Online Couples Therapy with Steven Webster (MBACP)
Understand each other better.
Find a way forward together.
When the same arguments keep happening, communication becomes difficult, or you begin to feel distant from one another, it can be hard to know how to move forward.
I offer online couples therapy for partners who want to understand what is happening in their relationship, communicate more constructively and find a way through difficulties together.
My approach focuses on the patterns that develop between two people: how you respond to one another, what happens beneath the surface of conflict, and what each of you needs to feel heard, understood and connected. Rather than taking sides or deciding who is right, we work together to make sense of your relationship and explore what might change.
I also have a particular interest in working with intercultural and international couples, where differences in culture, family expectations, identity or experiences of migration can add another layer to relationship difficulties.
Book a free 30-minute introductory call to talk about what is happening and see whether working together feels right for you.
When your relationship feels stuck
You might be finding that conversations which begin with good intentions quickly turn into arguments. Perhaps one of you wants to talk things through while the other withdraws, or you both leave a conversation feeling misunderstood.
Sometimes the difficulty is more subtle. You may still care deeply about one another, but feel less close than you once did. You might be avoiding difficult conversations, struggling to rebuild trust, or wondering whether you are still moving in the same direction.
Couples therapy may be helpful if you:
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Keep having the same arguments without reaching a resolution.
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Find it difficult to communicate without becoming defensive, critical or withdrawn.
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Feel unheard, misunderstood or emotionally disconnected.
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Are struggling with trust, intimacy or changes in your relationship.
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Are approaching a significant decision or life transition together.
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Want to understand each other better, even if you are not in crisis.
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You do not have to wait until your relationship reaches breaking point to seek support. Sometimes the most useful step is to pause and understand the pattern you have both become caught in.
Understanding the pattern between you
When relationships become difficult, it is natural to focus on what the other person is doing wrong. One partner may feel criticised or rejected, while the other feels ignored or unable to get through. Each person reacts to the other, and before long, both can feel hurt, frustrated or alone.
Often, the argument itself is only part of the story. Beneath it may be a need for reassurance, a fear of rejection, a wish for greater independence, or a feeling of not being understood.
In our work together, we can slow these interactions down and explore what happens between you. Rather than treating either partner as the problem, we look at how your responses influence one another and what each of you is trying to express or protect.
The aim is not to eliminate every disagreement. It is to help you understand each other more fully, navigate differences with greater care, and find more constructive ways of responding when things become difficult.
Couples therapy for intercultural and international relationships
When two people bring different cultural backgrounds and life experiences into a relationship, they may also bring different assumptions about love, communication, family, commitment and what it means to build a life together.
You may find yourselves disagreeing about how involved extended family should be, how affection is expressed, how decisions are made, or what each of you expects from a partner. Something that feels caring or respectful to one person may feel distant or intrusive to the other. These differences are not necessarily a problem in themselves. But when their meaning remains unspoken, misunderstandings can become recurring sources of conflict.
I have a particular interest in working with intercultural and international couples. Our work can explore how culture, upbringing, identity and personal experience influence the way you relate to one another, without assuming that every difficulty is caused by cultural difference or that one person's perspective is more valid than the other's.
You may also be navigating the pressures of relocation, an international long-distance relationship, different expectations from family or community, or uncertainty about where to build your future. For some couples, questions of language, religion, discrimination or belonging can also affect the relationship.
For intercultural LGBTQ+ couples, there may be additional challenges around acceptance, identity and feeling able to live openly. I aim to offer a respectful space where both partners can explore their experiences without having to justify who they are or how they live.
An important part of this work can be creating a shared understanding of what your relationship means to you both. You do not have to choose one person's culture, traditions or expectations over the other's. Together, you can explore what to carry forward, what to do differently, and what kind of relationship you want to build.
My approach to
couples therapy
My work is grounded in humanistic principles and informed by emotionally focused couples therapy. This means paying attention not only to what happens during disagreements, but also to the emotions, needs and relationship patterns beneath them.
I aim to create a calm, structured space in which both partners have the opportunity to speak and feel heard. I do not take sides or approach therapy as a process of deciding who is right. Instead, we work together to understand the difficulties you are experiencing and consider what might help.
This may involve exploring how you communicate, recognising the moments when conversations begin to break down, understanding each person's emotional responses, and finding different ways to approach difficult topics.
The process is collaborative. You both bring your own experiences, perspectives and hopes for the relationship. My role is to help you explore these with curiosity and care, so that you can develop a clearer understanding of yourselves and one another.
What can you expect from couples therapy?
Beginning therapy can feel like a significant step, especially if you are unsure what to expect or whether you will both feel comfortable.
We start by understanding what has brought you to therapy, how each of you sees the situation, and what you would like to be different. You do not need to agree on everything or have a clear goal before you begin.
As we work together, we can explore recurring difficulties, identify patterns that are keeping you stuck, and make space for conversations that have become difficult to have at home.
Progress looks different for every couple. You might want to improve communication, rebuild emotional connection, navigate a major transition, or gain a clearer understanding of whether and how to move forward.
Therapy provides a space to explore these questions thoughtfully rather than rushing towards a predetermined answer.
Online couples counselling across the UK
Sessions take place online, allowing you to attend from a private space that works for you. Before we begin, we can discuss how online sessions will work and what you both need to feel comfortable taking part.
Couples sessions last 90 minutes. The longer format gives us time to hear both perspectives and explore important issues without needing to rush the conversation. Fees: £72 per session.
I also offer a free 45-minute introductory call. This is an opportunity to talk briefly about what has been happening, ask questions about my approach and decide whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no obligation to continue.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to be in crisis to attend couples therapy?
No. Some couples seek support after a period of serious conflict, while others come because they have begun to feel distant or want help navigating a change. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable before asking for support.
What if we disagree about what the problem is?
That is common. You do not need to arrive with the same account of what has gone wrong. An important part of the work is making space for both perspectives and exploring how each of you experiences the relationship.
Do you take sides?
My aim is to understand both partners' experiences rather than decide who is right or wrong. We explore the interaction between you and the patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties.
Can couples therapy help with cultural differences?
Yes. For intercultural couples, therapy can provide space to explore how cultural backgrounds, family expectations, values, communication styles and experiences of migration shape the relationship. The aim is not to decide which culture is right, but to help you understand one another and build a relationship that reflects both of your experiences.
Do you work with same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples?
I aim to offer a respectful and inclusive space for couples of different sexual orientations and gender identities. You are welcome to discuss the experiences and pressures that are relevant to your relationship.
What if one of us is unsure about attending?
It is not unusual for partners to feel differently about starting therapy. The introductory call can help you ask questions and consider whether this approach feels appropriate. It is important that both partners have the opportunity to express their views without feeling pressured.
How many sessions will we need?
There is no fixed number of sessions that suits every couple. This depends on what you want to explore, the difficulties you are facing and how the work develops. We can discuss your hopes and review how things are progressing as we go.
How much does couples therapy cost?
Couples sessions last 90 minutes with fees set at £72, however, packages are available. The free 30-minute introductory call gives you an opportunity to ask practical questions before deciding whether to proceed.
How do we get started?
You can contact me to arrange a free 30-minute introductory call. We can talk briefly about your situation, discuss any questions you have and consider whether couples therapy with me feels right for you.