Therapy For Couples

Couples want one thing, to communicate better. Whether that’s physically, emotionally or mentally, I’ll help you understand how to connect and in some cases how to disconnect in the healthiest way.

Relationships are at the core of our wellbeing and increasingly shows what reflective work we haven't addressed within ourselves. Therapy lets you build together a solid, fun, flirtatious and spiritually aligning union that sparks co-creative harmony.

Things I can you help with in couple’s therapy

I am genuinely curious about relational work and have spent many years learning how to help individuals and couples master creating healthy relationships. Although relationships seem to evoke our deepest fears, it's my mission to help you bridge the gap to discover how your past attachments are causing your present insecurities and finally let them go.

  • Learn “how to fight fairly,” and “effective listening”whilst addressing the past pain points.

  • Betrayal can feel like all hope has been sucked out of your relationship. Learn how to show consistent transparency and accountability.

  • Emotional and physical connection requires safety, time and tenderness. Learn how to dedicate time for emotional and physical bonding.

  • As an LGBTQIA affirming therapist, I prioritise stepping into your unique world-view and shared lived experience. Focusing on a your desired goals, offering a safe, open space and supporting you navigate specific challenges related to identity, discrimination, and family dynamics.

  • Learning the unique dynamics of how to co-parent strategically whilst balancing family and partner priorities, can be challenging. I can help in aligned parenting approaches and open communication about family roles and expectations.

Questions to invite open communication

What do you think is the biggest challenge I face regarding our relationship?

If you could give me one advice, what would it be and why?

What do you love to do with me that I may not be aware of?

What do you think is the biggest challenge I face regarding our relationship? • If you could give me one advice, what would it be and why? • What do you love to do with me that I may not be aware of? •

Ask each other:

Therapy that suits the way you both prefer

1:1 Therapy in-person

Get personalised 1:1 couples therapy to enhance communication & strengthen your relationship.

1:1 Therapy online

Convenient, expert guidance to deepen connection and learn insightful techniques.

Group Therapy in-person

Join the group to enhance communication, share experiences, and re-connect.

Group Therapy online

A shared community, building robust, safe and wholesome relationships online.

1:1 Therapy for Couples

I love the fun and transformative work I do with couples. I use my years of mastering Therapeutic Relational tools and relationship Coaching to create a clear treatment plan you both can follow. I'll set homework, encourage individual reflective work and awareness to what influences you've experienced that unconsciously reflects why the discord in your relationship is happening.

Got any questions? Check out our FAQs.

  • If time or location restriction's are an issue, as long as you have a quiet, private space, joining me online has proven to provide great therapeutic results.

  • Perfect for city livers; commuters or flexible workers; set in Marylebone & Soho. All you need to bring are yourselves and I'll provide the refreshments, privacy and comfort.

Relational work focuses on how your relationship is repeating internalised cycles of trauma. It uncovers aspects of your psyche that allow deeper connection with your partner and a secure wholesome union.

Emma Wallen Group Therapy for Couples

Group Therapy for Couples

Group Couples Therapy offers a unique and supportive environment where couples can work through relationship challenges alongside others. It provides the opportunity to learn from shared experiences, fostering communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

The method of being part of a shared safe space often creates valuable insights, practicing healthier strategies for conflict resolution, and enabling deep emotional connections. With professional guidance, couples experience enhanced positive changes, ability to handle difficult emotions in their relationships, improving overall satisfaction and strengthening their bonds.

Got any questions? Check out our FAQs.

  • For couples who prefer the convenience of Online therapy; same methodology; just a different space.

  • Situated in Marylebone, offered weekly/bi-weekly on Saturday's. Refreshments provided in a confidential, comfy space. Just arrive and be open for the journey to creating a wholesome relationship you'd be proud of.

Got a burning question for me?

Frequently Asked Questions

Couples 1:1 Therapy

  • Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps couples improve their relationship and communication skills. It can help couples resolve conflicts, build intimacy, and create a more satisfying relationship. It is designed to help couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. Helping to facilitate conversations and providing tools to help partners better understand each other’s perspectives and work through issues in a safe and neutral environment.

  • Couples need help with a variety of issues, including:

    • Communication problems

    • Conflict resolution

    • Infidelity or trust issues

    • Intimacy concerns

    • Financial stress

    • Parenting issues

    • Intersectionality crisis

    • Work-life balance

    • Mental health issues

    • Emotional distance

    • Differences in goals or values

    • Spiritual alignment

    • Managing Triggers

  • Couples therapy typically involves weekly or biweekly sessions. I will help identify the issues causing problems in the relationship and develop strategies for resolving them. Homework tasks and reflective exercises are usually set, and I may provide psycho-educational resources and suggestions on relevant topics to enhance the relationship.

