Couples Therapy in London

The Couple, be it in marriage, living together, monogamous or polyamorous and whether it’s ‘straight’, ‘gay’ or ‘other’, any couples relationship can struggle to thrive and feel positive & healthy.

Are you struggling to get your needs met in your relationship?
Do you keep getting into the same arguments with your partner?
Are issues from past relationships causing difficulties in your present one?
Do you feel like you are speaking different languages and unable to communicate successfully?

Couples therapy, also referred to as ‘couples counselling’ or sometimes ‘marriage guidance’, seeks to untangle the cause of the problem and find the roots to both sides concerns, issues or dissatisfactions with the relationship and their position in it.

When clients come to couples therapy they are often thinking about ‘their side of the story’ and wanting someone to see ‘their’ issues within the relationship. However, the couples therapist will encourage both parties to see that it is the ‘relationship’ that is the ‘client’, and that you are all there to help it.

If you would like to speak to a Couples therapist about whats going on in your relationship, you can explore the therapists below.

Mark Greenaway-Robbins

Borbala Jakab Hungarian Speaking Therapist

Professional Standards

All psychotherapists and counsellors on the City Therapy Rooms website are independent, self-employed specialists who manage their own appointments. Every practitioner must provide verified evidence of:

Professional Registration: Active membership with a leading UK regulatory body, including the BACP, BPS, BPC, UKCP, HCPC, BABCP, SEAUK, COSRT, NCS, BAAT.
Clinical Credentials: Fully verified professional qualifications and comprehensive indemnity insurance.
Supervision: Be in ongoing clinical supervision. Their supervisors have confirmed the accuracy of the content of their profiles on this website.

Couples Therapy: Subjects that frequently arise in the relationship:

Arguing and conflict
Infidelity, affairs and loss of trust
Lack of communication
Drifting apart with a feeling that there is no common ground anymore
Feelings of dissatisfaction in the relationship or partner
When one partner wants to start a family and the other doesn’t
Infertility issues
When one partner falls out of love and wants to move on
Commitment issues

There is no definitive list of things that can cause troubles.

Couples Therapy: When should we come to talk?

Couples often think that therapy is a last resort, when things are so bad that it’s ‘make or break time’ in the relationship. However, there are many reasons to consider talking with a couples therapist well before you reach crisis point:

Negotiating difficult situations that arise:

There are many situations that can arise during the course of a relationship, some happen as a result of an unforeseen event, for example an elderly relative needs caring for and the only option is for that care to be given by one or both of you perhaps in the family home. This can create stress and resentment in the relationship and lead to tensions that would not have arisen otherwise. Or perhaps one of you has a life changing event that then puts a strain on the relationship.

Difficulties in discussing sensitive subjects:

Those subjects can be anything, sex related issues, fertility issues, differences in parenting styles etc.

Power struggles, controlling behaviour and insecurities:

Inevitably relationships can have friction and tensions that can arise from one or both parties trying to assert themselves. Sometimes it is just the perception that someone is trying to control or it could be that there is a form of manipulation doing on.

What happens during a couples therapy session?

In couples therapy it can be helpful to talk to someone together about what is not working between the couple and can be easier to hear each other in the presence of a witness.

The couples therapist will also help you find ways of communicating more effectively and resolving conflict.

It is unrealistic to think that, as a couple in a marriage or life partnership, you can avoid conflict altogether. This may involve renegotiating your relationship and helping you to build a more realistic and deeper partnership.

Learning to manage and respect your differences is also an important part of couples work.

It may be that you come to the conclusion that you can no longer be together. Couples therapy can help in creating a positive “ending” for the relationship.

Couples therapy, how to find the right person to work with

Research shows again and again that the effectiveness of the therapy or counselling is affected by the relationship you have with your therapist or counsellor, this is especially important in couples therapy. It is therefore important that you find someone who you both feel comfortable with and who you can build a trusting relationship with.

To find a couples therapist for help with your relationship use the ‘search’ box to search for ‘couples therapist’ or use the filter on the home page to find ‘therpaists who work with couples’. Take a look at the profiles of the London Therapists at City Therapy Rooms, each profile is written by the therapist and gives you more information about how they work and their availability.

Please feel free to chat on the telephone to a few therapists or to meet several before deciding who you would like to work with. The initial session is an opportunity for both you and the therapist to decide if you would like to work together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does couples therapy actually work?

Yes. Research into evidence-based approaches (such as EFT and the Gottman Method) shows that approximately 70–75% of couples find therapy significantly helpful, with nearly 90% reporting improvements in relationship satisfaction. Success largely depends on the commitment of both partners to the process.

How much does couples therapy cost in London?

In 2026, private couples therapy in London typically ranges from £90 to £180 per session, depending on the therapist’s experience and the location (Central London vs. Outer London). Some therapists at City Therapy Rooms may offer sliding scale fees or initial consultation rates.

How many sessions will we need?

While every relationship is unique, most couples attend between 12 and 20 weekly sessions to see lasting change. Shorter-term work (6–8 sessions) can be effective for specific, recent conflicts, while deeper issues like infidelity or long-standing resentment may require longer.

Can I come to couples therapy alone?

While we recommend both partners attend to work on the “relationship as the client,” it is common for one partner to start the process alone. This can help you gain clarity and learn new ways to invite your partner into the therapeutic space later.

Is couples therapy covered by health insurance?

In the UK, many major insurers (like Bupa) classify couples therapy as a “group treatment” and may not cover it under standard individual policies. However, some employee assistance programs (EAPs) or premium plans do provide coverage. We recommend checking with your specific provider first.

What if my partner is reluctant to come?

It is normal for one partner to be more hesitant. We suggest inviting them to just one “initial consultation” to meet the therapist. This is a low-pressure way for them to see that the therapist is a neutral witness, not a judge.