Relationship Counselling that understands

The issues that bring people to relationship counselling are wide-ranging. Common areas include communication breakdown and persistent conflict, infidelity and broken trust, loss of emotional or physical intimacy, toxic relationship patterns, narcissistic dynamics, jealousy and possessiveness, and the emotional aftermath of a relationship ending.

We also support people who notice that the same patterns keep appearing across different relationships — difficulty trusting, fear of closeness, choosing partners who are emotionally unavailable, or finding yourself in dynamics that feel familiar but harmful. For many people, these patterns are the central issue — and addressing them can be more important than working on any single relationship. These patterns often have deep roots in earlier life experiences, and understanding them can change not just the current relationship but how you relate to people more broadly.

For couples, we work with the full range of relationship difficulties — from specific crises to the gradual erosion of connection that happens when life gets in the way. We welcome couples of all orientations and relationship structures, including LGBTQIA+ couples and those in non-traditional relationships. Whatever your situation, the starting point is always the same: a genuine willingness to try something different. We also offer trauma-informed relationship work — including EMDR — for people whose relationship difficulties are connected to past experiences of abuse, neglect, or emotional harm.

A careful match, not a long list

Therapist availability changes from week to week, so rather than asking you to choose from a directory, we take time during your free 15-minute consultation to understand what you are looking for — and then match you with a therapist suited to your needs.

During the consultation, we will ask about:

• What you would like the work to focus on, and any specific concerns you would like support with
• Whether you would prefer face-to-face counselling, online sessions, or a combination of the two
• Any preferences around therapy approach (counselling, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, ACT, compassion focused therapy and others)
• Day and time availability that works around your life
• Any specialisms that matter to you — for example LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, neurodiversity-affirming support, or particular life experiences
• Practical preferences — for example therapist gender, age range, or shared lived experience where that matters to you

All therapists we work with are qualified and registered with appropriate UK professional bodies, and we will confirm the most suitable options with you before any sessions begin.

Professional standards across our team

Hope Therapy & Counselling Services has been operating since 2014, and we hold Organisational Membership with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). We work in line with the NCPS Code of Ethics and BACP Good Practice, and our wider clinical standards include:

• Qualified, professionally registered therapists across the team — registrations vary per therapist and are confirmed before matching
• Ongoing clinical supervision in line with professional body requirements
• Continuing professional development to maintain and develop practice
• Clear confidentiality standards, with limits explained before sessions begin
• Client-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive practice across all areas of identity and experience
• Founder-led clinical oversight from Ian Stockbridge — MBACP (Senior Accredited) – who continues to lead the practice and oversee its standards

Whether you choose face-to-face counselling near you or online therapy from anywhere in the UK, you can expect to be matched with a therapist who is appropriately qualified and suited to the support you are looking for.