  • Well, I thought you’d never ask! I’m an integrative couples therapist and coach. So all that means is lots of what I do stems from finding out how and why your past environments have shaped your relationship and what needs to change in the present to allow the desired future you both envisage. I’m solution-focused and can include a directive approach to reaching your goals (where the coaching bit comes in handy!) Technically, your relationship is my client, which sounds strange but handy, as it leaves me very impartial. I utilise mindfulness, somatic practices (a fancy word for connecting to your body), and, most importantly, a humanistic approach to guide you both to feel clearer, empowered, and connected at the bare minimum!

  • The length of couples therapy varies depending on the couple's needs and goals. Some couples may only need 6 weekly sessions, with the aim of doing drop-ins. While others may need longer-term therapy, I like to keep the process structured, so regular interval reviews are part of my service.

  • I ask to see each partner individually before we begin; usually, 1-2 sessions is enough; the key reasons for this:

    1. To Gain Deeper Insight into Individual Perspectives - Seeing each partner separately allows me to understand better personal experiences, emotions, and concerns that may not surface during joint sessions. So I can build a more comprehensive view of the relationship and the individual factors contributing to issues.

    2. To Address Personal Issues Affecting the Relationship - I want to help identify personal struggles—such as mental health concerns, past trauma, or unresolved emotional issues—that may be affecting the relationship. It can help to feel unfiltered without the complexity of your partner's presence, which can sometimes inhibit honest sharing.

    3. To Provide a Safe Space for Sensitive Topics - Partners may feel uncomfortable or hesitant to discuss specific issues—such as resentment, feelings of guilt, or sensitive past events—in front of the other. Individual sessions provide a safer environment for sharing these concerns, which can be addressed more effectively in joint sessions.

    4. To Assess Power Imbalances or Abuse - As difficult as it is to address, I sometimes see power imbalances, controlling, or abusive behaviours; the individual sessions can help reveal these dynamics in a safer, private setting. This is especially crucial in cases where one partner may feel intimidated or unable to speak freely in joint sessions or when one isn’t aware of their toxic traits.

    5. To Build Trust with Each Partner - It helps strengthen the therapeutic relationship between me and each of you. Creating a sense of trust and openness. 

    6. To Respect Privacy Boundaries - Fostering open communication: I’m not a gatekeeper for secrets! If it affects the other person, honesty is the best policy!

  • In-person & Online sessions: £170 and last 60 minutes.

    Individual Sessions that form part of the couple’s process are £140

    Blocks of 4 or more sessions, can receive a 5% discount.

  • Let’s have a 20-minute chat first over Zoom. It’s important we both feel confident about beginning to work together. Once we all agree, I’ll let you know the next steps.

    Book your FREE consultation call here.

  • That depends. It can be an insightful, enriching process, but let's chat, and I can offer a little more direction.

Couples Group Therapy

  • Couples group therapy is a form of therapy in which multiple couples meet with a therapist to work on their relationships. It combines the benefits of traditional couples therapy with the unique dynamics of group therapy. Group therapy, specifically support groups, works as a way to build positive peer networks and practice healthy communication skills in a safe space. 

     I will assess each couple before unifying the group, and once established, adding new members will be subject to evaluating what’s best for the group dynamic.

    • Normalisation: Seeing other couples struggle with similar issues helps you realise you're not alone.

    • Diverse perspectives: Gaining insights from other couples and the therapist offers a wider range of perspectives on your relationship challenges.

    • Skill-building: Learn and practice communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy-building skills in a safe and supportive environment.

    • Increased empathy: Witnessing other couples' vulnerabilities can foster empathy and understanding within your own relationship.

    • Cost-effective: Group therapy is often more affordable than individual couples therapy.

    • Experiential Learning: positive motivation to witness others' improvements.

    • Group dynamic: The presence of other couples adds a unique dimension, offering opportunities for shared learning and support.

    • Witnessing and relating: Observing other couples' interactions and challenges can provide valuable insights into your own relationship patterns.

    • Less individual focus: While you'll still receive personalised attention, my focus is divided among the couples in the group.

    • Skill-building in action: The group becomes a safe space to practice communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and intimacy-building exercises in front of others, receiving immediate feedback and support.  

    • Vicarious learning: Witnessing other couples navigate challenges and try new approaches can be just as instructive as your own direct experience.  

    • Power of Collective wisdom: Group members often share valuable resources, coping strategies, and book recommendations that have helped them.  

    • Mutual support: The group becomes a source of encouragement and understanding, fostering a sense of community and shared goals

    • Communication problems: Improving communication skills, active listening, and expressing needs effectively.

    • Conflict resolution: Learning healthy ways to manage conflict and disagreements.

    • Intimacy and connection: Rebuilding emotional and physical intimacy, addressing sexual concerns.

