Couples therapist in Harrogate

I work with couples because I know — personally and professionally — how destabilising it feels when emotional safety disappears inside a relationship. In my own life, I've experienced how essential it is to feel emotionally close to your partner, to be able to turn towards each other in distress, and to know that repair is possible when things go wrong. When that safety is missing, everything else starts to feel harder. These are not unusual needs. They're human ones. My work focuses on helping couples rebuild that safety so conversations stop causing harm and start supporting trust, connection and steadiness again.

Sessions last 90 minutes. Our first session is an in-depth consultation where I learn about your relationship history, what has brought you to therapy, and where things feel most fragile or stuck. From there, the work becomes structured and practical. I don't leave couples to "talk it out" and hope for the best. I actively guide conversations using the Imago Dialogue structure, slow things down when emotions rise, and intervene when familiar patterns begin to take over. Couples often tell me that this is the first time conversations feel contained, safer, and genuinely productive — both in sessions and at home.

Imago Dialogue is a structured conversation method that replaces interrupting, criticising and getting defensive with genuine listening, validating each other's perspective and real empathy. This calmer rhythm reduces reactivity and, with practice, actually rewires your brain toward safety and connection. This creates fundamental change in your relationship.

There's no fixed requirement, but meaningful change takes time and practice. Many couples plan for around 10–12 sessions, meeting weekly at first and then moving to fortnightly. When there has been long-standing conflict, emotional withdrawal or betrayal, the work often takes longer so new ways of relating have time to settle.

No. While I'm working with you as a couple, I don't see either partner individually. This boundary protects neutrality and keeps the work focused on the relationship itself rather than pulling it into separate loyalties.

If couples work ends and one of you wishes to continue individually, that can be discussed openly — provided both partners are aware and feel comfortable with the change.

We can work flexibly. Some couples cluster sessions. Others meet on Zoom from different locations when work or travel makes in-person sessions difficult.

Fortnightly sessions are usually the most effective rhythm once the work is established.

Yes. Although I originally preferred working in person, moving my practice online showed me that this work can be just as deep and effective on Zoom.