When relationships feel difficult

 

Relationships—whether romantic, family, friendships or work-related—can be a source of deep connection, but they can also bring out painful patterns.

 

You might find yourself withdrawing, people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, or feeling overly responsible for others. Or perhaps you notice repeated relationship struggles, such as feeling let down, misunderstood, or caught in cycles of anxiety, frustration, or emotional distance.

 

These patterns can leave you feeling stuck, confused, or alone—even when you’re surrounded by people.

 

Relationship therapy offers a chance to explore what’s going on beneath the surface, so you can begin to relate differently—to others and to yourself.

 

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A deeper approach with ISTDP

 

I work using ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy)—a dynamic and emotionally focused form of therapy that helps uncover the unconscious patterns that affect how you experience closeness, boundaries, and emotional expression in relationships.

 

Often, the difficulties we experience in the present have roots in earlier relationships—where certain emotions or needs weren’t safe to express. Over time, we adapt by holding parts of ourselves back or trying to manage how others respond to us. These coping strategies can keep us from feeling fully seen, heard, or connected.

 

Through focused and supportive work, ISTDP helps you become more aware of these patterns, work through the emotional conflicts behind them, and begin relating from a more authentic and grounded place.

 

 

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Relationship therapy may help you:

 

• Understand recurring struggles in your relationships

• Break out of cycles of conflict, avoidance or emotional shutdown

• Develop clearer boundaries and communicate more effectively

• Work through fear of closeness or fear of abandonment

• Explore the impact of early attachment patterns

• Feel more connected—to yourself and others

 

 

A space for honest exploration

 

In therapy, we create a space where you can safely explore the emotional themes that play out in your relationships. This isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about building awareness and opening up new ways of relating.

 

Whether you’re looking to improve your current relationships, explore long-standing patterns, or better understand your emotional responses, therapy can offer the clarity and support needed to make meaningful change.

 

 

Online or in-person sessions

 

I offer relationship-focused therapy from my practice in Nottingham, as well as online sessions for clients across the UK and internationally.

 

Sessions are arranged individually and tailored to your needs and availability.