Marriage &
couples counselling.

Why I work with both the relationship and the individual.

In my clinical experience, talking about disagreements and learning communication skills may not be enough to create lasting change when underlying individual emotional issues remain unaddressed. Past experiences, emotional wounds and trauma can influence how each person responds to their partner, even when both want the relationship to improve.

This is why I use a two-tier approach. We work on the patterns between you while also considering the personal emotional experiences that may keep those patterns going. Where appropriate, individual psychotherapy, including EMDR, provides space to work with those underlying difficulties alongside the marriage counselling.

My aim is to help you understand what is happening beneath the conflict and work towards changes in how you feel, respond and connect with one another.

Making room for a more thoughtful response.

When conflict touches a painful emotional experience, you may react by fighting, withdrawing or shutting down. Individual emotional work aims to help you understand and manage these responses, so that you have more room to pause, listen and make thoughtful choices in your relationship.

Change takes willingness and effort.

Each person brings their own part to this work. Progress involves a willingness to reflect honestly, take responsibility for personal responses and practise new ways of relating. My hope is that both partners grow as individuals and bring those changes into a happier, more satisfying marriage.

This approach reflects my clinical experience and feedback received in my practice. Each person and relationship is different, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.