Frequently Asked Questions

And that’s why it takes – we believe – someone who has really dedicated themselves to understanding the psychology of relationships to help clients come to a better understanding of themselves and others and so move forward with more choice and freedom.

All our therapists have studied as counsellors first, and gone on to specialise as relationship therapists. Our training has involved academic study to Masters Degree (MA) in Relationship Therapy, and many hundreds of hours each, of supervised practice through volunteering at Relate, and seeing private clients.

Tell me more about your therapeutic approach …

All BeLoveCurious therapists are highly qualified relationship experts with extensive academic education and experience of working with singles & couples on today’s love life matters.

We see everyone as unique, and so we use our skills and knowledge to work in a way that suits each client. Using an integrative counselling approach we incorporate ideas and techniques from different therapeutic disciplines and traditions including – Systemic & Family, Psychodynamic, Narrative, Existential, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). We also sometimes use coaching techniques and psycho-education to help clients, in addition to more traditional forms of counselling. 

Working ‘integratively’ means we don’t promote a particular style of counselling or follow an instruction manual, but we do share a deep understanding of how people think and make decisions about relationships. We also share an ambition for everyone having a great love life – if they want one!

Academic research shows that clients achieve similar levels of success regardless of the style of coaching or therapy they use. Overall, it’s the quality of the relationship with their therapist and a consistent approach to working with them that makes most difference,.

How do I know if it’s right for me?

There is no ‘right way’ to be and no ‘right time’ to start being curious about your love life. We think everyone really can have a fantastic relationship if they want one and are willing to work at it. And, because you’ll be working with an expert relationship therapist, they will guide you in this enquiry, collaboratively, in a way that is right for you.

So, if you are: 

• Curious about why your love life isn’t working out the way you’d like it to
• Interested in discovering new things about you
• And ultimately willing to do some things differently, even when it might feel a bit awkward … then this is for you!

If you’re still unsure, why not book in for a 1 hour trial session. Your allocated therapist will help you to work out if our approach and expertise is right for you. If we think you will be better served elsewhere, we’ll be honest about that and may recommend an alternative route for you. 

What’s your stance on equality & diversity?

We strive to uphold the value of Equality – that every person should be treated fairly and equally. We live in a diverse society and, in order to counsel ethically and effectively, it is important that we are mindful of how diversity and difference impact on our clients and the therapeutic relationships we form.

Diversity is often understood to refer to the presence of particular differences between individuals in a group of people or a society. Some of the typical designations are listed below:

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Culture
• Ability (physical and/or mental)
• Sexuality
• Socio-economic Class

• LGBTQ+
• Kink
• Neurodiversity
• Family (e.g. adoption or non-conventional)
• Regional differences
• First language
• Other

Diversity does not necessarily create barriers to relating. In fact, it may be that speaking with someone from a different background or perspective can offer something valuable. Whether that is seeing a therapist of a different gender, age or with another difference there is the possibility of gaining a fresh perspective or addressing relational patterns via the therapeutic relationship.

Diversity and difference can of course create challenges to the therapeutic relationship. As therapists, we trust in the client’s ability to select a route through therapy which will best support their journey. We also recognise that our service may not be accessible for all clients and that specialist services are available to serve clients with specific needs or therapeutic focus beyond our remit. For signposting, you may wish to access generic counselling directories such as offered by the BACP or Counselling Directory, or relevant charities or organisations.

Why do I have to book six sessions?

Our six session programmes are designed to be long enough for you and your therapist to build real trust and understanding. In our experience six sessions can deliver just what you need to take your love life to the next level.

Many clients do want to continue beyond this of course. Perhaps talking with us has kick-started a desire to explore and learn more, or they realise that the kind of support we offer is helpful as they try out new things to achieve their love life goals. Whatever the reason, we offer different ways to continue the journey with us – either book another 6 sessions, or dip back in as and when you feel like it. Your therapist is here for as long as you need in a way that works for you.

How do I get the most out of my sessions?

The Number One piece of advice we can offer to help you get the most out of your six sessions is to consider that your programme is for the whole of the 6-12 week period you’ve set aside for this – not just the six hours of 1:1 time with your therapist. Approaching it as an intensive course where you get to be in a process of personal enquiry and try out new ways of approaching your love, sex and relationship challenges as you go, will help you to make noticeable progress in a short space of time.

We also recommend that you:

• Have all 6 sessions with the same therapist. This will allow you to get to know each other really well, and your dedicated therapist to work most effectively with you.
• Schedule your six sessions over a limited period of time. By speaking to your therapist regularly you’re more likely to feel motivated and inspired, and change can come quicker!
• Book in one session per week or per fortnight, on the same day and time. This will make it easier for you to remember your regular session time and plan it into your schedule.
• Make all your bookings in one go as soon as you’ve purchased a package. Doing this will help you get the dates & times you want and will help you avoid later disappointment if your preferred time slot gets booked by someone else.
• We’ll be happy to reschedule any sessions you can’t attend. We just ask for at least 24 hours notice. If you need any help making or changing your bookings, please contact your therapist directly and/or via the Contact Form.

Without a doubt though, if you really do want a love life you’ll love, we say the most important thing you can ever do is just start!