Amanda Hughes

I am a couple and individual psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapist with over 10 years’ experience of providing specialist relationship therapy to couples and individuals in person and online.

I have completed two intensive clinical trainings at Tavistock Relationships, (including a master’s degree (MA) in couple psychoanalytic psychotherapy), where I was also the Programme Head for the clinical and post graduate diploma training.

Couples

Couple therapy can help with a range of relationship problems and suffering, as well as with the process of separation.

I have extensive experience helping couples with difficulties such as infidelity, tensions with parenting, and sex and intimacy. These types of difficulties, if unresolved, are nearly always accompanied by distressing communication patterns such as circular, repetitive arguments, disconnect and distance, or anger and conflict that feels out of control.

Through our deepened understanding I will help you: identify your goals for change; find resolution and relief to your distress; and discover a new way forward in how you relate with one another.

Individuals

Many individuals seek therapy to help them with their relationship life. You may wish to come to therapy to process a break-up, explore difficulties with forming and/or sustaining intimate relationships, or to work through sex and physical intimacy problems.

As with couples, my initial focus is on gaining an in-depth understanding of you and the difficulties and/or dilemmas that are troubling you. We will think together about the outcomes you want and the changes you need to make to get there.

How I Work

I am naturally relational in nature and bring warmth and compassion to my work. Although it can be tempting to see your partner as the one who needs fixing, I like to steer away from judgement and blame, preferring instead to focus on insight and understanding.

When I work with you my first priority is to learn about your issues, who you are as individuals, and to get a sense of the relationship you create together. I see this exploration to be a collaborative process – not something done to you.

I am bound by the professional code of conduct and ethics as set out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). I am fully insured and qualified to work with adults and couples.

My Practice

I offer online and in-person therapy at my private clinic in Theydon Bois, a peaceful village setting in the Epping Forest District of Essex.

The clinic has easy access from London and is a 5-minute walk from the central line tube station.

By car, Theydon Bois is a short distance from the many local towns and villages, such as Loughton, Woodford, and Chingford, and is easily reachable from other surrounding areas via the M11 and M25. There is parking on site.

To set up an initial consultation with me please contact me via my website. I respond to all enquiries promptly.