Colette Safhill

Couples therapy

With over 20 years of clinical experience, I offer a calm, thoughtful and relational approach to therapy. I am a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist, committed to working ethically and compassionately, and to creating a space where you feel heard, understood and respected.

My work is grounded in relational psychotherapy and enriched by specialist training in the IMAGO Relationship Therapy model and the Gottman Method. I support individuals and couples in understanding patterns that may feel stuck or painful, helping them move towards greater connection, clarity and emotional safety.

Whether you are navigating relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from yourself or others, therapy can offer a steady and containing space to explore what is happening beneath the surface. My approach is trauma-informed, integrative and gently paced, allowing space for reflection while also offering practical insight where helpful.

For couples, I draw on Imargo and Gottman frameworks to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen understanding. For individuals, I work collaboratively to explore attachment patterns, relational dynamics, and the impact of past experiences on present-day life.

I offer both online and in-person sessions, providing flexibility to meet your needs.

Beginning therapy can feel like a significant step. I aim to make that first step feel steady and supported.

 My counselling practice is based in a private and beautiful building in the Marketplace, offering a calm and welcoming space for therapy. The room is comfortable, discreet and exclusively used for my practice, ensuring privacy and continuity for clients. Parking is available in the square nearby, making the location easy to access.

First Couples Session – 90 Minutes (£150)

In the first 90-minute couples session (£150), my aim is to create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for both partners. Beginning therapy together can feel exposing, so this session focuses on understanding rather than “fixing.”

Each partner has the opportunity to:

Share what has brought you to therapy and what feels difficult in the relationship

Explore hopes for change and what a healthier relationship might look like

Be truly heard in a structured and balanced environment

We also begin to explore:

Relationship patterns and cycles

How conflict escalates and what lies beneath arguments

Emotional undercurrents such as fear, longing for closeness, or feeling unseen

The first session includes creating emotional safety, establishing respectful communication, and clarifying goals for ongoing work. It is not about assigning blame or forcing solutions, but about modeling a new way of being together.

Next Steps

After the initial assessment, ongoing 60-minute sessions (£100) continue to strengthen communication, understanding, and connection using Imago and Gottman approaches, tailored to your unique relationship.

I work flexible hours to suit my clients. I currently have availability.

YRCS is open to any one who is struggling with themselves, their lives and their thoughts.

As a person centred therapist I work with what you bring into the counselling room and I treat each client with empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard

I offer open ended counselling, once a week, once a fortnight, whatever you feel works for you . Six weeks to two years

I am able to offer zoom sessions after the initial six weeks if we agree this would be beneficial

I offer  a no obligation first assessment of 50 minutes for us both to decide if working together is the right way forward 

The cost for this session is £60

I am a Bupa approved therapist. If you are recovered by Bupa insurance then you may be able to recover the cost of your therapy sessions.  (subject to the terms of your policy and any excess)

I am a Viatality approved therapist and if you have Vitality insurance then you may be able to claim the cost of your treatment (subject to the terms of your policy and any excess)

Testimonials 

I have had 3 sessions with Colette so far and each one has really made me take time to think about me and my current situation but also what I want for the future. I find Colette plain speaking with a wealth of insights.

Only few sessions so far, but I think she is fantastic and helping me so much.

Colette has been very helpful and supportive during a difficult time and she genuinely cares, this is how you feel working with her, this care and attention really make a difference. I feel extremely lucky that I met her.

I work from a purpose built business centre on the outskirts of Thirsk 

There is plenty of dedicated parking and the office is easily accessible on the ground  floor 

I offer an initial 50 minute no obligation session. The cost for this initial session (and all subsequent single sessions) is £60