WHAT TO EXPECT

What to expect from couples therapy and relationship counselling

Starting therapy can feel like a significant step, especially when a relationship already feels strained, distant or difficult to talk about.

This page explains what you can expect when beginning individual therapy, couples therapy, relationship counselling or a couples intensive with me.

My aim is to offer a professional, warm and supportive therapeutic space where both partners can feel heard, where difficult patterns can be slowed down, and where we can begin to understand what keeps happening between you.

Initial consultation

Our work usually begins with an initial consultation.

For couples, this is typically a 90-minute session. This gives us enough time to begin understanding what brings you to therapy, what each of you is hoping for, and what patterns you may feel stuck in.

During the consultation, I will ask aout your current relationship difficulties, relevant background information, and what you would like to be different. I will also explain how I work, including my approach to Relational Life Therapy-informed couples work, emotional safety, pacing and repair.

The initial consultation is also an opportunity for us to consider whether working together feels like the right fit. It carries no obligation to continue with further sessions.

Individual therapy sessions

Individual therapy sessions are 60 minutes and may be offered weekly, regularly or on an ad hoc basis, subject to current availability.

During the initial consultation, we will explore what brings you to therapy, relevant background information and what you hope to gain from the process. The consultation is also an opportunity for us to consider whether working together feels like the right fit.

Individual therapy sessions are currently £90.

Couples therapy sessions

Couples therapy sessions are usually offered either weekly or fortnightly.

The main format is a 90-minute couples session, which allows enough time for both partners to be heard while also giving us space to explore the relational pattern in depth.

In some circumstances, a 60-minute weekly session may be appropriate, particularly where the work is focused on a specific issue or where more frequent support would be helpful.

An extended 120-minute session may also be available where couples need more time for deeper or more complex work.

During our initial consultation, we will discuss the most suitable format, frequency and pace for your circumstances.

One-off individual sessions within couples work

In some cases, I may suggest a one-off individual session for each partner as part of the couples therapy process.

These sessions can help us understand more about each person’s background, relationship history, protective strategies or particular experiences that may be shaping the current relationship dynamic.

Where individual sessions are used, they are held in service of the couples work and are discussed carefully beforehand.

Couples intensives

Some couples want a more focused and uninterrupted therapeutic space than weekly or fortnightly sessions can provide.

I also offer one-day, two-day and three-day Couples Intensives in Bath. These are designed for couples who want dedicated time to understand what keeps happening between them and to work with relational patterns in greater depth.

A couples intensive may be helpful where there are repeated arguments, emotional disconnection, shutdown, loss of trust, difficulty repairing or a sense that shorter sessions feel too interrupted for the level of distress or complexity.

Appointments and availability

I offer appointments in person at my Gay Street therapy room in Bath and online where appropriate.

Couples therapy sessions are available in different formats depending on clinical need, availability and the type of work you are seeking.

Couples intensives are usually available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, subject to availability.

We will discuss the most suitable arrangement during the initial consultation.

In-person therapy in Bath

In-person sessions take place at my therapy room on Gay Street in Bath.

The room is designed to offer a calm, private and comfortable setting for couples therapy and relationship work.

The location is central and accessible from Bath city centre, Bristol, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Frome, Wells and the surrounding area.

Online therapy

I also offer online therapy sessions, usually through Zoom.

Online sessions can be helpful for individuals and couples who live further away, travel frequently, have caring responsibilities, or need a more flexible way to access therapy.

We can discuss whether online work feels appropriate for your situation during the initial consultation.

Fees

Couples therapy fees are:

£185 – Weekly or fortnightly 90-minute session

£125 – Weekly 60-minute session

£260 – Extended 120-minute session

Couples Intensives are charged at:

£1,300 per day

A free 15-minute consultation is available for brief initial enquiries.

A full 90-minute initial couples consultation is available for couples who are ready to begin more fully.

Suitability and emotional safety

Couples therapy can involve difficult conversations. My role is to help create a structured and supportive space where those conversations can happen with attention to pace, emotional regulation, respect and safety.

Couples therapy or a couples intensive may not be appropriate where there is ongoing coercion, domestic abuse, active addiction, significant emotional instability, or circumstances affecting emotional or physical safety.

Where this is the case, a different level or type of support may be more appropriate initially.

We can consider this carefully during the initial consultation.

Start the process

Taking the first step can feel exposing, especially when the relationship already feels under pressure.

You are welcome to contact me to arrange a free 15-minute consultation or to enquire about a 90-minute initial couples consultation.

You can contact me directly on 07897 601897. If I am unable to answer, please leave a message with your name and phone number, and I will return your call as soon as possible.

Alternatively, you can complete the contact form and I will get back to you personally.