Psychology Headquarters When the same conflict keeps repeating
Relationship distress often develops through cycles: one person pursues, the other withdraws; a practical disagreement becomes a fight about trust or respect; old hurts shape new conversations. Couples may still care deeply for each other while feeling unable to communicate without defensiveness, anger or shutdown.
The relationship is the focus
Couples work is different from deciding which partner is “right”. The psychologist helps identify interaction patterns, emotional triggers, assumptions and unmet needs that keep conflict going. The aim is to create a safer way to talk, understand each person’s experience and build more effective responses.
What sessions may address
Depending on suitability, sessions may explore communication, emotional connection, conflict repair, boundaries, stress, major life transitions and the effect of individual mental health concerns on the relationship. Dr Lutchman’s listed therapeutic modalities include Emotionally Focused Therapy alongside CBT, mindfulness and other evidence-based approaches that may inform relationship work.
When couples therapy may not be appropriate
Relationship therapy requires careful consideration where there is coercive control, serious violence, immediate safety risk or circumstances in which joint sessions could increase harm. In these situations, separate specialist or safety-focused services may be more appropriate.