Can I have relationship counselling on my own?

People come alone for different reasons. A partner has refused. The relationship has ended and they're trying to make sense of it. Or they'd like to think clearly before deciding what to say at home.

Reasons people come on their own

• Your partner won't come, or isn't ready
• You're not sure whether you want to stay
• You keep ending up in the same kind of relationship
• You're going through a separation or divorce
• You'd like to understand your own part before talking to your partner
• You're single and want things to go differently next time

What it can and can't do

It can help you understand the pattern you're in and your part in it. When one person responds differently, the pattern often shifts, because it takes two to keep it going.

It can help you work out what you want. That's hard to do in the middle of arguments.

It can't change your partner, and I can't tell you what they think or feel. I'll only ever hear your side, and I'll keep that in mind. I won't tell you whether to stay or leave.

What happens in sessions

We'll talk about what's going on and what you'd like to be different. I might ask about earlier relationships and the family you grew up in, because that's where most of us learn how to be close to someone.

Sessions are 50 minutes, in person in Barnsley, or by video or phone if you prefer. There's no fixed number. Some people find a handful of sessions is enough; others come for longer.

Could we move to couples sessions later?

Sometimes. If your partner decides to come, we'd talk first about whether I'm the right person to see you both, since I'll already know you and not them. Some couples prefer to start fresh with someone else, and that's fine.

What it costs

Individual relationship sessions are £70 for 50 minutes. Couples sessions are £90. You pay per session.

There's more on separation and divorce on my relationship counselling page, and more on one-to-one work on my individual counselling page.

Talk it through

You can start with a free 10-minute phone intro, bookable at 12:00 or 12:30, Monday to Friday, or book a first session.

Book a free 10-minute callBook a first session

If you're afraid of your partner

If the reason you're coming alone is that you feel frightened or controlled, please tell me. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. You can also call: