Patricia Sandford

People often choose to see a counsellor or therapist for relationship issues only when the pain of not doing so exceeds the pain of revealing themselves to a perfect stranger. It is daunting to think about sharing personal details of life with someone you don’t know.  It is my experience, however, that when counselling is approached as a warm and collaborative undertaking with a therapist who has received specialised training in Couple and Individual Relationship Therapy, the discomfort eases quickly.

There are many reasons for seeking help with your relationship — affairs and betrayals, separation and divorce, family issues, communication, lack of sex life and/or affection, arguments about money or how to raise your children, you've grown apart, your life goals have changed but your partner hasn't kept up, the stress caused by Covid-19 and lockdown has revealed cracks in your relationship .

Sometimes people come to therapy to sort out these very specific problems. There are also less clear-cut reasons — for example, the desire to stop repeating self-defeating patterns of behaviour that block you from having the relationship you long for and deserve.

No matter what your presenting problem is, it is affecting your life, your work, your family, your friendships. I wonder what will happen over the next 6-12 months if you don't address it?

The purpose of coming to counselling is unique to each couple and individual. A successful outcome depends a great deal on sorting out your goals and we will work together to tailor a specific plan to address your needs. How long will it take? Our work together can be either of a short duration to deal with a specific issue, or more open-ended, which we can discuss when we first meet.

I work with Couples to help them communicate and understand each other, and achieve a more satisfying and meaningful relationship. I can also help negotiate the difficult feelings brought up during separation and divorce, or by affairs and betrayals. If your partner is unwilling to attend or you would like to work on issues without your partner present, we can work together one-to-one.  Please refer to my website pages for 'Couples,' 'Individuals in Relationships' and 'Divorce Counselling' for a more detailed discussion.

I also counsel Individuals who are not presently in a relationship. Perhaps there has been a recent breakup you would like to understand better, or avoid dating because you fear attracting the same type of person yet again. We can work together to examine your past relationships, and understand underlying patterns that are preventing you from finding a more healthy and satisfying relationship. Please refer to my website page for 'Individuals' for a more detailed discussion.

Contact me now to arrange your free 20 minute phone consultation.

Why me? Because I am a specialist in this field. I am an experienced and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist trained at the world-renowned Tavistock Relationships, part of the Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, where I also worked as a Visiting Clinician for many years. My private practice has consulting rooms in Hammersmith & Fulham, and I provide tele-therapy online or by phone.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Please contact Patricia to discuss fees.