Resonance Counselling

Resonance Relationships

Couples & Relationship Counselling

A warm, impartial space for couples and partners to be heard, to understand each other more deeply, and to find a way forward — together or apart. I work with all kinds of relationships, including neurodiverse partnerships, LGBTQ+ couples, and relationships affected by relational trauma.

Couples & Relationship Therapy — Currently at Capacity

I am not currently accepting new couples. If you would like to be considered for future availability, please join the waiting list below.

Therapist in session with a couple — warm, professional counselling environment

Every relationship has its own story

Relationships are one of the most meaningful — and most challenging — parts of human life. Even the strongest partnerships go through periods of disconnection, conflict, or stagnation. That does not mean something is broken beyond repair.

Resonance Relationships is the couples and relationship counselling strand of my practice. I work with couples of all kinds — different genders, sexualities, relationship structures, and neurotypes — in a space that is genuinely non-judgmental and affirming.

My role is not to take sides or tell you what to do. It is to help you both feel heard, to slow down the patterns that keep you stuck, and to open up new ways of understanding and relating to each other.

Is This Right for You?

Couples therapy can be helpful at many different stages — not just in crisis. It may be a good fit if any of the following resonate:

  • You feel like you are having the same argument on repeat
  • Communication has broken down or become hostile
  • You have grown apart and want to reconnect
  • One or both of you is neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, AuDHD)
  • You are navigating a major life transition together
  • Intimacy — emotional or physical — has become difficult
  • You are considering separation and want to explore all options
  • You want to build a stronger foundation before problems arise
  • You are in an LGBTQ+ relationship and want an affirming space
  • One partner is reluctant but willing to try
"You do not have to be on the brink of separation to benefit from couples therapy. Sometimes the best time to come is before things get really hard."

— Maria Hartshorn, Resonance Counselling

What We Can Work On

Every couple's needs are different. Sessions are shaped by what matters most to you. Common areas include:

Communication

Learning to hear each other — not just the words, but the feelings and needs underneath them. We work on patterns that keep conversations stuck.

Conflict & repair

Understanding what drives conflict in your relationship and developing the skills to de-escalate, repair, and reconnect after ruptures.

Intimacy & connection

Emotional and physical closeness can erode over time. We explore what intimacy means to each of you and how to rebuild it.

Neurodiverse dynamics

When one or both partners are neurodivergent, the relationship has its own particular texture. I understand this and work with it rather than around it.

Trust & betrayal

Whether trust has been broken through infidelity, dishonesty, or repeated let-downs, we work on what it takes to rebuild — or to grieve what cannot be recovered.

Life transitions

Parenthood, bereavement, illness, career change, relocation — major transitions put relationships under pressure. Therapy can help you navigate them together.

AuDHD-aware

Neurodiverse Couples

When one or both partners are autistic, have ADHD, or are AuDHD, the relationship has a particular texture that many therapists are not equipped to understand. I am. We work with the genuine strengths and real challenges of neurodiverse partnerships — without pathologising either partner.

LGBTQ+ affirming

LGBTQ+ Affirming

I work with couples of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures. My practice is genuinely affirming — not just tolerant. You will not need to explain or justify your relationship to me. We can simply get on with the work.

Working with Relationships Affected by Abuse

I am one of a limited number of therapists who work therapeutically with relationships where there has been abuse. This is possible because of my extensive background in safeguarding, domestic and child abuse, and the family court system.

My approach requires that the harming partner is genuinely accepting of the impact of their actions and committed to causing no further harm. Therapy in these circumstances must be conducted in person, with clear boundaries, a safety plan, and thorough contracting from the outset.

Abuse takes many forms, including

  • Psychological
  • Emotional
  • Financial
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Controlling & coercive behaviours
  • Parental alienation

I am here to work with you therapeutically, in a non-judgmental way. If you are presently subjected to abuse, please visit the crisis support page for immediate resources.

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How It Works

Starting couples therapy can feel like a big step. Here is what to expect.

1

Free introductory call

A 15-minute call — ideally with both partners — to ask questions, understand what you are hoping for, and see if we are a good fit.

2

First session together

We meet as a three. I hear from both of you about what has brought you to therapy and what you each hope to get from it.

3

Individual sessions (optional)

Sometimes it is helpful for each partner to have a session alone early on. This is not always necessary — we discuss what feels right.

4

Ongoing couples work

Regular 60-minute sessions at a pace that suits you. Most couples find weekly or fortnightly sessions work well to begin with.

Session length

60 minutes

Fee

£100 per session

Available

In-person (Havering) & Online

What Couples Say

"My partner and I were at a real crossroads. We had tried talking to each other and it just kept going in circles. Maria helped us actually hear each other for the first time in years. The difference in our relationship is remarkable."

J. & T.

Couples counselling

"We came to Maria as a neurodiverse couple — I'm autistic and my partner has ADHD — and she understood our dynamic immediately. She never made either of us feel like the problem. We have learned so much about how to support each other."

M. & F.

Couples counselling, neurodiverse relationship

Waiting List

Looking for couples or relationship therapy?

I am currently fully booked for couples and relationship therapy and am not accepting new couples at this time.

I appreciate that seeking support for a relationship can feel like an important step, and I don't want you to be left without an option to make contact. If you would like to be considered for future availability, you are very welcome to join my waiting list.

If you would like to join my waiting list, please complete the contact form below and provide a brief outline of what you are looking for.

Please include:

  • Your name
  • Your preferred contact details
  • Whether you are seeking couples or relationship therapy
  • A brief outline of what you would like support with
  • Any particular availability or preferences

I will keep your enquiry on my waiting list and contact you when I have suitable availability.

A note about availability

I am currently limiting new couples and relationship work so that I can maintain the quality, consistency and level of therapeutic attention I aim to provide to the clients I work with. Joining the waiting list does not guarantee an appointment or indicate a specific timeframe for availability. Thank you for your understanding and for considering working with me.

Individual Therapy Available Now

While couples therapy is currently at capacity, I have availability for individual counselling. A free 15-minute introductory call is the easiest way to find out if working together is right for you.