Relationship therapy
Romantic relationships can undergo periods of stress and couples can get caught up in negative patterns of interaction that can be difficult to shift, causing distress for both partners and a lack of connection or intimacy. Relationship and couples therapy can help you explore negative patterns that may be affecting the quality of your relationships and quality of life.
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​Here at Psychology Brighton, we work with a wide range of couples from different cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identity and relationship diversity (from monogamy to ethical non-monogamy, polyamory and relationship anarchy) and we pride ourselves on our inclusive approach. We can help with a range of common relationship difficulties that can arise for people including:
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Frequent arguments and conflicts that seem difficult to resolve
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Life transitions (starting a family, children leaving home)
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Cultural differences between partners and integration of culture in the relationship
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Specific difficulties that can arise in LGBTQI+ relationships (family and societal acceptance, the journey to having children, sex and intimacy)
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If you feel that individual therapy might be more suitable for you at present, please visit our individual therapy page and our dedicated page explaining our approach to gender, sexuality and relationship diversity.
STRONGER BONDS
IMPROVED INTERPERSONAL UNDERSTANDING
BETTER EMOTIONAL FUNCTIONING
Relationship therapy for couples
We support couples break out of their negative cycles using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based approach developed by Dr Sue Johnson.
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EFT can support couples explore and understand their negative cycles of interaction and find a better way to interact and connect.
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EFT recognises that healthy relationships are essential for mental and physical wellbeing. Through its evidence-based method, EFT successfully supports couples to establish and restore secure bonds between partners.
What we offer
We offer three options for couple's therapy that you can choose depending on your current needs.
Couples Therapy
We offer traditional couples therapy, weekly (or biweekly), for 60 minutes either online or face to face. This is an option that is suitable for most couples and can support couples in acute distress, as well as those looking to strengthen their bond.
Couple's therapy always starts with an assessment period.
Hold Me Tight®
Hold Me Tight® is an evidence-based manualised course for couples, developed by Dr Sue Johnson. It involves supporting couples through seven transforming conversations to strengthen their bond. It usually takes place in a small group of several couples with facilitation from one or more trained EFT therapists.
Couples Intensives
We offer couples intensives using the Hold Me Tight® model, where couples can spend 8 evenings with a trained therapist, to work on their relationship. It functions as a bit of a "starter kit", equipping you with some key strategies to either continue your journey on your own or proceed with more traditional couples therapy.
First in the world Hold Me Tight® workshop for LGBTQI+ couples
Here at Psychology Brighton, we are proud to offer the first in the world Hold Me Tight® workshop for LGBTQI+ couples. We recognise that being LGBTQI+ comes with its own amazing aspects and challenges and we have developed a programme tailored specifically to LGBTQI+ couples, based on the Hold Me Tight® relationship programme developed by Dr Sue Johnson. Get in touch to find out about future dates.