I'm Mark Ryan, a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and NCPS Accredited Relationship Therapist working with couples, individuals, and polycules across London. This is where I write about the things that come up most often in the room. Jealousy. Coming out to a partner. Separation. Sex and intimacy. The ordinary arguments that usually aren't about what they first appear to be about.
Some of what's here is written for couples working through something together. Some of it is for one person trying to make sense of their own experience before bringing a partner into it. All of it is grounded in research and real clinical practice, not generic advice dressed up as insight.
Below, everything is grouped by topic if you're looking for something specific, or simply scroll through what's most recent. And if something here resonates, or you'd like support with what you're going through, I offer a free 30-minute consultation, in person in London or by video.
Why Do I Feel Lonely in My Relationship?
You're not imagining it, and you're not the only one. A London couples therapist on why loneliness inside a relationship is real, common, and different from being alone.
How to Separate or Divorce Without Destroying Yourself or Each Other
Nobody plans to make their separation painful. But most people do, without meaning to. A London couples therapist on what a good separation looks like, and how to get there.
Why Heatwaves Make You Argue With Your Partner
You’re not imagining it, and it’s not just you. Heat does something real to mood, patience, and conflict. A London couples therapist on what’s happening and what to do about it.
Co-Parenting After Separation: Keeping Communication Working When the Relationship Hasn't
You don't have to like each other to co-parent well. But you do have to communicate. This piece looks at what gets in the way, what research says works, and what to do when it isn't working.
Telling the Kids About Separation: How and When
Telling the kids about separation is one of the hardest conversations separating parents face. A London couples therapist on timing, what to say at each age, and how to make the conversation as safe as possible.
Should We Stay Together for the Kids?
‘Should We Stay Together for the Kids? ‘ is one of the questions couples who are also parents ask most and answer least honestly. A London couples therapist on what the research says, and what matters for children.
Long-Distance Relationships Through Summer
Summer can strain a long-distance relationship in ways that feel disproportionate to what's actually happening. A London couples therapist on why, and what tends to help.
Can a Trial Separation Save a Relationship? The Case For and Against
Weighing up a trial separation? A London couples therapist sets out the genuine case for and against, what the research actually shows, and how therapy can help either way.