When something isn't going well in your relationship, it isn't always obvious where to start. You might be experiencing relationship difficulties but wondering whether it would be better to speak with a psychologist on your own. Or perhaps you're dealing with anxiety, stress, low mood or other personal challenges that are also affecting your relationship. So, should you consider individual counselling or couples therapy? There isn't one answer that is right for everyone. A

If you are considering couples therapy, you may be wondering what happens in the therapy room. Will the therapist decide who is right? Will you simply talk through the latest argument? Will you be told whether you should stay together? Gottman Method Couples Therapy takes a different approach. Rather than focusing only on the problem that brought you to therapy, it provides a structured way of understanding your relationship as a whole including its strengths, recurring diffi

The Roots of Self-Criticism There isn’t one explanation for why someone becomes highly self-critical. For some, earlier experiences may contribute to the beliefs and expectations they develop about themselves. Perhaps mistakes were frequently criticised. Maybe achievements received attention or praise, while simply being yourself did not seem enough. You may have been compared with siblings or classmates. Or perhaps nobody explicitly criticised you, but you gradually learned

Have you ever wondered why certain situations affect you so strongly? Perhaps criticism feels deeply personal, you find it difficult to say no, you worry about being rejected, or you repeatedly put other people's needs before your own. You might recognise the same patterns appearing at work, within your family, in friendships or in your relationships. Sometimes, our reactions to situations in the present may be influenced by early life experiences and emotional patterns that

Many years ago, Michelle Obama shared a candid reflection about her experience of couples therapy during an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. You can watch the interview here. She later reflected that she initially hoped couples therapy would focus on changing her husband. Over time, she realised that the process also encouraged her to reflect on herself, her expectations, and the role she played in the relationship. Whether or not you've seen the interview

Many couples describe a similar experience when they begin relationship counselling: "We still love each other, but things feel different now." They often remember a time when they laughed together easily, enjoyed spending time with each other, and felt excited to share their thoughts and experiences. Over time, however, work pressures, parenting responsibilities, stress, unresolved conflict, and the demands of everyday life can gradually change the way couples connect. Some

Discovering an affair can create significant emotional distress within a relationship. Many couples experience a range of emotions, including hurt, shock, anger, confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty about the future of their relationship. This experience is often one of the most painful forms of betrayal. While every couple's situation is unique, rebuilding trust after an affair is generally a gradual process. It requires commitment, honesty, and ongoing effort from both

Many couples seek relationship counselling when they feel disconnected, experience ongoing relationship challenges, or want support to improve their relationship. While weekly couples therapy works well for many couples, I understand that every relationship is different. Busy schedules, work commitments, distance, or a preference for a more concentrated approach may mean that traditional weekly sessions are not always the best fit. I offer flexible Gottman Method Couples Ther

Emotional disconnection and misunderstandings often stem from something deeper than words or actions. One important foundation for healthier relationships is physiological self-regulation—the ability to calm the body's stress response so we can think clearly, communicate effectively, and connect with others. Understanding how our nervous system responds to stress and learning practical ways to regulate these responses can support better communication, empathy, and emotional c

I recently attended a Schema Therapy conference in Bali, where clinicians from around the world shared ideas about how long-standing emotional patterns develop and how they can be understood in a more compassionate way. It was a helpful reminder of how powerful this approach can be when working with long-term emotional and relationship difficulties. This article provides an introduction to Schema Therapy—what it is, how it works, and who it may be helpful for. What is Schema