Relationship Counselling Programme

Register your interest

for new intakes in May/June 2026


join interest list

Breaking the heartbreak cycle takes some learning and unlearning...

You love each other but get stuck in a painful loop

Most of us received little guidance on how to connect with others and navigate differences without shutting down or lashing out. We may repeat patterns from our families: pursuing hard when we feel rejected, withdrawing when we are overwhelmed, criticizing when we're scared. We judge ourselves and each other harshly and feel more and more alone....

The Relationship Counselling Programme is a structured, supported and practical course for couples to learn how to pause when you're activated, understand what's really driving the conflict and reconnect from a place of clarity instead of reactivity. You don't have to agree on everything, but learn ways to feel safe enough to be more honest & vulnerable with each other.

What we grew up with is often what we need to grow out of.

We cannot do that alone.

10-Sessions to learn & practice new ways of

relating to yourself and to your partner

The RCP isn't open-ended couple therapy. It's a structured programme combining:


  • Individual trauma-informed support and feedback
  • Guided self-reflection (understanding YOUR patterns)
  • Guided communication practice & play with your partner
  • Tailored Handouts & Learning tools.

The Method: IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out)

IFIO is an IFS-Inspired, integrative couple therapy approach that treats relationship conflicts as opportunities for deeper self-understanding, not just negotiation. Couple therapy that focuses on communication skills alone won't help when you're flooded or shut down. Open IFIO addresses what's happening inside you, so the communication skills can actually work.

flowers-counselling
single flower counselling

The U-Turn → Re-Turn Framework
Here's what typically happens in conflict: You're triggered → A protective part takes over (criticism, shutdown, defensiveness) → The other person reacts → The cycle escalates.

Here's what we'll practice instead: You're triggered → You pause and turn inward (U-Turn) → You notice which part is activated and what it's protecting → You return to the conversation from a calmer, clearer place (Re-Turn). This isn't about suppressing your feelings. It's about understanding them before they take over and having more choice in how we speak for (rather than from) them.

Is this programme right for you?

The RCP works best when:

  • Both people are willing to look at their own contribution to the pattern (not just point fingers)
  • You're ready to try something different, even if it feels uncomfortable
  • You've done some individual therapy or self-reflection
  • You can commit to 10 weekly sessions

FAQ's

  • What makes the RCP different from regular coule therapy?

    Three key differences:


    • It's structured: 10 sessions with a clear roadmap (not open-ended "let's talk about your week" therapy)
    • It's experiential: You'll practice new ways of communicating in session—not just discuss them
    • It's introspective: Before trying to fix the relationship, we help each person understand their own reactive patterns

  • Who Is This Progamme For?

    • Couples stuck in painful cycles
    • Parents and adult children rebuilding connection
    • Siblings navigating complex family dynamics
    • Any close relationship ready for lasting change

  • When is RCP NOT the right fit?

    As a time-limited psychological education and support programme, RCP  isn't appropriate in case of


    Addiction: Substance or behavioral addiction often needs longer-term work.

    Abuse: individual therapy is recommended  if a partner is unsafe in the relationship.

    Separation/divorce in process: If you're actively separating, mediation may be a better fit

    Severe mental health crisis: Active suicidality, psychosis, or un-addressed complex trauma require specialised individual help.

    One person is unwilling: It's okay if one of you is more sceptical, that's why we start with 4 exploratory sessions, but both people need to be willing to examine their own contribution for the RCP to work. 

  • How does it work? A week-by-week breakdown

    PHASE 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)


    Week 1 (60 min together): Get to know each other, map your relationship pattern, introduce core concepts


    Week 2: Individual sessions (60 min each) — private space to explore your own attachment patterns, triggers, and needs without worrying about impact on your partner


    Week 3 (60 min together): Share insights, co-create a shared understanding of "the cycle," establish goals and agreements


    Week 4 (60 min together): Begin learning practical tools—tracking conflict sequences, identifying early warning signs


    PHASE 2: Skills & Practice (Weeks 5-10)

    Each week builds on the last:

    • Understanding your nervous system responses (fight/flight/freeze)
    • Learning to pause before reacting
    • Working with protective parts 
    • Speaking from clarity instead of reactivity
    • Putting it all together: courageous communication

    By Week 10: You'll have a toolkit you can use for the rest of your relationship..

  • What about sessions frequency, duration and cost ?

    Sessions take place weekly


    2XIndividual session  60 mins- €90

    2XCouple session 60 mins- €120 

    6XCouple session 80 mins -€ 140


When you pick a partner you pick a story...and often you are recruited for a play you did not audition for.

- Esther Perel -