Couples Counselling
Counselling for relationships in Marylebone, London & Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Considering marriage guidance or couples counseling / therapy?
Neuroscience suggests that relationship counselling could help since after all we are neurologically wired to connect with others:
“People’s need to connect with others is even more basic than food and shelter and is the primary motivation of one’s behavior. Other neurological findings corroborated by social science suggests that connection, a sense of community and mutuality, is the greatest predictor of happiness.”
— Dr Matthew Lieberman
Just like any living organism, every couple goes through times of change and transformation. We grow, develop and sometimes get stuck – or go round in circles. In fact, probably one of the most difficult challenges many of us face in life is managing to develop both as an individual and as part of a couple. That's where couples therapy can help.
You could benefit from couples counselling if you find yourself in any of these situations:
- You are in a crisis and you feel like you are both stuck in a negative loop that you can't get out of.
- It feels like you are talking to two different languages and can't get to any agreement whatsoever.
- You would like to improve your intimate life.
- You have found out about an affair and you don't know how to cope with it, because you are still in love with your partner, but the betrayal feels such a deep injury.
- You are arguing constantly and this leaves you both sad and disconnected.
- You would like to get married but you are afraid and would like to get some pre-marital counselling.
- You are currently married but would like marriage guidance to navigate certain aspects of your relationship.
- You feel like you are doing everything in the relationship and your partner doesn't seem to be engaged.
- Your partner is struggling with trauma and doesn't know how you can be close and helpful.
- You feel under control and scrutinized all the time, without having the freedom to be and express yourself.
- You don't feel loved and appreciated, but articulate your need with the help of couples therapy.
- Everything has changed since you have become parents; how can you find closeness and attraction again?
- Somehow, you don't feel the closeness anymore; it is as if something has changed but you don't quite actually know what that is.
CREATING A SAFE SPACE
Through relationship counselling, I am here to support you and understand how you can get stuck in negative cycles that leave you separate and alone. I am helping you to create a safe space where you can understand and own your own triggers and how your actions act as coping strategies that have a negative impact on your partner.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
In my couples' work, I am a Certified therapist with a very contemporary and warm approach to couples counselling and marriage guidance called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is engaged and active and its aim is to help you to speak together in an open and accepting way that helps to repair cycles of conflict and create closeness.
BENEFITS OF EFT
Research studies find that 70-75% of couples receiving EFT couples counselling move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements. If you’d like to know more about this form of psychotherapy, it draws upon elements of:
- Experiential therapy such as person-centred therapy and Gestalt therapy
- Systemic therapy, which helps families/couples understand each other better, change negative behaviours and resolve conflicts
- Attachment theory
IFIO (INTIMACY FROM INSIDE OUT)
I am also training in IFIO (Intimacy from Inside Out). This a model of couples therapy that draws primarily from the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy, but also includes aspects of psychodynamic theory, systems thinking and neuroscience. It is an experiential model born out of a desire to carry the concepts of IFS into a relational setting and to use the intimate relationship itself as a vehicle for growth and healing of the individual, as well as the couple.
It is a non-pathologizing approach that helps people make sense of their life experience in a safe and collaborative way.
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING SESSIONS
Ongoing relationship counselling sessions last for 50 minutes. I also offer extended sessions - e.g.: double sessions or more for those who find weekly commitment difficult (children, job, outside of London).
To find out how working with me could help you and your partner build a deeper, happier relationship, please get in touch.
“The heart that breaks open can contain the whole universe”
— Joanna Macy
Contact me
Please contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or if you would like to arrange an appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07803375794 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 3 business days, and all contact is strictly confidential.
©Luiza Neumayer Psychological & Psychotherapeutic Services is powered by WebHealer