About me
Reeling after an affair - or stuck in a cycle of criticism, walking on eggshells, and arguments that go round in circles?
I provide specialist couples counselling and affair recovery for partners facing the toughest moments: betrayal and broken trust, sex and intimacy that have vanished, constant bickering and defensiveness, or the added complexity of neurodiverse (autism/ADHD) or polyamorous relationships. Many couples arrive feeling burnt out: every talk becomes the same fight on repeat and nothing gets resolved.
I’m direct and results-focused: we stop the blame/defence loop, practice repairs in-session, and build a clear plan to rebuild trust, warmth and sex.
One couple put it this way: “When all hope was lost, Shan’s help and guidance enabled us to reconnect and be stronger than we have ever been.”
I'll help you quickly without judgement. I return calls/texts within 24 hours and in most cases I can see you within a week.
Read how I work here: https://www.shanmerchant.com.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience – I specialise in couples work - over 98% of my practice is with couples, in person (Harrogate/Leeds) and online UK-wide. Clients often arrive after “trying everything” with circular arguments, criticism/defensiveness, low intimacy, or the aftermath of an affair. My style is structured, direct and change-oriented.
I'm an advanced Imago couples therapist and currently studying Relational Life Therapy (for couples, with Terry Real).
I originally trained at The Psychosynthesis Institute in London (transpersonal psychotherapy) which means I hold a spiritual context to life. I am UKCP accredited.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Couples Counselling
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£180.00 per session
Additional information
Couples session are £180 per 90 min session. Couples come either weekly or fortnightly to see me based on the support they need.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
I currently have some availability.
Further information
I offer a free 15-min call. On the call you can tell me what you need help with, ask me any questions, and I'll tell you how I work. Please read my website first https://www.shanmerchant.com/ before you book a free call so you can see how I work. Looking forward to meeting you.
