis using Person-centered therapeutic Approach. I work with Young People, Couple in Relationship, Families, Domestic Violence, SPIP.
I work as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. I have experience assessing and assisting people with mental health conditions and hidden disabilities within their workplaces. I have specialist knowledge and experience in Personality Disorder, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I follow the BACP code of ethics. This means that I work with honesty, integrity, mission, and values. I offer Counselling and Psychotherapy on a short- and long-term basis using Person-centered therapeutic Approach. I work with Young People, Couple in Relationship, Families, Domestic Violence, SPIP.
01274 240054 View 01274 240054

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mamta Ward, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Mamta Ward
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Leeds LS1
I also offer couples counselling, supporting relationships through periods of difficulty and opening lines of communication, helping you both move forward with a stronger bond.
Welcome. It can feel difficult to start with counselling, so let me start by saying the work we do will be guided by your own choices and needs. You can express these in a confidential space of emotional safety and we can explore what is happening for you and better understand it. Together we can define and move towards your goals at a pace that suits and feels safe to you. I work with low mood, sadness, anxiety, depression and feelings of being overwhelmed.
I also offer couples counselling, supporting relationships through periods of difficulty and opening lines of communication, helping you both move forward with a stronger bond.
Welcome. It can feel difficult to start with counselling, so let me start by saying the work we do will be guided by your own choices and needs. You can express these in a confidential space of emotional safety and we can explore what is happening for you and better understand it. Together we can define and move towards your goals at a pace that suits and feels safe to you. I work with low mood, sadness, anxiety, depression and feelings of being overwhelmed.
07401 206254 View 07401 206254
Photo of Virginia Toole, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Virginia Toole
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leeds LS1  (Online Only)
Do you feel ripped apart and shaken to your core? You don't want to be a burden to friends and can't talk to family, it is all so overwhelming. The deepest pit of despair and hurt, mixed emotions, anguish, anger, confusion, barely coping with intense non-stop life changes. Loss of family, partner or treasured friends, sudden or chronic terminal illness, loss of the person you used to be, ageing, guilty lifestyle, fear of a new job and moving, or the prickling heartache from loss of your pet. You don’t even have the strength to take the next step, to pull yourself through while trying to reach your old self. You need a safe space.
Do you feel ripped apart and shaken to your core? You don't want to be a burden to friends and can't talk to family, it is all so overwhelming. The deepest pit of despair and hurt, mixed emotions, anguish, anger, confusion, barely coping with intense non-stop life changes. Loss of family, partner or treasured friends, sudden or chronic terminal illness, loss of the person you used to be, ageing, guilty lifestyle, fear of a new job and moving, or the prickling heartache from loss of your pet. You don’t even have the strength to take the next step, to pull yourself through while trying to reach your old self. You need a safe space.
01254 781838 View 01254 781838
Photo of Sara Bartlett Brown, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Sara Bartlett Brown
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leeds LS1  (Online Only)
I work online with adult autistic Individuals and with Couples in the UK. I provide an accessible & compassionate service that reduces distress & enables people to address what is difficult. If we have not been understood and accepted we may develop ways of being and doing that do not support our well being. We keep our true selves hidden from others and whilst this protects us, it can cause much pain and limit us. With an understanding therapist we can trust, we begin to make sense of who we are, how we are and what has happened to us in our lives. We can be truer to ourselves and live with more confidence, ease and acceptance.
I work online with adult autistic Individuals and with Couples in the UK. I provide an accessible & compassionate service that reduces distress & enables people to address what is difficult. If we have not been understood and accepted we may develop ways of being and doing that do not support our well being. We keep our true selves hidden from others and whilst this protects us, it can cause much pain and limit us. With an understanding therapist we can trust, we begin to make sense of who we are, how we are and what has happened to us in our lives. We can be truer to ourselves and live with more confidence, ease and acceptance.
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Online Therapists

Photo of Dr Keith Abbott, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Dr Keith Abbott
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Loughborough LE11
I’m passionate about helping you make more of your life, whether you want to work on personal, psychological, relationship, mental health or spiritual issues or to find more meaning, fulfilment, purpose and happiness in life. I have a Masters degree (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice. I offer short and long term counselling and psychotherapy, and counselling supervision. I help men, women and couples of many professions, occupations and nationalities, from 18 upwards in UK and (online) overseas. I provide individual sessions, couples sessions and am a qualified counselling supervisor.
