Sophie Laybourne

Couple and Individual Psychotherapist

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Professional Profile:

I have been working with couples and individuals with relationship difficulties for the past fifteen years and have a particular interest in the problems experienced by those in long-term partnerships which may have to absorb many shocks, including those caused by children, affairs, sexual problems, family pressures and the empty nest. Added to these common difficulties, the modern ‘companionate’ model of marriage insists on an ideal of constant ‘togetherness’ which many couples find hard to sustain.

I work psychodynamically, helping to link present with past. As part of my work, I also aim to encourage couples to carve out areas of separateness and independence so that their relationships do not become stifling predicable and over-loaded.

My style of working, though always respectful, can sometimes be playful and I will try to help you to be curious about yourselves, each-other, and your relationship and to learn to communicate more. You might be surprised (but then again, perhaps not?) by how hard some couples find it to talk about the things that are bothering them (boredom in the bedroom; feelings of loneliness and isolation) preferring to act out dissatisfactions by, for example, having affairs.

Although we will be interested in the past, we will try to treat insight as information which might lead to concrete solutions. Change is what therapy is about – not going around in a loop.

My first career was as a newspaper and magazine journalist and I continue to write on relationships and to contribute to a relationship column in the Saturday Telegraph.

Training and Qualifications:

Diploma in Integrative Individual Counselling (Mary Ward)
Diploma in Couple and Individual Relationship Therapy (Relate)
PGDip Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, UEL and Tavistock Relationships
Visting clinician at Tavistock Relationships

Professional affiliations

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Fees

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Contact details

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Relationship and Couple Therapy

Sometimes relationships may undergo periods of stress and it may feel as if they are a source of unhappiness or confusion. Relationship counselling helps couples and individuals explore problematic patterns that may be affecting their quality of life. The problem may be recurring or after an event or series of events.

We work with a wide range of couples from different cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations

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Psychosexual Therapy

Psychosexual therapy is an integrative approach which combines talking therapy with behavioural therapy. It can take place on an individual basis or with a partner. It will involve an assessment of the sexual issue (including any associated medical factors) whilst exploring further how the relationship, sexual development and personal history may be affecting the sexual issue. Behavioural exercises may be discussed in the sessions, which will then be carried out at home to help the individual or couple address their sexual difficulties.

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Individual Counselling

Individual counselling is a joint process between a therapist and client. Common goals of therapy may be to motivate change or improve quality of life. Therapy can help people overcome obstacles to emotional and mental well-being.

It can also increase positive feelings, such as compassion and self-esteem. People in therapy can learn healthy skills for managing difficult situations, making positive decisions, and reaching goals.

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East London Relationship Therapy

225 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ, United Kingdom