Lisa Stevenson: Couples Counsellor and Relationship Therapist NCS, NCP (Accred)

I am a Couples and Relationship Specialist working Online and face to face in Taunton and Exeter. Whilst working previously in a busy cross cultural practice abroad, I gained extensive experience of working with difference - personal, cultural and religious.

We are naturally drawn to people whose difference can turn into a challenge once the initial thrill has worn off. Working with me will enable you to recognise difference as a gift rather than a problem, and to turn it into an opportunity for growth and greater intimacy.

You may have lost hope in your relationship or just be stuck. Perhaps you are unable to talk about your problems, or have forgotten why you are together. Relationship issues often build slowly when we lose attention and energy, or suddenly after a specific distressing issue such as an affair. Anxiety around relationship issues can be exhausting.

Whatever the problem, we’ll unpack the dynamics of the relationship, without blame or criticism, in order to give the two of you choices that you may have lost sight of. We will look for safe ways of breaking down the layers of defensiveness so you can talk about things without fear and begin to hear each other without judgement.

People often find it harder to seek help as a couple than as individuals. Whether it be fear of failure, fear of being vulnerable in front of your partner, or simply fear of being 'unmasked', I aim to be sensitive and careful whilst being respectful of both partners whatever their story.

I also work with individuals who are interested in personal growth for the sake of their relationships too. When we have never had a strong sense of ourselves, or have lost sight of it, life can be pretty tough. Anxiety and low self esteem drive the way we turn up in our relationships.

You may recognise repetitive relationship patterns, or be struggling with a relationship breakdown. I can help you make sense of your concerns. Sometimes, a partner does not want to seek help and then I can work with just one.

I offer pre marriage counselling for those who are about to get married, or make a commitment, to facilitate healthy and conscious choices to create a shared vision. Too often, we leave things to chance and then feel disappointed when our dreams are unfulfilled.

And finally, I am a certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner which I find is wonderfully adaptable to so many of the things we struggle with.