I’m passionate about helping you make more of your life, whether you want to work on personal, psychological, relationship, mental health or spiritual issues or to find more meaning, fulfilment, purpose and happiness in life. I have a Masters degree (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice. I offer short and long term counselling and psychotherapy, and counselling supervision. I help men, women and couples of many professions, occupations and nationalities, from 18 upwards in UK and (online) overseas. I provide individual sessions, couples sessions and am a qualified counselling supervisor.
01509 323243 View 01509 323243
Photo of Equa, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Equa
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Manchester M1  (Online Only)
I'm a Person Centred Diversity-Affirming Counsellor and have extensive experience in working successfully with people to overcome relationship/s and family problems caused by anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma and abuse. Whether it's a relationship break up, cheating, jealousy, frequent arguments, lack of trust, poor communication, fear of rejection and abandonment, navigating polyamory, coming out, explaining ADHD or Autism to your partner/s, friends and family, the list goes on.
I'm a Person Centred Diversity-Affirming Counsellor and have extensive experience in working successfully with people to overcome relationship/s and family problems caused by anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma and abuse. Whether it's a relationship break up, cheating, jealousy, frequent arguments, lack of trust, poor communication, fear of rejection and abandonment, navigating polyamory, coming out, explaining ADHD or Autism to your partner/s, friends and family, the list goes on.
0161 524 4320 View 0161 524 4320
Photo of AVK Therapy - Dr Amy Kirby, Psychologist in Wakefield, England
AVK Therapy - Dr Amy Kirby
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Dudley DY1  (Online Only)
I am a Clinical Psychologist, qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2012. I have gained a wealth of experience working in both the NHS and private sector. I have worked predominantly with adults, however do have some experience of working with children and families and couples. My own private practice operates on a remote basis through the use of video calls. I work with anyone that is struggling with difficult emotions or direction, including anxiety and depression, chronic stress, intrusive thoughts and ruminating, experience of trauma and PTSD, personality disorders and bipolar disorder. Among other things.
I am a Clinical Psychologist, qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2012. I have gained a wealth of experience working in both the NHS and private sector. I have worked predominantly with adults, however do have some experience of working with children and families and couples. My own private practice operates on a remote basis through the use of video calls. I work with anyone that is struggling with difficult emotions or direction, including anxiety and depression, chronic stress, intrusive thoughts and ruminating, experience of trauma and PTSD, personality disorders and bipolar disorder. Among other things.
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Photo of Donna Haswell, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Donna Haswell
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE9
I offer a therapeutic relationship that allows you to share your deepest feelings, honest thoughts, experiences and behaviours.
Hi, If you're overwhelmed with life right now, I can help you find a sense of peace within. Im a compassionate soul, offering you a confidential space to speak your truth & explore what has bought you here. Whether its anxiety, stress, relationship issues, low mood, loss, past trauma/s or just struggling with life right now, counselling can help. If you want to feel more motivated, positive, calm and clear about who you are and where your going in life or make peace with your situation; I will listen without judgement helping you to find your answers. Any questions are most welcome, I aim to reply within 24hrs.
I offer a therapeutic relationship that allows you to share your deepest feelings, honest thoughts, experiences and behaviours.
Hi, If you're overwhelmed with life right now, I can help you find a sense of peace within. Im a compassionate soul, offering you a confidential space to speak your truth & explore what has bought you here. Whether its anxiety, stress, relationship issues, low mood, loss, past trauma/s or just struggling with life right now, counselling can help. If you want to feel more motivated, positive, calm and clear about who you are and where your going in life or make peace with your situation; I will listen without judgement helping you to find your answers. Any questions are most welcome, I aim to reply within 24hrs.
0116 502 3534 View 0116 502 3534
Photo of Mahalia Hamilton, Psychotherapist in Wakefield, England
Mahalia Hamilton
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B11  (Online Only)
My aim as a therapist is to provide a safe, accepting, non - judgemental therapeutic relationship in which I will help you explore and make sense of what you need to.
Hello, I am Mahalia. I am a person-centred psychotherapist. Sometimes we need space to feel heard, sometimes we need space to think and be present with ourselves. I am non-judgemental regardless of my own values and beliefs. As your therapist I will accept you for who you are and meet you with empathy. I will be with you in your chaos, in your binding and I will be patient with your process. With a person-centred approach I welcome people from all walks of life providing empathy, honesty, and unconditional positive regard.
My aim as a therapist is to provide a safe, accepting, non - judgemental therapeutic relationship in which I will help you explore and make sense of what you need to.
