Practice Information
What to expect from therapy
Understanding
We develop a shared understanding of what has brought you to therapy, including the patterns that shape your relationship and the experiences and perspectives each of you brings.
Together, we work to create a safe, supportive space to explore the emotions beneath and the concerns that matter most to you.
You decide what to share, how much to share, and at what pace.
Core Intervention
This is the main working phase of therapy, where we focus on the goals identified during Phase 01 and use evidence-based methods tailored to your relationship and circumstances.
Therapy is usually arranged as a regular weekly or fortnightly appointment, providing continuity and allowing therapeutic momentum to develop. Progress is reviewed collaboratively throughout therapy, with the frequency and duration of sessions adjusted as your needs and goals evolve.
Maintenance
As your goals are achieved, therapy is reviewed collaboratively and sessions are usually reduced in frequency before coming to a planned conclusion.
Many couples choose to return for occasional review sessions if new challenges arise or to maintain their progress.
Consultation Fees
Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy
Extended Therapy Sessions
While standard 50-minute sessions frame ongoing work. Extended therapy sessions (90 minutes) may also be available where clinically appropriate and scheduling permits.
Longer sessions allow sufficient time to understand complex concerns, interrupt unhelpful cycles in real-time, and begin actively practising new ways of communicating within the same appointment.
Administrative & Medico-Legal Services
Work requested by clients or third parties outside scheduled appointments, including reports, letters, record reviews, professional consultations, case conferences, medico-legal work, court attendance, and other non-standard professional services, is charged at £210 per hour.
Any such work will be discussed and agreed in advance wherever reasonably possible.
Private Health Insurance
Dr Ryden is a recognised provider with AXA Health.
If you intend to use private health insurance, please flag this explicitly during your initial digital inquiry so we can verify policy parameters, billing codes, and pre-authorisation numbers prior to booking.
Fee Review
Fees are reviewed periodically. Any fee changes affecting ongoing therapy will be communicated well in advance.
Avon Relationship Check-up (ARC)
Specialist Assessment
An elective specialist assessment for couples seeking an in-depth understanding of relationship strengths, vulnerabilities, and areas for development within or outside of formal therapy.
- Initial conjoint clinical consultation
- Comprehensive evidence-based questionnaires
- Clinical analysis and formulation
- Feedback session with written recommendations
ARC Package
Couples wishing to undertake the Avon Relationship Check-up should follow the standard appointment process. Simply indicate your interest in the intake questionnaire when requesting an appointment.
Planning Your Sessions
First phase of therapy
For most couples, therapy begins with the following sequence of sessions:
- Session 1: Initial joint assessment and therapeutic consultation.
- Sessions 2 & 3: One individual assessment session each.
- Session 4 onwards: Shared formulation, collaborative treatment planning, and the beginning of the main therapeutic phase.
Consultation Hours
Appointments can be attended in person, online, or through a flexible combination of both.
- Mon, Tue & Thu: 10:00 – 15:00 | 19:30 – 22:00
- Wed & Fri: 08:00 – 22:00
Clinical Attendance Policy
Therapy appointments involve reserving dedicated clinical time specifically for you. Appointments cancelled or rearranged with more than 48 working hours' notice (excluding weekends and bank holidays) are fully refundable, less any payment processing fees.
Appointments cancelled, missed, or changed within this period are charged in full.
Availability
Appointment availability varies throughout the year. Current availability is updated regularly on the Enquire page.
View current availabilityCommon Practical Questions
How often are sessions held?
Most couples attend weekly or fortnightly initially. This is generally the evidence-based recommendation for maintaining therapeutic momentum and maximising the effectiveness of therapy.
How many sessions are usually required?
Many couples attend between 6 and 20 therapy sessions, although this varies considerably depending on the nature and complexity of presenting needs, therapy goals, and the progress made during treatment. Progress is reviewed regularly, and decisions about continuing therapy are made collaboratively throughout.
How do I pay for sessions?
All sessions are payable in advance. Following confirmation of an appointment, a secure online payment link will be sent by email. Payment is required prior to the appointment to reserve the dedicated clinical time allocated for your care.
Do both partners attend every session?
Most sessions are attended together. If clinically indicated and both partners agree, individual sessions may be requested and form part of the process.
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.