Marriage Counselling in Richmond

Reasons partners get in touch

• A growing distance neither of you knows how to bridge
• The same argument, on repeat, with no resolution
• After an affair, betrayal or loss of trust
• Empty-nest, retirement or other late-life transitions
• Considering separation but wanting to think clearly first
• Wanting to invest in the relationship while it's still strong
• Differences over parenting, money, in-laws or lifestyle
• Loss of intimacy, affection or friendship between you

Working with conflict and repair

Most couples don't need to argue less; they need to argue better. A lot of the work is on slowing down the moments where things tip over, hearing what's actually being asked for underneath, and rebuilding trust in small, repeatable ways.

When trust has been broken — through an affair, secrecy or years of disconnection — repair is possible but rarely quick. Counselling gives you a structure for honest conversation without it spiralling.

Life stages and shared history

Marriages often strain at transition points: new parenthood, career changes, bereavement, children leaving home, retirement. These shifts can expose differences that were always there but easier to ignore.

We make room for the full story of your marriage — not only the current crisis but how you got here. That context often makes sense of feelings that seem disproportionate on the surface.

Thinking about separation

If you're unsure whether to stay, counselling gives space to test that question honestly without pressure either way. Some couples leave with a clearer commitment; others leave the marriage with more kindness and less damage.

Where separation is the right answer, this work can support a more thoughtful process — especially when children, finances or shared history make a clean break impossible.

Book a free introductory call

Getting both partners to agree to counselling can be the hardest step. A short call with me first can answer practical questions and help you decide whether to book. Contact me via the website or at counsellingrichmond26@gmail.com.

Common questions

Is marriage counselling only for couples in crisis?

No. Many couples come for a tune-up — to address something small before it grows, or to invest in the relationship during a quiet but distant period. You don't need to be on the brink of separation.

What if we're considering separation?

Marriage counselling can help you think clearly about whether to stay together, and how to part well if that's the right answer. There's no pressure to preserve the marriage at all costs — honesty matters more.

How is this different from couples therapy?

The work is essentially the same. 'Marriage counselling' tends to describe longer-standing partnerships and often touches on shared history, family, finances and the practicalities of a life built together.

How long are sessions?

Marriage counselling sessions are 60 minutes, usually weekly. The first few meetings are often about understanding what's happening between you before we agree what to focus on.