Hello, I am Mahalia. I am a person-centred psychotherapist. Sometimes we need space to feel heard, sometimes we need space to think and be present with ourselves. I am non-judgemental regardless of my own values and beliefs. As your therapist I will accept you for who you are and meet you with empathy. I will be with you in your chaos, in your binding and I will be patient with your process. With a person-centred approach I welcome people from all walks of life providing empathy, honesty, and unconditional positive regard.
07961 851064 View 07961 851064
Photo of Adele King, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Adele King
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Manchester M21
If you're having family or relationship conflict, I also offer individual and couples counselling.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or having stress in your relationships, daily life can seem very hard. Low mood and sadness could leave you feeling lonely or even isolated. Perhaps you find yourself putting on a pretence that everything is okay, when the reality is very different. You might be unclear about what is troubling you. As an experienced counsellor, I provide affordable therapy in a confidential, safe environment, helping you make sense of how you’re feeling. Counselling can also give you practical ways of coping; I will work at your pace during sessions so that you feel truly heard and accepted, not judged.
If you're having family or relationship conflict, I also offer individual and couples counselling.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety or having stress in your relationships, daily life can seem very hard. Low mood and sadness could leave you feeling lonely or even isolated. Perhaps you find yourself putting on a pretence that everything is okay, when the reality is very different. You might be unclear about what is troubling you. As an experienced counsellor, I provide affordable therapy in a confidential, safe environment, helping you make sense of how you’re feeling. Counselling can also give you practical ways of coping; I will work at your pace during sessions so that you feel truly heard and accepted, not judged.
0161 850 7431 View 0161 850 7431
Photo of Aarun Naik, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Aarun Naik
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Liverpool L15
I work with people aged 18+ from a variety of backgrounds, cover a number of different issues, offer a range of appointment times - daytime, evening, weekends - and also accommodate different time zones. As a therapist, I aim to be many things - clear, honest, practical and realistic amongst others, but, above all, I want you to know this: it is possible to have a different relationship with your struggles. Being more present in the moment, feeling more fulfilled or energetic, challenging negative thought cycles and changing your relationship with the past are all achievable goals which we can work towards, together.
I work with people aged 18+ from a variety of backgrounds, cover a number of different issues, offer a range of appointment times - daytime, evening, weekends - and also accommodate different time zones. As a therapist, I aim to be many things - clear, honest, practical and realistic amongst others, but, above all, I want you to know this: it is possible to have a different relationship with your struggles. Being more present in the moment, feeling more fulfilled or energetic, challenging negative thought cycles and changing your relationship with the past are all achievable goals which we can work towards, together.
0161 524 3042 View 0161 524 3042
Photo of Gaz Rowntree, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Gaz Rowntree
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Selby YO8
There is hope for Angry Men! “The little things irritate me into arguing! I want to stop…” MEN and ANGER: A misconception – “I am just a fiery person, I can’t change that”. Not true! Are you getting irritable and angry at even the littlest of things? Do you drink to try and shift away from those feelings? Is it impacting your relationships? Are you arguing more than you really want? The longer this goes on the more likely it is your relationship will irreversibly break down. You don’t want to end up with heartbreak, loneliness or a broken home, only seeing your family at the weekend?
There is hope for Angry Men! “The little things irritate me into arguing! I want to stop…” MEN and ANGER: A misconception – “I am just a fiery person, I can’t change that”. Not true! Are you getting irritable and angry at even the littlest of things? Do you drink to try and shift away from those feelings? Is it impacting your relationships? Are you arguing more than you really want? The longer this goes on the more likely it is your relationship will irreversibly break down. You don’t want to end up with heartbreak, loneliness or a broken home, only seeing your family at the weekend?
01904 935305 View 01904 935305
Photo of Lalida Puengklai, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Lalida Puengklai
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nottingham NG10  (Online Only)
I am a qualified Counsellor and have worked with clients with a range of difficulties that include relationship problems, trauma, anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, eating disorders, bereavement, self-harm, work-related stress and low self-esteem.
Do you feel like past events are affecting how you cope with life today? Do you feel anger easily and sometimes feel guilty about it afterwards? Do you wish you'd stop the anxiety? Do you feel like everyone is looking at you? Some nights you might feel like you're not enough... Some nights you might feel like you don't know what enough is... Sometimes you just want to put yourself first but the guilt just hits you...
I am a qualified Counsellor and have worked with clients with a range of difficulties that include relationship problems, trauma, anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, eating disorders, bereavement, self-harm, work-related stress and low self-esteem.
Do you feel like past events are affecting how you cope with life today? Do you feel anger easily and sometimes feel guilty about it afterwards? Do you wish you'd stop the anxiety? Do you feel like everyone is looking at you? Some nights you might feel like you're not enough... Some nights you might feel like you don't know what enough is... Sometimes you just want to put yourself first but the guilt just hits you...
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Photo of Nigel Magowan, Psychotherapist in Wakefield, England
Nigel Magowan
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Manchester M1
I am an experienced psychotherapist and have been in full-time private practice in Manchester since 2002. I use a flexible integrative approach and offer both long-term psychotherapy and counselling, as well as short-term therapies. I integrate psychotherapy with CBT, EMDR, Somatic Therapies, IFS, Focusing, DBT Skills, DBR, NLP and life coaching. I have experience of working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, PTSD, Complex PTSD, bereavement, BPD, depression, stress, abuse, generalised anxiety, OCD, public speaking, low self-esteem, relationship issues, shame, IBS and pain management. I am BACP and UKCP registered.
I am an experienced psychotherapist and have been in full-time private practice in Manchester since 2002. I use a flexible integrative approach and offer both long-term psychotherapy and counselling, as well as short-term therapies. I integrate psychotherapy with CBT, EMDR, Somatic Therapies, IFS, Focusing, DBT Skills, DBR, NLP and life coaching. I have experience of working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, PTSD, Complex PTSD, bereavement, BPD, depression, stress, abuse, generalised anxiety, OCD, public speaking, low self-esteem, relationship issues, shame, IBS and pain management. I am BACP and UKCP registered.
0161 696 3016 View 0161 696 3016
Photo of Fiona de Swardt, Psychotherapist in Wakefield, England
Fiona de Swardt
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Leamington Spa CV31
I offer specialist psychosexual therapy for individuals and couples addressing specific sexual/intimacy difficulties.
I understand that considering to approach someone to discuss private and intimate matters is not easy, but this can be life changing. Experiencing emotional difficulties that affect your moods and behaviour are more common than you think. This can significantly impact a wide range of aspects in your day-to-day life and relationships. Therapy is often an effective way to reach a better understanding of yourself and the causes of your emotional discomfort. It may also help you to find the best way forward to overcome challenges and move on to experience meaningful life improvements simultaneously alleviating pressures and stress.
I offer specialist psychosexual therapy for individuals and couples addressing specific sexual/intimacy difficulties.
I understand that considering to approach someone to discuss private and intimate matters is not easy, but this can be life changing. Experiencing emotional difficulties that affect your moods and behaviour are more common than you think. This can significantly impact a wide range of aspects in your day-to-day life and relationships. Therapy is often an effective way to reach a better understanding of yourself and the causes of your emotional discomfort. It may also help you to find the best way forward to overcome challenges and move on to experience meaningful life improvements simultaneously alleviating pressures and stress.
01926 351762 View 01926 351762
Photo of Roger Jayamanne, Psychotherapist in Wakefield, England
Roger Jayamanne
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Manchester M2
At the heart of all my work is a person-centred ethos and my priority is to build a trusting, open and honest relationship which will enable you to experience understanding and feel truly heard, perhaps for the first time in your life.
Suffering with our mental health is very hard to find relief from, finding ourselves going around in circles and losing touch with our previous lifestyle, wondering 'am I ever going to find a way out?' I offer you face-to-face sessions in a nurturing, non-judgemental environment . I work as an Integrative therapist so that your sessions are tailored to your needs. I predominantly draw upon Person Centred Therapy, ACT, CBT and Transactional Analysis to address issues such as: anxiety; trauma; depression/lack of motivation; disturbed sleep; performance/productivity, relationships/social interaction; existential angst/lack of meaning
At the heart of all my work is a person-centred ethos and my priority is to build a trusting, open and honest relationship which will enable you to experience understanding and feel truly heard, perhaps for the first time in your life.
Suffering with our mental health is very hard to find relief from, finding ourselves going around in circles and losing touch with our previous lifestyle, wondering 'am I ever going to find a way out?' I offer you face-to-face sessions in a nurturing, non-judgemental environment . I work as an Integrative therapist so that your sessions are tailored to your needs. I predominantly draw upon Person Centred Therapy, ACT, CBT and Transactional Analysis to address issues such as: anxiety; trauma; depression/lack of motivation; disturbed sleep; performance/productivity, relationships/social interaction; existential angst/lack of meaning
0161 524 4147 View 0161 524 4147
Photo of Holly Hagan-Walker, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Holly Hagan-Walker
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN2
Are you looking for someone to help you ride the wave of life and make sense of the storms? I offer a tailored approach to counselling and will support you through whatever difficulties you are facing. If you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, loss, relationship worries, family struggles, work stress and anything else in between, I can help you make sense of the storms and find a way to ride the wave. I can work short-term (6, 12 or 20 sessions) or long-term - whatever works best for you. I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions, and can be flexible to suit what works best for you. I work with adults aged 17+.
