Couples Therapy

Supporting healthy communication, connection, and closeness.

Understanding Couples Therapy

Relationships can bring deep connection, but also moments of misunderstanding, frustration, or distance. Over time, stress, communication breakdowns, or unmet needs can leave couples feeling stuck or disconnected.

At Shire Therapies, we offer couples therapy to help partners understand one another more deeply, communicate more effectively, and work through challenges together. Therapy provides a neutral and supportive space to explore difficulties, strengthen understanding, and rebuild closeness.

How Couples Therapy Helps

Our approach draws on evidence-based models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for relationships, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles.

Sessions focus on identifying patterns of interaction, exploring emotional needs, and developing tools for more constructive communication and connection.

Couples therapy can help you to:

  • Improve communication and understanding

  • Manage conflict more calmly and constructively

  • Rebuild trust and emotional intimacy

  • Navigate life transitions, parenting, or stress together

  • Explore shared goals and values

  • Strengthen empathy and compassion for one another

Common Reasons Couples Seek Therapy

Couples come to therapy for a wide range of reasons, including:

  • Frequent arguments or communication difficulties

  • Feeling emotionally distant or disconnected

  • Trust or infidelity concerns

  • Differences in parenting or life priorities

  • Balancing work, family, and relationship needs

  • Coping with loss, health issues, or major life changes

  • Rebuilding the relationship after conflict or separation

Therapy can also be helpful for couples who are not in crisis but want to enhance communication and strengthen their bond.

What to Expect

Couples therapy typically involves both partners attending sessions together, though individual sessions may be offered if clinically helpful.

Each session lasts around 50–60 minutes and can take place in person at our Kidlington practice, or online across the UK

Appointments are available during the day, in the evenings, and on some weekends to make sessions more accessible.

Together, we work collaboratively to understand both partners’ perspectives and develop practical strategies for lasting change.

At Shire Therapies, all therapists are professionally accredited and experienced in supporting couples with sensitivity, respect, and compassion.

We combine evidence-based approaches with warmth and neutrality, helping couples feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change.

“In relationships, the way we turn toward or away from each other in small moments often shapes the story of us.”

— Esther Perel

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you.

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