Couples Therapy

VIVA Counselling & Psychotherapy

Most couples come to therapy because communication has broken down.

You may feel stuck in the same arguments, talking past each other, or avoiding difficult conversations altogether because they escalate too quickly. One or both of you might feel unheard, misunderstood, criticised, or emotionally shut out – even when you are both trying.

At VIVA Counselling & Psychotherapy, we offer online couples therapy for couples who are committed to their relationship but struggling to communicate in ways that feel constructive, safe, and connecting. We also specialise in working with couples where ADHD or neurodivergence is part of the relationship dynamic.

Our work is grounded in the Gottman Method, alongside a person-centred, neuroaffirmative and LGBTQIA+ approach that helps couples understand how they communicate, not just what they argue about.

Communication difficulties in relationships

Communication problems rarely mean couples do not care.

More often, they reflect:

• Emotional overwhelm during conflict

• Different communication styles or needs

• Feeling criticised, defensive, or shut down

• Difficulty expressing needs without conflict

• Escalation before either partner feels understood

Over time, these patterns can leave couples feeling disconnected, resentful, or hopeless about change.

Couples therapy helps you slow conversations down, understand what happens in moments of conflict, and learn how to communicate in ways that reduce defensiveness and increase emotional safety.

How couples therapy can help

Couples therapy can support you to:

• Communicate more clearly and calmly

• Feel heard and understood by your partner

• Reduce conflict escalation

• Repair after arguments rather than staying stuck

• Rebuild trust and emotional connection

• Understand recurring patterns instead of repeating them

Rather than teaching “perfect communication”, therapy helps you recognise what happens between you when emotions run high – and how to respond differently.

ADHD, neurodivergence, and communication

When ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence are part of a relationship, communication difficulties are often intensified.

Couples may experience:

• Interruptions or misattunement

• Emotional reactivity or shutdown

• Differences in processing speed or attention

• Heightened sensitivity to criticism

• One partner feeling they are “too much” or “not enough”

These challenges are not a failure of effort or care. They are often the result of neurodivergent communication differences interacting with stress, expectations, and emotional triggers.

At VIVA, we work from a neuroaffirmative perspective, helping couples understand how ADHD impacts communication and conflict – and how to build systems of communication that work for both partners.

What to expect in couples therapy

Couples therapy at VIVA provides a structured yet compassionate space to work on communication and connection.

You can expect:

• A balanced space where both partners are supported

• Help slowing down difficult conversations

• Support to identify unhelpful communication patterns

• Guidance when emotions escalate or conversations stall

• A focus on emotional regulation and safety

• Practical tools that support everyday communication

Sessions are paced carefully, with attention to how each of you experiences conflict and connection.

Our approach

Our couples work is informed by the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach that focuses on:

• Understanding conflict patterns

• Improving communication during difficult conversations

• Supporting repair after arguments

• Strengthening emotional connection and trust

Alongside this, we work in a person-centred way, meaning therapy is grounded in empathy, respect, and your lived experience. We do not impose solutions – we help you understand yourselves and each other more fully, so change becomes possible.

Meet your couples therapists

Anne Lewis

I specialise in working with couples where ADHD or neurodivergence is part of the relationship. Much of my work focuses on communication – particularly where conversations escalate quickly, emotions feel overwhelming, or one or both partners feel misunderstood.

I help couples slow things down, make sense of their communication patterns, and find ways of relating that feel calmer, clearer, and more connected. Read more here

Vic Rankin

Vic works with couples experiencing a wide range of relationship difficulties, including communication breakdown, anxiety, conflict, and emotional distance. She offers a steady, supportive presence and helps couples feel safe enough to explore difficult conversations and rebuild understanding.

We carefully match couples with the therapist best suited to their needs. Read more here

Getting started

If communication in your relationship feels stuck or strained, couples therapy can help you find a way forward together.

Get in touch today.