Grounded in Psychological Science

How therapy works

Every relationship is unique, and no single couples therapy has been shown to be the most effective for every couple.

“ Make haste slowly Augustus, 27 BC–AD 14

Effective therapy therefore begins with developing a thorough psychological understanding of the relationship before deciding which evidence-based approach is most helpful to your goals for therapy.

My specialist training and clinical experience as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist allow me to translate that understanding into a treatment plan, selecting, applying, and adapting the evidence-based methods most appropriate to your relationship.

Approaches

The Evidence Behind the Work

The following four core approaches form the foundation of my clinical work. Each contributes distinct strengths, allowing therapy to be matched to the needs of each relationship.

The stone bridge at Prior Park is a metaphor for a relationship, symbolizing connection, strength, and the journey shared between two people. — **Prior Park's Palladian Bridge, Bath.** I often return to bridges as a metaphor in therapy. Like enduring relationships, they depend upon strong foundations, thoughtful construction, and ongoing care.

Practical Relationship Skills

The Gottman Method

The Theory: Developed from over 50 years of pioneering observational research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method provides highly practical tools grounded in some of the most robust couples data ever collected. It identifies the interactional patterns associated with long-term relationship distress and the behaviours associated with stronger, more resilient relationships.

Read more about how this works in the room

In the Room: Therapy focuses on the "Sound Relationship House." We work systematically to de-escalate acute conflict, reduce defensiveness, and replace gridlocked arguments with constructive dialogue. Equally important, we actively rebuild friendship, fondness, and shared meaning to ensure the relationship is not merely functional, but deeply fulfilling.

Particularly Helpful When: Couples find themselves trapped in recurring arguments, struggling to communicate effectively, drifting apart emotionally, or wanting practical strategies for strengthening friendship, trust, and day-to-day connection.

Attachment & Emotion

Emotionally Focused Therapy

The Theory: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is one of the most extensively researched and widely practised approaches to couples therapy. Grounded in attachment theory, it proposes that many relationship difficulties stem not simply from disagreements themselves, but from threats to emotional safety and connection. Beneath recurring arguments often lies a deeper question: "Can I trust that you will be there for me when I need you?"

Read more about how this works in the room

In the Room: We identify the "negative cycle" that takes hold during moments of distress — the repetitive pattern of criticism, withdrawal, pursuit, defensiveness, or emotional disconnection that leaves both partners feeling unheard and alone. By learning to recognise and step outside this cycle, couples can begin expressing underlying fears, needs, and vulnerabilities in ways that foster empathy, responsiveness, and secure connection.

Particularly Helpful When: Couples feel emotionally disconnected, struggle to feel understood by one another, become trapped in repetitive pursue-withdraw or criticise-defend cycles, or wish to rebuild emotional safety, trust, and closeness following periods of distress or relational injury.

Sea Horse mosaic in Bath symbolising Emotionally Foccussed Therapy. — **Roman Baths Sea Horse Mosaic, Bath.** Individual moments rarely define a relationship. Over time, however, repeated thoughts, behaviours and responses form patterns that shape the whole.

Cognitive & Behavioural Shifts

Cognitive Behavioural Couples Therapy

The Theory: Cognitive Behavioural Couples Therapy (CBCT) is a practical, present-focused approach that examines the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. It is based on the understanding that how we interpret our partner's actions often influences how we respond to them. Over time, unhelpful assumptions, negative interpretations, and maladaptive behavioural patterns can contribute to escalating conflict and dissatisfaction.

Read more about how this works in the room

In the Room: We work together to identify patterns of thinking and behaviour that may be maintaining difficulties within the relationship. This often involves challenging unhelpful assumptions, improving communication, strengthening problem-solving skills, and developing more constructive ways of responding to recurring challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on helping couples become more effective collaborators when addressing practical problems and areas of disagreement.

Particularly Helpful When: Couples experience recurring conflict, communication difficulties, problem-solving impasses, misunderstandings driven by negative assumptions, or wish to develop more effective skills for managing disagreements, navigating differences, and working together as a team.

The stone arch at Yorks Street symbolising Avon Relationship Check-up. — **York Street Arch, Bath.** Sometimes the most valuable first step is to pause, take stock, and gain a clearer understanding of the path ahead.

Optional Specialist Assessment

The Avon Relationship Check-up (ARC)

"Why do we keep getting stuck? How does our relationship compare with what research tells us about healthy, enduring relationships? What are our greatest strengths? Where should we focus our efforts for growth?"

These are the kinds of questions the Avon Relationship Check-up (ARC) is designed to answer.

Who chooses ARC

ARC is intended for couples seeking a comprehensive, research-informed assessment of their relationship. Some choose it as a stand-alone relationship review, while others use it alongside therapy to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their relationship than is ordinarily developed during the course of standard couples therapy.

The ARC does not form part of standard couples therapy. A separate package fee applies.

ARC Package & Pricing

Next Step

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.

How to arrange an appointment