Counselling and Psychotherapy with Couples
The notion of the ‘couple’ is at the basis of all human relating. To reach beyond our individual selves we have to experience and manage the separateness and difference of the other—while also developing an understanding that they are attempting the same with us. This delicate act of connection can be fraught with challenges of misatunement. And yet it seems fundamental to our nature to keep trying—searching for a rewarding mutuality through which we can grow and feel fulfilled.
In our sessions I will aim to help you gain greater insight into how your relationship works—which will include, of course, those areas where it doesn’t work. Over time, we will discover how your individual histories have contributed to the type of relationship you now have. We will also learn something about how that relationship is affected by your differing needs and negotiating styles.
I see my role as supporting greater awareness and, if necessary, facilitating more flexible or creative ways of communicating. However, I am not responsible for either rescuing or ending your relationship: the initiative for change always remains with you. Where you are struggling to confront major decisions, I will aim to work alongside you throughout, offering clear and structured support when needed.
I work with any kind of couple: marriage or sexual partners, friends, colleagues, parent and child, but not with anyone below the age of 16. My sessions last for an hour, and I will schedule regular weekly or twice-weekly appointments with you. If either side is prevented from keeping an appointment for any reason, I will make every effort to negotiate an alternative space in that week. I will not, of course, charge you if a session fails to take place because of me. I take six weeks’ holiday per year, and allow long-term clients to miss a further two sessions per year at a time of their choosing without paying for them. Apart from these, all sessions must be paid for. Any changes to my fee occur on 1st November, and I will give plenty of notice if this is going to happen.
During our work together your welfare will always be my prime concern. I work to the code of ethics of the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling, of which I am a graduate member. These guidelines closely mirror those of the UKCP and BACP, the two principal bodies representing psychotherapists and counsellors in Britain.