About Dr Ryden
My specialist interest in couples therapy emerged from more than two decades of clinical psychology practice across NHS and private healthcare.
BSc (First Class Hons) • PsychD
CBT PGDip • AFBPsS
Early in my career, I witnessed the profound effect that the quality of an intimate relationship can have on emotional wellbeing and mental health, as well as the relative lack of support available for relationship difficulties within core NHS services.
That observation led me to undertake specialist post-doctoral training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, and Cognitive Behavioural Couples Therapy (CBCT). Together with my broader background in clinical psychology, these evidence-based approaches continue to inform my work today.
Over the years, I have worked with couples facing a wide range of relationship difficulties – from recurring conflict and emotional distance to betrayal, loss of trust, and major life transitions – as well as couples seeking to strengthen an already stable relationship, deepen emotional connection, and build a more resilient partnership.
Clinical Training & Experience
Relationship difficulties rarely exist in isolation. Emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, neurodiversity, personality dynamics, and earlier relational experiences can all profoundly shape how couples relate.
My clinical experience – from primary to tertiary care – allows me to address both relationship distress and the wider psychological factors that contribute to it – always with warmth and sometimes with unexpected moments of humour.
Alongside clinical practice, I have spent many years studying evidence-based psychological therapies and advanced assessments at institutions including Royal Holloway and University of Surrey, and have also held an Honorary Lectureship at the Institute of Psychiatry.
Qualifications
Doctor in Clinical Psychology (PsychD)
Post-Doctoral Specialisation: EFT, Gottman Method, CBCT & CBT
Professional Registrations
HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist
Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS)
Clinical Insights & Media Contributions
Explore original clinical articles written for this practice alongside expert commentary I was invited to contribute to international science publications.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a Counsellor and a Clinical Psychologist?
A Consultant Clinical Psychologist undergoes extensive doctoral-level training in mental health assessment, psychological formulation, and evidence-based therapy. This broader clinical background allows me to work not only with relationship difficulties, but also with the wider emotional and psychological factors that may be contributing to them — including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, neurodiversity, or complex relational dynamics.
How is your approach different from standard couples counselling?
Relationship difficulties are rarely caused by communication problems alone. My approach focuses on understanding the deeper emotional and relational patterns that keep couples stuck, rather than relying solely on generic advice or communication techniques. Therapy is carefully tailored to the unique dynamics, histories, personalities, and needs within your relationship.
What approaches do you use in couples therapy?
My work integrates evidence-based approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and Cognitive Behavioural Couples Therapy (CBCT). These models are combined with broader clinical psychological understanding to help couples create meaningful and lasting change.
Can couples therapy help if we feel very stuck?
Yes. Many couples seek support after months or years of recurring difficulties. Feeling stuck – and at times even hopeless — is very common when relationship distress has become longstanding. The encouraging news is that when both partners remain committed to the relationship and open to approaching things differently, meaningful and lasting change is often possible.
Do we need to be in crisis to start couples therapy?
No. Some couples seek support during periods of significant distress, while others wish to strengthen an already solid relationship, deepen emotional connection, improve communication, or navigate important life transitions together more effectively.
Will you take sides during therapy?
The aim of therapy is not to decide who is “right” or “wrong,” but to understand the patterns that both partners become caught within. I work to create a balanced, emotionally safe, and non-judgemental space where each person feels heard, understood, and able to speak openly.
What if my partner feels unsure about therapy?
It is very common for one partner to feel more hesitant than the other at first. An initial consultation (without any need to commit to therapy) often helps couples better understand the process, clarify concerns, and decide whether therapy feels like the right next step for the relationship.
Do individual mental health difficulties affect relationships?
Yes. Anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, stress, emotional regulation difficulties, and other mental health factors can significantly shape relationship dynamics. Part of my role is helping couples understand how these experiences may be influencing patterns of conflict, distance, or misunderstanding within the relationship.
Do you only work with couples?
While the practice specialises in couples therapy, I also provide highly specialised individual therapy. Sometimes relationship work reveals personal difficulties that benefit from focused individual support alongside the couples work.
How do sessions work?
Sessions are typically held weekly or fortnightly and involve both partners attending together, either online or in person. The structure and pace of therapy are tailored to the needs of the couple, the complexity of the difficulties, and the goals you wish to work toward.
Getting started
The first step is a brief confidential enquiry process designed to help us clarify your current situation together and explore how this practice may be able to help.
The process is secure, discreet, and takes about 6 to 10 minutes.