Caroline Wallis

I specialise in working with couples and individuals who are experiencing relationship difficulties. I hold a postgraduate clinical qualification in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from Tavistock Relationships, an internationally renowned organisation for couple psychotherapy and research, where I also work as a visiting clinician. I offer sessions online, via Zoom, and in person in Harpenden (AL5) and Wheathampstead (AL4).

Relationships are an important part of all our lives; they shape who we are and contribute to our sense of well-being. But being in a relationship isn’t always easy and all relationships go through challenging times.

Issues I can help with include:

communication difficulties, more frequent/intense arguments, affairs/betrayals, trust issues, dealing with anger/conflict, loss of physical or emotional intimacy, sexual difficulties, commitment issues, negotiating your roles in the relationship, becoming parents/parenting differences, commitment issues, moving in together, considering the end of your relationship, wanting to have a healthy separation, jealousy, wider family relationships, cultural differences, illness, bereavement/loss, work-life issues, managing time together and time apart, conflicting needs, disappointment/resentment, financial stress, impact of neurodiversity, retirement, children leaving home.

When communication breaks down, partners may feel isolated, anxious and stuck. Together we can explore what is troubling you in a thoughtful, non-judgmental way, helping you get to the root of your difficulties and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you. I aim to help you work through your difficulties and discover the changes needed to have a healthier, more satisfying relationship.

Couple therapy can help partners can listen to each other more effectively and better understand how they each contribute to what happens between them. This can shift the dynamic from anger and blame towards compassion and co-operation. Individual therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore your concerns or anxieties about relationships. It can improve your understanding of yourself and how and why you behave the way you do in your relationships. With understanding comes the possibility of change and improvement to the quality of your relationships.

My approach is psychodynamic, which means I will think with you about how your past experiences have shaped who you are and may be affecting what is happening in the present. Together we will bring more deeply buried feelings to conscious awareness, enabling a greater sense of agency.

I am a fully insured, registered with the ICO for data protection, and adhere to the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I attend regular supervision and professional development events to enhance my practice. 

Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is essential for a trusting, therapeutic relationship to develop. The initial consultation (1hr 15mins for couples, 1hr for individuals) provides an opportunity to get a feel for how I work and whether I am a 'good fit' for you. We can think about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to achieve and address any questions may have about the therapeutic process. Together we can decide whether to commit to on-going weekly therapy.