Relationship Therapy

Dr Tim is a Certified Emotion Focussed Couples Therapist

“The number one thing people talk about in (individual) psychotherapy, is their close and romantic relationships”

— Dr Tim van Wanrooij

Relationships are everywhere. They come in many different forms and impact multiple different aspects of our lives. Intimate relationships especially, impact our well-being in a profound way.

What are common challenges in relationship therapy?

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Two men wearing glasses embrace and laugh together indoors, sitting on a sofa with a knitted blanket nearby.

  • The challenge:

    In my clinical experience, the most common challenge in a relationship is communication. Partners may be experiencing frequent miscommunication, friction and/or conflict.

    The opportunity:

    Improved communication skills, which can help partners to express themselves and their needs more effectively, understand each other's needs and perspectives, and resolve conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner.

  • The challenge:

    Betrayal and infidelity can deeply hurt and undermine the foundation of the relationship, leading to profound emotional pain and a breakdown of trust between partners.

    The opportunity:

    The chance to understand, learn and grow from the factors and mistakes that contributed to the betrayal or infidelity in the first place. Once hurt is expressed and heard, and the ‘causes’ are deeply understood: partners can then make an informed decision whether or not to continue the relationship.

    *Intimate partner relationship betrayal refers to a breach of trust within a committed relationship that involves emotional, physical, or sexual infidelity. Infidelity, on the other hand, specifically refers to engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with someone outside of the committed partnership, often in secret.

  • The challenge:

    Intimacy and sexual challenges can arise in intimate partner relationships for a variety of reasons, such as: a lack of emotional connection, communication difficulties , mismatched sexual desires, sexual performance anxiety, sexual addictions, trust issues and past trauma (among other causes).

    The opportunity:

    Relationship therapy and sex-therapy focussed on sexual and intimacy challenges can provide valuable support and guidance in navigating these struggles. Partners are guided to explore their emotions, desires, and fears along with intimacy (home) based exercises. Relationship therapy can help increase trust, improve communication, enhance emotional intimacy, and promote a healthy sexual connection.

  • The challenge:

    Major life transitions, such as getting married, having children, changing careers, or relocating, can impact the dynamics between partners.

    Communication may become strained, and individual needs may be overlooked. This can lead to conflict, distance and disconnection.

    The opportunity:

    Relationship therapy can provide vital support during these transitions. Therapists offer a safe and neutral space for couples to explore their concerns, improve communication, and develop effective strategies to navigate the challenges together.

  • The challenge:

    Mismatched expectations can significantly impact romantic as when there are differing ideas about commitment, communication, or future goals, it can lead to frustrations, misunderstandings, and emotional distance. These contrasting expectations can create a strain on the partnership, causing feelings of disappointment and resentment.

    The opportunity:

    Relationship therapy can help address and support these issues by providing a safe and neutral space for open communication, exploration of expectations, and collaboration in establishing shared goals. By fostering understanding, empathy, and mutual agreement, psychotherapy for relationships can assist in bridging the gap between mismatched expectations and enhancing the quality of intimate romantic relationships.

What happens in the first relationship session?

A woman in glasses and a white sweater laughing with her head tilted back, leaning on a man seated on the floor, who is also smiling broadly, in a cozy room with chairs and framed pictures on the wall.

To begin, we:

  • Briefly discuss the background details of each partner. For example: where you are from and what your average day looks like begin our session

  • Discuss the background details of the relationship itself. For example: what attracted you to each other, and details like whether you live together or are in a long distance relationship

Then you and each partner:

  • Express, in your own words, how you arrived at this moment - reaching out for relationship therapy - and why now?

    For example: frequent arguments, betrayal, children.

  • Share what you are hoping to get from this experience.

    For example: improve communication, re-establish or improve trust, decide if you want to continue the relationship or see how to meet each others needs.

Finishing up, we:

  • Open up the space for thoughts, questions and concerns.

  • Practice exercises or talking points partners can try out or talk about between sessions - if it’s already appropriate.

  • Consider the needs of the partners and how relationship therapy can support this going forward.

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How do I work?

In relationship therapy and sex-therapy, (or traditionally named marital counselling or couples therapy) I invite partners to have difficult conversations during our sessions and I coach each to express their feelings, listen to each other and collaboratively come to a better understanding of each other and find answers or solutions.

I focus on providing a non-judgemental, sex-positive and confidential space for people to explore their relationship challenges that fits your needs and goals. Ultimately, the goal of therapy is up to you and your partner(s). Generally, the aim can be to:

  • To reflect on the relationship prior to making the next steps/decisions

  • To enhance the communication and intimacy between the partners

  • To learn from past hurts and reduce the chances of these happening again

Every relationship is different, therefore the exact focus and approach of therapy is different; it is tailored to the partners needs. Scroll to the bottom of the page or click here to book a consultation with me.

Who am I?

I am a chartered doctor of psychology, a certified Emotion Focussed Couples Therapist and I am passionate about relationships & sexuality and leadership. I base my therapy on a person-centred, emotion focussed and sex-positive approach, while using your feedback to tailor our sessions to best meet your relationship needs.

In relationship sessions, it is common that we will have that difficult conversation together, during the session, and I will support and coach each partners to listen and communicate productively as we look to build empathetic, long-lasting and positive change.

For a general overview of my details and other services, head to my therapy or executive coaching pages.

For more content, check out my posts, videos and events page.

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Book a consultation:

Use the contact form to get in touch.
I aim to get back to you in two working days and where possible, I follow up by phone initially for a brief intake.

Do not submit any sensitive or confidential information through this form.

Please know that stairs are required to access the building and the office.

Please note that this is not an emergency service. If you are currently in a mental-health crisis, please find support at Text About It, or contact the emergency services.

 

In Office Therapy

Attend therapy in the office, Baggot Street Lower 106, Dublin City Centre - D2. The office is close to Merrion Square

The office is accessible via a few steps outside and stairs inside, there is unfortunately no ramp or elevator present.

Remote Video Therapy

Attend therapy from the comfort of your home and experience psychological therapy remotely when needed. Remote and video therapy is normally only used in combination with in-person attendance, unless in exceptional circumstances.

All video sessions are held through a secure video software.

FAQ’s

  • Relationship therapy helps partners improve their relationship connection by working through challenges in communication, resolve conflict, work through betrayals and build stronger, healthier connections.

  • Yes, relationship issues are common in individual therapy, and naturally are at the centre of relationship therapy.

  • In my experience, marriage counseling (or relationship therapy) can be extremely helpful. Creating the space for partners to explore both themselves, each other and their joint relationship can hep to improve understanding, trust and intimacy

  • Yes, I’m a relationship expert, as I draw on many years of experience working with individuals and partners on relationship issues, supported by my background in counselling psychology.

  • Couples therapy works by providing a non-judgemental space for partners to explore their challenges with my guided support.

  • Yes, I do offer relationship counseling for all genders, taking into account gender norms and societal expectations. My therapy sessions are there for the individuals’ needs.

  • Getting over a betrayal can be a difficult experience. Therapy can help you to make sense of what’s happened, process your emotions, and ultimately decide what is best for your own future. If you are processing a betrayal right now, you may find my article useful.

  • Conflict is a natural part of relationships. There will be disagreements throughout a life with a partner. What’s more important is how you feel and communicate in these moments.