Separation and divorce are some of the hardest experiences adults can go through. Even when the relationship has clearly run its course, the ending can bring grief, anger, guilt, and fear about what lies ahead. For parents, there is the added pressure of worrying about the children. Many of the parents I meet in therapy […]
If the parents are OK, the kids will be OK Read More »
Separation is one of the hardest transitions a couple can face. It brings grief, anger, and fear about the future. When children are involved, the stakes feel even higher. In this Couples in Crisis story, I want to explore what happens when the pain of separation collides with the task of co-parenting — and what
Couples in Crisis: How to put children first during a separation Read More »
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. If you are reading this, you have already done something important: you are considering giving yourself the space to pause, reflect and get support. Many people feel uncertain about what to expect from therapy or whether it will “work.” That is completely normal. Is therapy confidential? One
What to expect from therapy Read More »
Many couples go through periods of reduced or absent sexual activity. For some, this is temporary, linked to stress, illness, or life transitions. For others, it becomes a long-term silence in the bedroom that leaves both partners confused, hurt, or disconnected. As a psychosexual and couples’ therapist, I often see couples who fear that a
Our silent bedroom: when couples stop having sex Read More »
Money is one of the most common sources of tension in relationships. It’s not just about pounds and pence. It often symbolises power, security, freedom, and care. And inevitably, when couples hide or lie about money, it can erode trust almost as much as a sexual affair. As a couples psychotherapist, I often hear stories
Is money a problem in your relationship? Read More »
Arguments are a normal part of any relationship. In fact, couples who never disagree may simply be avoiding important conversations. But there is a crucial difference between healthy conflict and unhealthy conflict, and destructive contempt. When couples proudly tell me they never argue, I worry. People should be able to argue, they need to. But
Conflict and contempt in relationships Read More »
Why summer isn’t always easy for couples The hotel’s been paid for, the children are really looking forward to it. Maybe some time away is what you two need to get you back on track. After all, summer holidays are supposed to be about relaxation, fun, and romance and you could definitely do with some
When the summer has put your relationship under strain Read More »
Couples in Crisis is a mini-series exploring the real-life dilemmas that bring people into couples therapy. Each post dives into a common relationship challenge, from infidelity to fertility struggles, communication breakdowns to questions around monogamy, and offers a thoughtful, therapeutic lens on what’s really going on beneath the surface. This week, we explore the emotional
Separating but still under the same roof Read More »
This post is part of Couples in Crisis, a blog series drawing on real-life stories from the therapy room. Each post explores common relationship issues, from infidelity to fertility loss, through a therapeutic lens. All names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality. Whether you’re in crisis, at a crossroads, or simply curious
Perimenopause and marriage: How to cope Read More »
Couples in Crisis is a blog series exploring the real-life dilemmas that bring people into couples therapy. Based on clinical experience (with all client details changed for confidentiality), each post looks beneath the surface of common relationship struggles—like infidelity, fertility challenges, communication breakdowns, or monogamy—and offers a compassionate, therapeutic lens to help couples feel less
When one of you doesn’t want sex Read More »