Couples therapy is for all couples experiencing a crisis, going through significant life changes or wanting to relate better to one another. You may be wanting to find out whether to stay together or perhaps how to amicably separate. We offer couples therapy in Brighton, Hove, and Lewes that can help.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy, also known as couples counselling, relationship therapy, or marriage counselling, is a specific type of therapy designed to work with the whole couple rather than an individual. In this sense, the couple entity is the client or patient. The therapist focuses on the dynamic that has been co-created in the relationship to address conflicts, assist meaningful discussions about important decisions, adopt a deeper understanding between partners, and resolve specific relationship issues.
Bringing a skilled third person into your relationship helps not only slow down the often volatile interactions but also to consider how the communication style and language used between the couple impedes genuine communication and understanding.
Who Is Couples Therapy For?
There are many different reasons why couples in Brighton seek therapy in their relationship. Just a few of the types of couples we can help with are listed below. If you want to know more about how we can help with your specific circumstances, get in touch with us now.
- Couples whose relationship is ending and want to end on good terms
- Couples who have unaddressed problems that need to be worked out
- Couples who have kids who need to improve their relationship and parenting skills
- Long-term couples who feel they are growing apart
- New couples with trust issues or other trauma-related issues
- Couples who are working through one (or both) spouse’s anxiety and depression
- Couples with incompatible sex drives
Every Couple is Different
When it comes to relationship therapy, every couple is different, shaped by their own dynamics, history, and personalities. For some, counselling can last a few weeks, but for many, it could last months or be an ongoing element of their relationship.
Our relationship therapists in Brighton understand that each relationship faces its own set of challenges, and require personalised approaches to communication, problem-solving, and growth. Whether navigating conflicts, deepening intimacy, or enhancing connections, our expert therapists meet the specific needs of each couple.
When to see a couples therapist in Brighton
You might have been together for decades or not all that long. You may be experiencing relationship issues that are considered typical or less conventional challenges. Perhaps you’re convinced your relationship is sustainable or maybe you are becoming less sure. The time to see a couples therapist in Brighton is when communication has broken down or become ineffective.
There are many reasons for seeking relationship counselling but what a couples therapist will usually be able to help you with is communication. Through couples therapy, you will gain the opportunity to express yourselves and listen to one another.
The key to effective relationship therapy is the motivation and willingness of both parties to work on their relationship together. It is not uncommon for one party in the couple to make the first step in seeking help. However, if the other person is completely unwilling, it will be very difficult to do any productive work. This is not to say that one or both people won’t feel scared or resistant. These are normal feelings experienced by many when seeking a relationship therapist’s support, especially if it is for the first time.
If your partner isn’t game
We understand how difficult it can be when your partner isn’t keen on the idea of couples therapy, and it can be difficult navigating your next steps. Our advice is to work with us individually to get the support and guidance you need. When you start engaging in different behaviours and show something positive is coming out of therapy, you can express how therapy is helping you and how your partner could benefit. Having open and positive conversations about couples therapy in Brighton, can help your partner see this is a way to address issues without blame.
Who can couples counselling help in Brighton?
There are many different reasons why couples in Brighton seek help with their relationship. Just a few of the types of couples we can help with are listed below. If you want to know more about how we can help with your specific circumstances, get in touch with us now.
- Couples whose relationship is ending and want to end on good terms
- Couples who have unaddressed problems that need to be worked out
- Couples who have kids who need to improve their relationship and parenting skills
- Long-term couples who feel they are growing apart
- New couples with trust issues or other trauma-related issues
- Couples who are working through one (or both) spouse’s anxiety and depression
- Couples with incompatible sex drives
How does couples therapy in Brighton work?
The key to any healthy relationship is good communication. This may sound simple, and yet it’s surprising how few couples in Brighton and the wider UK communicate well with each other.
Couples therapy supports the couple in exploring new and healthier ways of relating through effective communication and conflict resolution. Our therapists operate in a straightforward, structured manner and ensure both partners get a fair and equal voice in the session.
We know that every couple is different, and that the length of your treatment course is completely dependent on you. During your first sessions, your couples therapist will be interested in knowing more about your history (individual and as a couple) and the key factors that led you to develop some of the relational patterns which are keeping you stuck. We do this by creating an environment where you feel comfortable and can speak openly and honestly in your partner’s presence.
The couples therapist helps facilitate dialogue by listening equally to both parties, understanding the issues that you are facing and working with you towards more effective communication. Relationship therapy is a collaborative process, whereby we jointly explore your needs and goals and work towards achieving them.
When it comes to specific modalities of psychotherapy that are used to work with couples, these include analytic psychotherapy, systemic psychotherapy, schema therapy and integrative psychotherapy.
Your First Couples Counselling Session
We know that every couple is different, and that the length of your treatment course is completely dependent on you. During your first sessions, your couple’s therapist will be interested in knowing more about your history (individual and as a couple) and the key factors that led you to develop some of the relational patterns which are keeping you stuck. We do this by creating an environment where you feel comfortable and can speak openly and honestly in your partner’s presence.
The couple’s therapist helps facilitate dialogue by listening equally to both parties, understanding the issues that you are facing and working with you towards more effective communication. Relationship therapy is a collaborative process, whereby we jointly explore your needs and goals and work towards achieving them.