    • Infidelity and trust: Rebuilding trust after infidelity or other breaches of trust.

    • Life transitions: Navigating significant life changes together, such as parenting, career shifts, or health matters.

    • Spontaneity/Adventure: Making bold steps often promotes a stretch outside comfort zones which allows more spontaneity and a sense of adventure.

  • Group therapy can provide several benefits, including:

    • A sense of community and belonging: “You’re Not Alone”

    • Social connection: Couples group therapy can help couples expand their social circle and build relationships with others who understand their challenges.

    • This can combat isolation and create a support network outside of therapy

    • Cost-effective: Group therapy often costs less per session than individual couples therapy, making it a more accessible option for some couples.

    • Real-time feedback: The group becomes a social microcosm, allowing you to see how you interact with others and receive feedback in a safe environment.

    • The opportunity to learn from and support others

    • Reduced shame: In a supportive group environment, couples can feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues they might hesitate to share in individual therapy.

    • Increased self-awareness and understanding

    • Improved communication and social skills

    • Reduced symptoms of mental health conditions

    • You can identify and address unhelpful relationship patterns contributing to your challenges.

    • Witnessing other group members overcome challenges and make progress inspires hope and motivates you in your journey.

  • Confidentiality: What's shared in the group stays in the group.

    Respect: Treat all group members with respect and kindness.

    Active participation: Be willing to share your experiences and engage in the process.

    No advice-giving: Focus on sharing your experiences and perspectives rather than giving advice to others.

  • Not on my watch! I’m a stickler for justice and empowerment, so bullying or anything that doesn’t allow inclusion is a big No for me! Group therapy has rules to ensure everyone feels respected and safe. My job is to help everyone be kind, respectful and understanding of each other.

  • Some common topics discussed in group therapy include:

    • Relationships

    • Communication

    • Intimacy Issues

    • Conflict resolution

    • Grief and loss

    • Infidelity & Trust issues

    • Anxiety and depression

    • Addictions

    • Emotional Attunement

    • Mood Dysregulation

    • Pregnancy

    • Parenting

    • Check-ins from each couple

    • In-depth discussion of a topic or issue

    • Interactive exercises or activities

    • Processing and reflection

    A huge warm welcome to start. Time to get comfy and settle in; I’ll share some prompt questions to introduce yourself and share a little about your reasons for seeking therapy. I will then lead the group to discuss topics relevant to everyone's needs and address boundaries, our agreement and the agenda for the day.

  • Be open and honest: Come prepared to share your challenges and goals for therapy.

    Listen actively: Pay attention to what other couples are sharing and how it resonates with your own experiences.

    Be patient: Feeling comfortable in the group and seeing progress may take time.

  • Yes, group therapy is confidential. The other group members and I keep everything that is said confidential. This will be a mandatory requirement we all contract to before we begin. The only caveat is if there are safety concerns.

  • Couples group therapy can complement individual treatment but doesn't necessarily replace it. If you're dealing with personal mental health concerns, individual treatment may be necessary in addition to couples group therapy.

  • It's normal for one partner to be more hesitant than the other. Encourage open communication and discuss the potential benefits of group therapy. Consider attending an individual session with me to address any concerns.

  • The Groups last for 90-minutes and run from 6-20 weeks, either weekly or bi-weekly (unless there’s a holiday, which is discussed beforehand):

    Short-term groups: Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting for 6-8 weeks. These groups often focus on a specific skill or issue, such as communication or conflict resolution.

    Standard groups: Many couples groups run for 12-20 sessions, meeting weekly or bi-weekly. This allows for deeper exploration of issues and more time to practice new skills.

    Long-term groups: Some groups may continue for several months or even years. These groups often provide ongoing support and guidance as couples navigate various life stages and challenges.

  • Each 90-minute session is £75

  • Each group has four couples. If a group drops below 4, we will continue, and if appropriate for the group dynamic, new members will be added.

  • Typically, members opt to pay in advance, all in one go. If you’d prefer to split it, using the Trafft booking system, you can pay for the first four sessions. The remainder is due four weeks in advance of each month or of the end date. 72 hours notice is required if you can’t attend a session.

  • Absolutely, Groups for LGBTQIA are purposefully positioned; equally, there are black and mixed heritage couples groups, spiritual community groups with an interest in soul, mind, and body alignment, and more. 

  • Couples group therapy can be beneficial for couples who are:

    • Motivated to work on their relationship

    • Open to feedback and learning from others

    • Comfortable sharing personal experiences in a group setting

    Group therapy might be a good fit if you're open to sharing with others and learning from their experiences. It's always a good idea to talk to me first to see if it's the most appropriate choice.

Still not sure? Book your consultation call and let’s talk!