Resonance Relationships
Couples & Relationship Counselling
A warm, impartial space for couples and partners to be heard, to understand each other more deeply, and to find a way forward — together or apart.Maria is experienced with relational trauma (domestic and sexual abuse) as well as child protection, safeguarding and family court systems. Other relational trauma can present as exposure to domestic abuse via various behaviours including but not limited to:Financial ControllingViolent & physicalEmotionalPsychological& Sexually Abusive RelationshipsI am here to work with you therapeutically, in a non-judgmental way.If you are presently subjected to abuse, see the crisis support page and if you need to switch from this website, click the 'Quick Exit' red button. This does not remove your computer history.
Every relationship has its own story
Relationships are one of the most meaningful — and most challenging — parts of human life. Even the strongest partnerships go through periods of disconnection, conflict, or stagnation. That does not mean something is broken beyond repair.
Resonance Relationships is the couples and relationship counselling strand of my practice. I work with couples of all kinds — different genders, sexualities, relationship structures, and neurotypes — in a space that is genuinely non-judgmental and affirming.
My role is not to take sides or tell you what to do. It is to help you both feel heard, to slow down the patterns that keep you stuck, and to open up new ways of understanding and relating to each other.
Is This Right for You?
Couples therapy can be helpful at many different stages — not just in crisis. It may be a good fit if any of the following resonate:
- You feel like you are having the same argument on repeat
- Communication has broken down or become hostile
- You have grown apart and want to reconnect
- One or both of you is neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, AuDHD)
- You are navigating a major life transition together
- Intimacy — emotional or physical — has become difficult
- You are considering separation and want to explore all options
- You want to build a stronger foundation before problems arise
- You are in an LGBTQ+ relationship and want an affirming space
- One partner is reluctant but willing to try
"You do not have to be on the brink of separation to benefit from couples therapy. Sometimes the best time to come is before things get really hard."
— Maria Hartshorn, Resonance Counselling
What We Can Work On
Every couple's needs are different. Sessions are shaped by what matters most to you. Common areas include:
Communication
Learning to hear each other — not just the words, but the feelings and needs underneath them. We work on patterns that keep conversations stuck.
Conflict & repair
Understanding what drives conflict in your relationship and developing the skills to de-escalate, repair, and reconnect after ruptures.
Intimacy & connection
Emotional and physical closeness can erode over time. We explore what intimacy means to each of you and how to rebuild it.
Neurodiverse dynamics
When one or both partners are neurodivergent, the relationship has its own particular texture. I understand this and work with it rather than around it.
Trust & betrayal
Whether trust has been broken through infidelity, dishonesty, or repeated let-downs, we work on what it takes to rebuild — or to grieve what cannot be recovered.
Life transitions
Parenthood, bereavement, illness, career change, relocation — major transitions put relationships under pressure. Therapy can help you navigate them together.
Neurodiverse Couples
When one or both partners are autistic, have ADHD, or are AuDHD, the relationship has a particular texture that many therapists are not equipped to understand. I am. We work with the genuine strengths and real challenges of neurodiverse partnerships — without pathologising either partner.
LGBTQ+ Affirming
I work with couples of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures. My practice is genuinely affirming — not just tolerant. You will not need to explain or justify your relationship to me. We can simply get on with the work.
How It Works
Starting couples therapy can feel like a big step. Here is what to expect.
Free introductory call
A 15-minute call — ideally with both partners — to ask questions, understand what you are hoping for, and see if we are a good fit.
First session together
We meet as a three. I hear from both of you about what has brought you to therapy and what you each hope to get from it.
Individual sessions (optional)
Sometimes it is helpful for each partner to have a session alone early on. This is not always necessary — we discuss what feels right.
Ongoing couples work
Regular 60-minute sessions at a pace that suits you. Most couples find weekly or fortnightly sessions work well to begin with.
Session length
60 minutes
Fee
£90 per session
Available
In-person (Havering) & Online
What Couples Say
"My partner and I were at a real crossroads. We had tried talking to each other and it just kept going in circles. Maria helped us actually hear each other for the first time in years. The difference in our relationship is remarkable."
J. & T.
Couples counselling
"We came to Maria as a neurodiverse couple — I'm autistic and my partner has ADHD — and she understood our dynamic immediately. She never made either of us feel like the problem. We have learned so much about how to support each other."
M. & F.
Couples counselling, neurodiverse relationship
Ready to Take the First Step?
A free 15-minute introductory call is the easiest way to find out if couples therapy with me is right for you. Both partners are welcome on the call — or just one of you, if that feels easier to begin with.