LEARN TO MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS BETTER
Relationship Counselling in Bristol for Singles, Couples & Families
Hi, I’m Gina – a qualified relationship counsellor in Bristol practising Transactional Analysis with over a decade of experience helping people with various relationship challenges.
Often the key to happiness is in our ability to create relationships that give us the love we want.
Fortunately, there is an approach called Imago Relationship Therapy which helps me counsel couples and singles in therapy.
Fully Qualified to Help
A Little About Me And My Practice
I’m Gina, I’m a qualified relationship therapist working from my practice in Westbury-on-Trym, just off Rockleaze Avenue. However, I’m only a short walk from Clifton and Redland, as I’m just across The Downs!
I offer counselling to the whole of Bristol, from BS1 through to BS14. However, if you’re a little further out, I can offer online counselling as well.
I have over a decade of relationship counselling experience, working with couples and single individuals to solve a variety of problems. I have a degree in Psychology as well as multiple certifications in transactional analysis, couples therapy, and imago therapy.
My Approach
Improving Your Relationships With Imago Relationship Therapy
It’s more joyful and effective than traditional marriage guidance. It also complements my postgraduate training in Transactional Analysis.
Imago Relationship Therapy aims to:
- Deepen your connection with partners.
- Improve communication skills and understanding.
- Resolve conflicts for healthier relationships.
- Strengthen intimacy and trust.
Imago does this by offering an understanding of the stages of relationships and combining this with a powerful technique called the Imago Dialogue.
It’s based on two best selling books “Getting The Love You Want” (for couples) and Keeping the Love you Find (for singles). It’s helped many around the world and can help you create a flourishing relationship with your partner.
Imago Relationship therapy focusses on bringing partners closer together by cultivating high levels of empathy and understanding.
It was created in 1980 by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. who were struggling to save their own marriage.
Nothing was working so they devised their own exercises and have remained together for over 60 years.
In a typical Imago therapy session, the counsellor guides couples through a structured conversation to help them to increase understanding and reduce judgment. Couples take turns acting as the “sender” and the “receiver” and work through three steps:
- Mirroring
- Validating
- Empathising
This is the couple’s dialogue and it aims to create a sense of safety.
A 2022 study found that Imago therapy was more effective than cognitive behavioural couples therapy in increasing failure tolerance and positive feelings between partners and in reducing marital boredom.
Who I Help
Providing Professional Counselling to All Relationship Styles in Bristol
Individual Counselling
You don’t have to be in a relationship to experience therapy. The focus is often made on couples, but individuals require just as much attention. After all, it can be difficult navigating the modern dating world, and finding connection and intimacy can be challenging.
I can help you uncover and discuss the problems you’re experiencing when searching for love. No matter if you’re looking for that perfect partner or coming out of a traumatic relationship, we can work together to create the life you desire.
Couples and Marriages
Couples and marital counselling is a speciality of mine, allowing me to help couples bridge the emotional gap and understand each other at a deeper level. Through years of studying and hours of hands-on training with real clients, I can help create meaningful dialogue between you and your partner, resolving conflicts and building trust.
With my 10+ years of experience helping couples navigate various relational hurdles, I have the skillset and extensive qualifications to guide you through any problems you might be having.
ADHD and Autistic Relationships
I have specialised training in helping neurodivergent individuals improve their relationships, allowing them to feel understood by their partners and communicate their needs and feelings effectively.
Too often, neurodivergent couples can experience communication breakdown, emotional deregulation, or difficulties with intimacy and socialising. But with effective, professional therapeutic intervention, bridges can be made from one partner to the other.
Families & Children
I offer professional family counselling in Bristol, helping parents with children and siblings improve their relationships, build trust, and deepen connections. In a safe and empathetic environment, we can work together to develop strategies to facilitate healthy communication, allowing you to resolve any conflicts and tension.
Families should be a supportive unit that cares for each member. By working with me and utilising my years of experience and training, you can begin to create the family relations you’ve always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is Relationship Counselling?
Our initial couples sessions are £110 for 60 minutes, with follow-up sessions £145 for 90 minutes. Individual relationship therapy sessions are £60 for 60 minutes. Many couples and individuals find this investment deeply worthwhile when they experience the relief that comes from better understanding and connection. If you have any issues or concerns regarding price, please get in touch.
Does Relationship Therapy Actually Work?
Research shows that around 70% of couples experience meaningful improvements through therapy. What matters most is your willingness to be open and curious about each other’s experiences. Many couples notice small shifts in understanding within our first few sessions, and these often grow into deeper changes as you practice new ways of connecting.
Can Relationship Counselling Fix a Broken Relationship?
Counselling is less about fixing and more about understanding, helping individuals discover what they really want in a relationship. Some relationships find their way back to love and trust, while others discover that respectful separation feels healthiest. Either outcome can emerge from a place of understanding rather than pain when you explore what truly serves both of you.
What Can I Expect From A Relationship Counselling Session?
Our first session allows you to share what brought you here while I learn about your unique story together. I use Imago Relationship Therapy, which guides you through gentle conversations where you take turns really listening to each other. We’ll practice mirroring, validating, and understanding each other’s experiences in ways that create safety and connection.
Who Can Benefit from Relationship Therapy?
Singles, couples, families, and siblings can all find value in relationship counselling. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply wanting to grow closer and understand each other better, therapy offers tools for creating more authentic relationships. Your willingness to explore and grow matters more than the specific difficulties you might be experiencing.
Can I Attend as a Single Individual?
Absolutely. Many people find individual relationship therapy incredibly healing for understanding their patterns, processing past experiences, or preparing for future connections. Sometimes one person from a couple comes initially to explore their relationship before bringing in their partner. If you’re worried this type of therapy might not be a good fit, it doesn’t hurt to check. Give me a call and we can see if what I do is right for you.
Does Relationship Counselling Include Families?
Yes, relationship counselling is useful for families, helping to create space for everyone’s voice to be heard and valued. We work together to improve how family members communicate and understand each other, especially during challenging times or big transitions. The goal is helping your family find ways of respecting what matters to each person while strengthening your bonds together.
Gina Simeon
Address: 16 Rockleaze Court, Rockleaze Avenue, Bristol BS9 1NN
Phone: +44 7772 973031
Email: gina@relationshipcounsellingbristol.co.uk
Everything is treated in confidence and I will not have any expectations from you. It’s important you find the therapist that suits you.