1. Is The Couple Consultancy a sex and relationship specialist service?

Yes. We specialise in working with both couples and individuals to offer support on sexual and relationship matters that you may be finding difficult either in your current relationship, or with relationships in general. Some of the matters you can talk to us about include, but are not limited to: arguments and conflict, trust concerns, communication difficulties, affairs, divorce and separation, considering and settling into married life, considering and settling into parenting, money and finance difficulties, cross-cultural differences, dealing with wider family relationships, difficulties with your sexual relationship and more besides.

We encourage you to contact us to discuss your particular concern. If we feel we are not best placed to assist you, then we may be able to make recommendations on where else you may be able to seek help.

2. How is online counselling different to face-to-face?

Online counselling offers you the same expertise as with face-to-face services, except instead of meeting in person for sessions, they will be conducted via webcam. Many people prefer the convenience of online therapy. This could be because someone works away often and can only maintain regular sessions by joining online, it may be difficult to arrange regular childcare, you could live in a place that doesn’t offer a specialist couples therapy service face-to-face, or online may simply be your preferred choice. Whatever it is, you will receive the same standard of care as with a face-to-face service.

3. Is online counselling effective?

Many people find online therapy extremely beneficial. This may be for various reasons; you may find it easier to open up in a surrounding that is more familiar to you, such as your own home.

There is also something called the disinhibition effect, where people feel more comfortable opening up and discussing problems when they’re online. It may also make it easier for you to commit to regular sessions which wouldn't be possible if you needed to travel to our office for regular sessions. Maintaining regular sessions is an important part of the effectiveness of counselling.

4. What are your fees?

Fees differ depending on the session time, however, for ongoing therapy fees range between £125 - £155 per session. We recommend that you book an initial consultation where you will be able to discuss your time availability with your therapist who will then be able to inform you of the exact fee for that time. 

The fee for an initial consultation is set at £155 and requires upfront payment to secure the booking. Unfortunately, this fee cannot be refunded if you decide to move or cancel the session after it has been confirmed.

5. How quickly will I be able to see a therapist?

We will contact you to book an initial consultation within 48 hours of first receiving your enquiry. From here we will be able to arrange a convenient time for us to speak. 

6. What will happen in my initial consultation?

In your initial consultation, we will talk about what has prompted you to get in touch with The Couple Consultancy. From here, we will be able to discuss how we are best able to support you through ongoing therapy.

If we think other services may be more beneficial to you, we will let you know and we may have suggestions for who else you may wish to speak to. 

7. Do you offer evening or weekend sessions?

Sessions at The Couple Consultancy are held from 8am – 9pm Monday to Friday. The latest session start time is 8pm. We will work with you to find a regular time that suits you.  

8. How do ongoing sessions work?

Sessions last for 50 minutes and are held at the same time and day every week. Your therapist will reserve this time to meet with you on an ongoing basis until you decide to end sessions. 

9. What if my children are around?

We appreciate regular childcare arrangements may be difficult, however, your session is an important time reserved for you to think about and reflect on your relationship. Therefore arranging a time that will allow you to focus solely on your relationship is an important consideration. 

10. What if my partner or I can’t make a session?

Weekly therapy does take commitment and we encourage you to attend your sessions consistently to gain the benefit of the therapy. We will work with you to find a regular time that suits you and your therapist will reserve this time for you on an ongoing basis. If, however, you are unable to attend then we would require 14 days' notice in writing to cancel your session without fee. Within this timeframe, your full fee would be required. 

11. Can I talk to my therapist outside of our regular session time?

Therapists see a number of clients during our office hours, which means it will not be possible to speak to your therapist about therapy concerns outside of your regular session time. If there are logistics that need to be communicated, for example you are running late or need to cancel a session last minute, please email your therapist and they will respond in due course.

12. How do I cancel future sessions? 

If you feel as though you would like to end therapy, please discuss this with your therapist during your regular session time. We will be able to work with you to end your sessions appropriately. 

13. What if I don’t feel happy with the therapy?

It is normal for people to feel uneasy with therapy at first, since we may discuss some uncomfortable topics. Raising these concerns can often be beneficial to your progress, therefore we would encourage you to speak to your therapist about these during your regular session.