Relationship Therapy Case Study
Finding connection before becoming parents
Over 12 sessions, M and T explored recurring patterns and how to communicate with more consideration as they prepared for parenthood.
Read case studyRelationship and couples counselling in London
If you feel stuck in the same arguments, distant from each other, or unsure how to talk without things becoming painful, therapy can offer a calm space to begin.
I offer relationship counselling in London – in person at King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon, and online – for couples and individuals who want to understand their patterns and find a more honest way forward.
Michael Swales
MBACP, NCPS Acc.In-person therapy in London
Online therapy
across the UKIndividual therapy
from £75Couples therapy
from £95
Who it’s for
Couples counselling in London, and support for individuals
Relationship therapy can be helpful whether you come together as a couple or on your own.
You may be trying to repair a relationship, understand repeated conflict, rebuild trust, decide whether to stay together, or make sense of patterns that keep showing up in dating, intimacy or long-term relationships.
This work is for people who want a calmer space to understand what is happening, rather than keep having the same conversation in the same way.
Common reasons
Reasons people seek relationship therapy
-
Repeated arguments or communication breakdown
-
Emotional distance or loss of connection
-
Trust issues, betrayal or resentment
-
Intimacy difficulties
-
Uncertainty about whether to stay together
-
Feeling criticised, dismissed or unheard
-
Anxiety, avoidance, jealousy or fear of abandonment
-
Difficulty expressing needs or boundaries
-
Attachment patterns that feel hard to change
-
The impact of trauma, addiction or ADHD on the relationship
-
Feeling stuck in a pattern you both want to change
What to expect
A calm space to talk
Sessions are collaborative, steady and non-judgemental.
If you attend as a couple, I will support both of you to speak and be heard. I will not take sides, but I will help slow down difficult moments, name patterns and bring attention to what may be happening underneath the surface.
If you attend individually, we can explore your relationship experiences, emotional responses, boundaries, attachment patterns and the parts of you that feel anxious, shut down, angry, ashamed or unsure.
You do not need to arrive with everything neatly explained. We can begin with what feels most present now.
Therapy in practice
About the therapist
A couples and marriage therapist in London
My approach is integrative, relational and trauma-informed.
I draw on relationship psychotherapy, somatic therapy, trauma-informed practice and addiction recovery work to help you understand yourself with less shame and more clarity.
Experienced and accredited
Michael Swales is registered with professional bodies including BACP and NCPS, with additional training in relationship psychotherapy, somatic trauma therapy and addiction recovery.
Locations and online
Couples therapy near you
in London and online
If you are looking for couples therapy near you in London, sessions take place in person at King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon, with online sessions available across the UK.
For a general introduction to how this work can help, read about relationship and couples therapy.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Couples therapy usually involves both partners attending together. Relationship therapy can include couples work, but it can also be for individuals who want to understand relationship patterns, attachment difficulties, intimacy, boundaries or repeated experiences in relationships.
For couples therapy, both partners usually attend. However, you can also begin therapy individually if your partner is not ready, if you are unsure what you want, or if you want to explore your own relationship patterns first.
Yes. Many people come to relationship therapy individually to explore dating patterns, conflict, intimacy, boundaries, self-worth or the impact of past relationships.
It can help you slow down the cycle and understand what is happening underneath the argument. Repeated conflict is often not only about the surface issue, but about hurt, fear, protection, shame, unmet needs or feeling unheard.
Therapy can offer a space to understand what has happened, what has been hurt, what each person needs, and whether repair is possible. It does not force forgiveness or a particular outcome, but it can help you speak about difficult things more clearly.
In-person sessions take place in King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon. If travelling is difficult, sessions can also take place online. We can talk about what suits you best during the initial consultation.
Yes. I work with married couples in London as well as couples who are not married. The focus is on what is happening between you – communication, trust, conflict or distance – rather than on the label.
Yes. Online couples therapy may be available depending on suitability. This can be discussed during the initial consultation.
Couples therapy starts from £95 per couple. Individual therapy starts from £75. Session fees can vary depending on the type of therapy, format and circumstances, and this can be discussed during your initial consultation.
Get in touch
Take the next step when you're ready
Reaching out can feel like a big step, I offer a safe, confidential place to talk and explore what support might look like for you. Phone, email, video-call or in-person sessions – get in touch in whatever way suits you.
Email
info@michaelswales.com
Response time
I aim to respond to within 1 working day.
I'll be happy to hear from you.
Your details are secure and will never be shared.
This form is confidential.