Are you looking for someone to help you ride the wave of life and make sense of the storms? I offer a tailored approach to counselling and will support you through whatever difficulties you are facing. If you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, loss, relationship worries, family struggles, work stress and anything else in between, I can help you make sense of the storms and find a way to ride the wave. I can work short-term (6, 12 or 20 sessions) or long-term - whatever works best for you. I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions, and can be flexible to suit what works best for you. I work with adults aged 17+.
01322 952245 View 01322 952245
Photo of Rob Radcliffe, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Rob Radcliffe
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Manchester M1
I work with a wide range of issues from stress, anxiety and anger to depression, loss/bereavement, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, self esteem and confidence.
I imagine it's overwhelming reading all these blurbs and trying to figure out which one stands out for you, so I'll try to minimise the noise. Qualified therapist and supervisor, 12 years' full time experience, bloke, getting on a bit these days, sense of humour, friendly, down to earth, but with the wisdom that comes with age and experience. I will do my best to understand you and support you but I will also challenge you to get out of whatever is keeping you stuck when appropriate! I have a proven track record of reducing distress and suffering and helping people to understand themselves and life.
I work with a wide range of issues from stress, anxiety and anger to depression, loss/bereavement, suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, self esteem and confidence.
I imagine it's overwhelming reading all these blurbs and trying to figure out which one stands out for you, so I'll try to minimise the noise. Qualified therapist and supervisor, 12 years' full time experience, bloke, getting on a bit these days, sense of humour, friendly, down to earth, but with the wisdom that comes with age and experience. I will do my best to understand you and support you but I will also challenge you to get out of whatever is keeping you stuck when appropriate! I have a proven track record of reducing distress and suffering and helping people to understand themselves and life.
0161 850 6480 View 0161 850 6480
Photo of Charlotte Harris, Psychotherapist in Wakefield, England
Charlotte Harris
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Daventry NN11
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties and depression and with Men´s issues. Maybe you feel a general sense of not being happy or fulfilled, as if you can´t get your life on track. Often it is helpful to understand our current difficulties through exploring past experiences and how they may have impacted upon you - you may like to do this but you may prefer not to think too much about the past. Everyone is different. The therapy process I offer is safe, confidential and structured to support you in the way that feels safest to you to make the changes you are longing for.
I have extensive experience working with anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties and depression and with Men´s issues. Maybe you feel a general sense of not being happy or fulfilled, as if you can´t get your life on track. Often it is helpful to understand our current difficulties through exploring past experiences and how they may have impacted upon you - you may like to do this but you may prefer not to think too much about the past. Everyone is different. The therapy process I offer is safe, confidential and structured to support you in the way that feels safest to you to make the changes you are longing for.
01227 949768 View 01227 949768
Photo of Gabrielle Landric Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Counsellor in Wakefield, England
Gabrielle Landric Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, feelings of emptiness or meaninglessness? Do your relationships leave you feeling unfulfilled and lonely? Are you troubled by traumatic memories? Wondering where to turn? As a relationally trained therapist, I am skilled in helping people to improve their self-esteem, to have more satisfying relationships with themselves and others and to find meaning in their lives. Perhaps you have never felt like you fit anywhere. Perhaps you were abused, neglected or bullied in childhood. Perhaps a sudden trauma, relationship betrayal or bereavement has derailed you and made you question your whole life.
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, feelings of emptiness or meaninglessness? Do your relationships leave you feeling unfulfilled and lonely? Are you troubled by traumatic memories? Wondering where to turn? As a relationally trained therapist, I am skilled in helping people to improve their self-esteem, to have more satisfying relationships with themselves and others and to find meaning in their lives. Perhaps you have never felt like you fit anywhere. Perhaps you were abused, neglected or bullied in childhood. Perhaps a sudden trauma, relationship betrayal or bereavement has derailed you and made you question your whole life.
0191 580 1451 View 0191 580 1451

See more therapy options for Wakefield


Couples Counselling

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.