Couples Coaching/Therapy

I have recently added this service to my practice as I have a desire to help couples with neurodiversity navigate their relationships.

Sessions are conducted in-person or online preferably using the same screen.

Maintaining relationships can feel tricky when you are neurodivergent due to our reduced executive functioning and increased sensitivity.  Many people with ADHD suffer from rejective sensitivity and even anticipated rejection can feel extremely painful.  Communication can often feel tricky as we become overwhelmed and this can result in a trauma response.  Or our inability to remember information means we can forget to message people back or draft a message and get distracted before it is sent.  

Time blindness can feel frustrating for partners, as we struggle with planning and organising so this affects our ability to be punctual.  Resulting in either being late or early.  Self awareness is key and being able to support one another through these challenges.  Knowing someone has your back when you are neurodivergent is really important and feeling like we have a buddy.  

Men often mask their ADHD symptoms with anger and so conflict in relationships can result in them becoming angry or volatile.  Whereas, women tend to mask with perfectionism.  This can result in two people not being fully seen and authentic hiding behind their masks.

It is very easy for people with ADHD to develop addictions as we can be impulsive and risk takers.  Alcohol, drugs and sex addictions could be impacting your relationship.  We can explore this and look at developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Emotional and physical intimacy are so important in a relationship and I can help you explore if you feel you are having your needs met or if there are areas we can improve to help your relationship feel more wholesome.

I can help you navigate these challenges in your relationship and improve your communication.  Offering a safe space and non-judgemental environment where you will both feel able to relax and be open about any of the difficulties you are experiencing which might mean you are putting on the brakes in your relationship.

Sometimes, there may be a need for one or both of you to seek individual therapy/coaching in order for us to continue our work together.  If this happens, I will signpost one of you to another therapist.