What relationship issues can couples therapy help with?
Some of the common relationship areas couples seek support with include:
- Parenting issues
- Affairs
- Life transitions
- Bereavement and loss
- Sex and intimacy
- Ongoing conflict
- Communication
- Managing strong emotions
- Lack of emotional closeness or trust
- Family issues
- Addiction
- Couples who are in a business partnership
What to expect from couples therapy in Brighton
We are experienced at working with same-sex and heterosexual couples and with polyamorous and monogamous couples in and around Brighton. It is not our job to judge the choices you jointly make in your relationship; however, the key word here is jointly.
Whether you are seeking couples therapy or wish to work through your relationship issues as an individual, our psychotherapists can support you in evaluating what choices are right for you. We can then guide you through safely and effectively creating and nurturing a relationship based on communication, understanding and passion.
Fees
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we have a team of practitioners who set their own fees in accordance with the type of work, session frequency, and needs of the client. However, as a guide, our sessions start from £75 per session for one therapy hour (50 minutes); this may differ for couples’ therapy. This will be agreed upon by you and your practitioner during your initial consultation.
Our couples counsellors
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we have dedicated therapists who specialise in offering couples counselling.
Sam is one of the founders of Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy and takes on a warm, relational, and grounded approach to her practice. Working with a broad range of issues, including relationship challenges, Sam helps clients explore unconscious patterns, early relational experiences, and the deeper emotional roots of current difficulties.
Mark, one of our founders, has over 15 years of experience in applied psychology and offers open-ended depth psychotherapy to individuals and couples. He has a range of academic and clinical training, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Gerry is an accredited, registered, and experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor. She specialises and has an ongoing interest in helping couples through difficult times and supports people in an exploration of their unique lived experience and an understanding of themselves from a range of perspectives.
Claire is an experienced UKCP-registered psychotherapist and group analyst who carries out short and long-term work with couples and individuals. With a range of qualifications, such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Therapy, Claire works with a range of relationship issues.
David Keighley is a BACP-accredited psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples in Brighton and Hove. Drawing from EMDR, CBT, and Schema Therapy, he offers a compassionate, tailored approach to help couples navigate challenges and strengthen their connection.
Take the first step in couples counselling
Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy have practices that offer couples therapy in Brighton and Lewes, and have clients from right across Sussex as well as London and further afield. To find out about the relationship counselling we can offer get in touch with us today. We will find a date and time that works best for you and your partner wherever possible and we will make sure you both feel as comfortable as possible.
Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy also offer online relationship therapy and marriage counselling.
Why choose Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, professional, and personalised relationship therapy. Our team consists of highly experienced therapists who are committed to understanding each client’s unique journey and addressing their specific needs. With a strong reputation for relationship therapy in Brighton, Hove, and Lewes, we have become the preferred choice for individuals navigating challenges in their relationships. We strive to provide a supportive environment where clients can explore their relationship struggles, develop coping strategies, and work towards a happier relationship.
Further reading:
Our couples therapists have written several blog articles about relationships and working with couples.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is relationship therapy?
Relationship therapy can be highly effective in improving relationship dynamics, enhancing communication, and resolving conflicts. Research shows that couples who engage in therapy often experience positive outcomes, such as increased relationship satisfaction and better emotional intimacy. However, the effectiveness of couples therapy depends on both partners’ willingness to learn, grow, and be open to change.
What are the benefits of relationship therapy?
Relationship therapy is great for all couples and can offer numerous benefits no matter how long you’ve been together:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your relationship dynamic
- Get impartial feedback so you can look at your relationship through a new lens
- Discuss your relationship in a safe space
- Begin to see each other’s perspectives
- Learn strategic and effective coping strategies
- Clarify your feelings about your relationship
- Restore trust
- Deepen intimacy
- Make important decisions that are holding you back
Can relationship therapy help even if we’re not married?
Yes, relationship therapy is beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether married, engaged, living together, or dating. The focus of therapy for couples is on improving communication and resolving conflicts to improve the relationship and strengthen the bond.
What if my partner and I have different goals for therapy?
It’s very common for partners to have different expectations or intended outcomes for therapy. Our therapists will help you discuss your individual goals and needs so that you can work towards a mutually agreed-upon outcome.
Do you offer remote therapy if I’m unable to get to your offices in Brighton, Hove, or Lewes?
Yes, we offer online relationship counselling where you can talk with a trained professional in the comfort of your own home. This is ideal for couples who aren’t able to see us in person.
What can relationship therapy help us achieve?
Relationship therapy can help couples achieve various goals, including better communication skills, resolution of conflicts, rebuilding trust, strengthening emotional intimacy, and developing strategies to navigate future challenges more effectively.
Can couples therapy help if we are considering separation?
Couples therapy can be beneficial even if couples are considering breaking up. We can provide an environment to openly explore concerns and priorities before making an informed decision about the future of the relationship. If the decision is to end the relationship, therapy can help create a more amicable separation. Working together towards an amicable split is generally always beneficial and in the case of children, essential. Couple with children need to find a way to transition to working alongside each other as parents when the intimate and romantic side of their lives is ending or has come to an end.
All the content on this page has been reviewed and vetted by Sam Jahara Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Co-Founder of Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy. For any questions or more information about the subjects discussed on this page please contact us.