Relationship Therapy

Relationship therapy supports couples and individuals with communication, conflict, trust and intimacy.

It provides a structured space to understand patterns and build healthier ways of relating.

Lets find you a Relationship Therapist...

Relationship therapy (also called couples therapy) helps you understand repeating patterns that lead to conflict, distance or mistrust. Therapy can support both practical communication skills and deeper emotional understanding.

What happens in relationship therapy?

You will typically start by clarifying goals and the relationship context. Sessions may include structured conversations, communication exercises, exploring emotional needs, and agreements about changes you want to make. Some therapists see partners together; others combine joint and individual sessions.

What can relationship therapy help with?

Communication problems and repeated arguments
Trust issues including after infidelity
Intimacy challenges and emotional distance
Life transitions affecting the relationship (parenthood, illness, relocation)

Safety and suitability

Relationship therapy may not be appropriate where there is ongoing abuse, coercive control or significant safety risk. In those situations, specialist support and safety planning are essential.

Choosing a therapist

Look for appropriate counselling/psychotherapy training and experience in couples work. Ask about approach (e.g. EFT, systemic, Gottman-informed) and how sessions are structured.

History of Relationship Therapy

Relationship therapy developed from family and systemic therapy traditions and has evolved through research on communication, attachment and relationship dynamics. In the UK it is delivered by counsellors and psychotherapists with couples-work training.

Typical conditions that use Relationship Therapy

Condition	Evidence	Notes
Attachment issues	strong	Core use for attachment issues.
Co-parenting challenges	strong	Core use for co-parenting challenges.
Difficulty reaching orgasm	strong	Core use for orgasm difficulties.
Erectile dysfunction	strong	Core use for erectile dysfunction.
Family conflict	strong	Core use for family conflict.
Intimacy concerns	strong	Core use for intimacy concerns.
Intimacy difficulties	strong	Core use for intimacy difficulties.
Jealousy	strong	Core use for jealousy.
Low libido	strong	Core use for low libido.
Painful sex (dyspareunia)	strong	Core use for dyspareunia.
Premature ejaculation	strong	Core use for premature ejaculation.
Relationship conflict	strong	Core use for relationship conflict.
Relationship stress (men)	strong	Core use for relationship stress in men.
Separation / divorce support	strong	Core use for separation/divorce support.
Sexual difficulties	strong	Core use for sexual difficulties.
Sexual performance anxiety (supportive)	strong	Core use for sexual performance anxiety.
Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive)	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Trust issues	strong	Core use for trust issues.
Vaginismus	strong	Core use for vaginismus.
Anger issues	strong	Relationship therapy for anger issues.
Body image concerns	strong	Relationship therapy for body image in intimacy.
Boundary issues	strong	Core use for boundary issues.
Domestic abuse recovery support (sensitive)	strong	Relationship therapy in domestic abuse recovery.
Fatherhood adjustment	strong	Relationship therapy for fatherhood adjustment.
Libido concerns (supportive)	strong	Relationship therapy for libido concerns.
Low mood in men	strong	Relationship therapy for men's relationship issues.
Parenting stress	strong	Relationship therapy for parenting stress.
People pleasing	strong	Relationship therapy for people pleasing.
Postnatal emotional support	strong	Relationship therapy for postnatal relationship adjustment.
Work-life balance	strong	Relationship therapy for work-life balance.
Bipolar disorder (support alongside medical care)	moderate	Relationship therapy in bipolar management.
Cancer emotional support (men)	moderate	Relationship therapy in cancer support.
Caregiver stress	moderate	Relationship therapy for carer dynamics.
Chronic illness adjustment	moderate	Relationship therapy for chronic illness adjustment.
Complex PTSD	moderate	Relationship therapy for PTSD relational impact.
Eating disorder recovery support (alongside specialist care)	moderate	Relationship therapy in eating disorder recovery.
Friendship difficulties	moderate	Relationship therapy for friendship difficulties.
Guilt	moderate	Relationship therapy for guilt in relationships.
Life transitions / adjustment issues	moderate	Relationship therapy for life transitions.
Loneliness	moderate	Relationship therapy for loneliness.
Long-term condition coping	moderate	Relationship therapy for chronic illness relationship impact.
Menopause symptoms	moderate	Relationship therapy for menopausal relationship impact.
Multiple sclerosis support (adjunct)	moderate	Relationship therapy for MS relationship impact.
Parkinson’s support (adjunct)	moderate	Relationship therapy for Parkinson's relationship impact.
Performance anxiety	moderate	Relationship therapy for performance anxiety in relationships.
Perimenopause symptoms	moderate	Relationship therapy for perimenopause relationship impact.
Shame	moderate	Relationship therapy for shame in relationships.
Social isolation	moderate	Relationship therapy for social isolation.
Stress	moderate	Relational stress support.
Stroke recovery support (adjunct)	moderate	Relationship therapy for post-stroke relationship adjustment.
Anxiety	moderate	Attachment-related anxiety.
Lipolymphoedema support	limited	Relationship therapy for lipolymphoedema impact.
Lymphoedema (lymphedema)	limited	Relationship therapy for lymphoedema impact.

Frequently asked questions

Do we attend together or separately?

Both options are used. Your therapist will agree a plan that suits your aims.

Will the therapist take sides?

No. The stance is neutral and focused on patterns and communication.

Is this suitable for crisis?

It is not a crisis service. For risk or safeguarding concerns, contact appropriate services.