Alice McDermott

Wednesday between 10 - 3

Mondays and Thursdays at 2pm

As a relationship specialist, I help people who feel stuck. Maybe you feel caught in the same argument on repeat, or silence has settled between you. Perhaps you are struggling to be heard, understood or considered. I can help to slow things down so that you can notice whats really happening between you, and offer different ways to meet each other, even in the most difficult moments. Wherever there is a relationship, a dynamic has been created. And it’s not your fault when that dynamic becomes difficult, but you can learn together to do something different so that you feel better and more connected.

In every relationship, conflict exists - even if you don't see it. In-fact, it’s not necessarily a good thing if you never argue. It’s how you argue that’s important, and helpful to hold in mind: healthy relationships consist of harmony, disharmony and repair. And sometimes it’s the repair from rupture that builds an even stronger and more connected relationship.

People come to see me for help with constant arguing, that never really resolves, or lack of intimacy; sexual differences; an affair, or struggles around a big decision i.e which way to go next. Betrayal, traumatic experiences, co-parenting issues or separation are also big contenders, but I just as often meet those who consider themselves to have a ‘good’ relationship, but who want to address some niggles and nurture their relationship, because they value it so much.

Others have been struggling silently, with feelings of self-doubt or relationship anxiety and feel it’s time to address some suffering…

People tell me I create a calm and grounding space, which matters when conversations get hard. I aim to make you both feel safe enough to talk about what really matters without slipping to blame and shutdown cycles. 

As a Couples Therapist I will be guiding you towards a steady, safe foundation from which you can explore your communication style, and negative cycles. In time, difficult conversations should become easier. My sessions can be structured, with exercises and tools, or you might wish to let things unfold more organically.

We could have a 20 min intro call, feel free to get in touch. Otherwise, in an initial 70 min relationship session, I'll have some questions to help me understand you better, and i'll also be paying attention to the dynamic between you both, incase there is a negative cycle you finds yourselves in, which we can start to address. We can create an outline if you like, and I can make some suggestions regarding what I feel would be a good way to move forward. 

On-line for individuals (not couples) : 10am on a wednesday and Friday, or 3.15pm on Thursdays 

Hello and a warm welcome. I am a relationship therapist, often working with couples but my initial training is as an Individuals therapist. So, I do work with individuals, reflecting on relationships with others, or the relationship with-self. But to put it simply I specialise in helping those who feel stuck, by strengthening complicated or fraught relationships. You might be currently single, but hoping to / struggling to meet someone. During sessions, I will encourage you to develop a clear and unique perspective on the areas of your life that you bring to Therapy.

People who come to see me have struggled with feelings which fall into the category of; Low mood, Depression or Anxiety. Often people come to see me when they are feeling un-fulfilled, or when there is an inner-voice that tells them they aren’t good enough.

Other themes that people bring to me are around; Identity, Grief & Loss, Low Self Esteem, Shame, Guilt, Rage, Relationship Issues, Problems at Work, Unwanted Patterns of Behaviour, Trauma, Historical Abuse or Unresolved issues from the past….

Parent Coaching: If you are co-parenting with someone and struggling to get on the same page, or concerned about your child’s or your own emotional outbursts, I can offer a space to think together about whats going on, as well as suggest some emotional-regulation and parenting tools.

People tell me I create a calm and grounding space. I will be attending to the relationship between you and I, and being curious with you, the meaning that you make of your life and your experiences. Perhaps you want to change something, and so in order to nurture change I will be inviting you to first explore yourself, as you are now.

During the initial session I will ask you a series of questions, which will help me get to know you better, but it will also be a space where you can share more about what beings you to therapy, and what you'd like to achieve. Often, people like to hear my suggestion for a plan for the therapy, and this is particularly the case with relationship therapy.