Relationship Counselling in Richmond upon Thames
Vernon Stokoe
MSc, BA (Hons), PsyDip
Relationships can reach a point where the same arguments repeat, communication begins to break down, or the sense of closeness starts to fade. Many couples find themselves caught in patterns they cannot easily change on their own.
Relationship counselling offers a structured space where both partners can slow things down, understand what is happening between them, and begin to move the relationship in a healthier direction.
My private practice is conveniently located in Richmond, South West London, just a short walk from Richmond Station. I offer flexible appointment times, including late evening and weekend sessions, making it easier for couples to attend therapy alongside work, family life, and other commitments.
Areas I Help With
- communication difficulties
- recurring conflict
- emotional distance
- intimacy and connection
- trust issues
- affairs and infidelity
- relationship anxiety
- attachment patterns
- separation and breakups
- rebuilding closeness
- loss of emotional connection
- navigating life transitions
- conflict around sex and intimacy
- feelings of resentment
- difficulties with vulnerability
- anxiety and self-esteem within relationships
Get in Touch
If you’re considering relationship counselling or psychotherapy, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Abount Vernon
Over the last seven years I have been focusing my practice on helping couples better understand their relationships, improve communication, and navigate the emotional challenges that modern relationships can bring.
I consider myself part of a movement working to normalise relationship therapy, helping couples recognise that counselling does not need to be reserved only for moments of crisis.
Relationship Therapy is a way to give your relationship time, to show dedication to your partner, and deepen the bond.
I’m here because relationships are important, and city life can throw us off balance. We need to remember to make time for connection, communication, and emotional closeness, or the bond we built can slowly begin to weaken.
How do I know if couples therapy is right for us?
Couples therapy can be helpful at many different stages of a relationship. Some couples come because communication has broken down, arguments feel repetitive, or emotional distance has started to grow.
Others simply want to strengthen the relationship, deepen emotional connection, or better understand one another before difficulties become more deeply established over time.
You do not need to be in crisis to begin therapy. Relationship counselling can provide a space to reflect more openly, work through difficult patterns, and develop healthier ways of relating together.
Fees
Individual Therapy
60 minute session • £100
Relationship Therapy
90 minute session • £150
Location
The Greenhouse Therapy Rooms
36 Paradise Road
Richmond upon Thames
TW9 1SE
Phone: 07833 505 040
Email: vernon@citypsychologist.com
How long are couples therapy sessions?
Standard couples therapy sessions are 90 minutes. When two people are speaking about something as important as their relationship, it is important that both partners have time to speak and reflect.
In couples work, pauses are also important. Moments of silence often allow people to reflect on what has been said and begin to process it more deeply. In many ways, those pauses are where real understanding begins to develop.
As therapy progresses, some couples choose to move to 60 minute sessions. Others prefer to continue with the longer format because they value the extra time and space the 90 minute session provides.
How often should we attend couples therapy?
Most couples begin by attending sessions weekly. Meeting consistently at the beginning of the process helps create momentum and allows the work to develop with greater depth and continuity.
It also gives space for recurring relational patterns and emotional dynamics to become clearer over time, rather than feeling as though each session is starting again from the beginning.
As the therapy progresses, sessions can often be reduced to once every two weeks as greater understanding, connection, and new ways of relating begin to develop within the relationship.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, although I generally believe relationship therapy works best when the majority of sessions take place in person. Much of the work happens through presence, emotional atmosphere, and the experience of physically sharing the room together.
That said, I work with many ambitious professionals and couples whose lives involve travel, demanding schedules, or periods spent outside of the country, and in these situations online sessions via video call can sometimes become necessary.
I also make exceptions where couples are particularly determined to work with me specifically, whether through recommendation or through connecting with my work and approach.
Do you only work with couples?
Yes. I work with a range of relationship dynamics and structures, including monogamous, non-monogamous, and polyamorous relationships, including relationship structures such as triads and quads.
I also work with same-sex couples, mixed-gender couples, and people across a range of identities, including those who are non-binary or trans.
The aim of therapy is to provide a thoughtful and respectful space where people can better understand the dynamics, communication, intimacy, and emotional challenges within their relationships.
