Common Reasons Couples Seek Counselling in York - may be desire, conflict, potential separation, lack of relationship vision, communication blocks and endings.
If you are experiencing communication breakdowns, infidelity/affair recovery, LGBTQ+ & non-monogamous relationships, navigating neurodivergence in relationships (ADHD/Autism), parenting stress, and intimacy issues, couple and relationship therapy can be a supportive next step.
Branching out into working therapeutically with couples and other relationships has been a logical next step for Emma. Relationship therapy can be beneficial for couples, and other relationships such as parent-child dialogues, siblings, LGBTQ+ and my approach is encompassing relationship diversity. If you're also looking for support for a child or young person, you can find out more about therapy for children and young people.
Every relationship moves through periods of closeness, challenge, change, and adjustment. At times, recurring disagreements, differences in communication styles, life pressures, or feelings of distance can leave partners feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or alone.
Relationship therapy offers a supportive space to explore these experiences together. Whether you’re navigating challenges, wanting to strengthen your relationship, or seeking a deeper understanding of one another, this collaborative approach can help create greater connection, clarity, and compassion.
Relationship therapy does not assume there is one “right” way to communicate, connect, or experience relationships. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all model, it draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), psychodynamic and humanistic approaches to respond to the unique experiences, identities, values, and relationship dynamics each couple brings.
In other words: therapy is shaped around you, rather than expecting you to fit a particular model.
Your therapist may support you in exploring:
The aim is not to identify who is “right” or “wrong,” but to create space where each person can feel understood, respected, and better supported to respond to one another with care, curiosity, and authenticity.
You can read more about Emma's therapeutic approach and experience here.
The aim is not to take sides, but to help deepen understanding and support meaningful change.
One approach often used within integrative couples work is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
EFT is based on the understanding that emotional connection and a sense of safety are important within many relationships. When connection feels disrupted, through conflict, stress, unmet needs, transitions, or different ways of expressing emotions, people may respond with withdrawal, defensiveness, heightened reactions, or attempts to seek reassurance.
These responses are often protective strategies rather than intentional harm.
EFT can support couples to:
Research suggests EFT can be particularly supportive for couples experiencing recurring conflict, distance, or challenges feeling emotionally connected.
Relationship therapy is not only for couples in crisis. Many people seek support proactively to strengthen communication, navigate change, or better understand one another. Relationship therapy may be helpful if you are experiencing:
Whether you’ve been together for two years or twenty, therapy can provide space to reflect, reconnect, and move forward, together or separately, with greater understanding and awareness.
Therapy often begins by exploring your relationship history, strengths, experiences, and what has brought you to seek support at this point.
Exploring conflict or disconnection within a facilitated and supportive space
Developing communication approaches that work for both partners
Identifying emotional needs, triggers, and protective responses
Building awareness of relational patterns and strengths
Creating opportunities for greater understanding, connection, and collaboration
You’ll be invited to speak openly and honestly, while your therapist works to create a respectful, balanced, and supportive environment. Their role is not to take sides, but to help deepen understanding and support meaningful change.
In our initial session, we’ll take time to understand what brings you to therapy, the history of your relationship, and the patterns of communication that feel stuck. It’s a dedicated, non-judgemental space where both partners have equal time to be heard. We’ll discuss what you hope to achieve whether that’s rebuilding trust, improving communication, or finding clarity about your future together and decide on a way forward that feels right for both of you.
For fees, availability and other practical questions, visit the FAQ, Fees & Contact page.
Extended 90-minute sessions provide enough time and breathing room for both partners to explore deep-seated feelings and work through complex dynamics without feeling rushed.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based approach to relationship therapy. Rather than just focusing on conflict resolution tips, EFT helps partners identify the underlying emotional needs and protective patterns driving their arguments. By understanding your core "interactional dance," we work together to rebuild safe emotional connection, empathy, and intimacy.
Yes. Rebuilding trust after infidelity, secrecy, or a major breach of trust is one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy. Using a structured, trauma-informed approach, couples counselling provides a secure framework to process pain, understand how the rupture occurred, and evaluate whether and how to rebuild a safer, more transparent connection.
Absolutely. Every relationship is unique, and I provide a fully inclusive, non-judgemental space for all partnerships including LGBTQ+, non-binary, and non-monogamous relationships. As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, I also tailor sessions to account for how ADHD, Autism, or executive dysfunction can impact communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation between partners.
It is very common for one partner to feel hesitant, anxious, or fearful that therapy will turn into a "blame game." My role as an integrative therapist is not to take sides or decide who is "right." If your partner is unsure, I encourage you both to book a free 15-minute Zoom chat so they can ask questions and get a sense of the supportive atmosphere before committing to a full session.
I provide in-person couples therapy from my practice at 25 Richmond Street, York (YO31) easily accessible from central York, Heslington, Fulford, and Clifton. I also offer online couples counselling via Zoom for partners across the UK or couples with busy schedules.
If you’re based in or around York and looking for relationship therapy, Emma can offer a flexible, supportive space to explore what is happening within your relationship and what moving forward might look like. I offer in-person couples therapy sessions at my practice in central York (YO31)—easily accessible from Heslington, Clifton, Fulford, and Rawcliffe, as well as online relationship counselling via Zoom across the UK.
Whether you’re navigating ongoing conflict, adjusting to change, experiencing disconnection, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, therapy can support greater understanding, connection, and confidence in the path ahead.
If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet you with empathy, openness, and care, arrange a consultation.
Get in touch to arrange a Free 15-minute chat over Zoom.
Phone
Address
25 Richmond Street, York, YO31 7XL
Online
Sessions available via Zoom
I respond to all enquiries within 24-48 hours. Your details are kept strictly confidential.