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.
When One Partner Wants to Travel and the Other Doesn't
When travel becomes a recurring source of tension between you and your partner, the disagreement is rarely really about the trip. A London couples therapist explains what's underneath it.
How to Know When a Relationship Is Over
Wondering if your relationship is over? A London couples therapist looks at what’s really being weighed when this question won’t go away, and what can help.
How much does couples therapy cost in London?
Couples therapy in central London costs £100 to £250 per session. A BACP Accredited therapist on what drives pricing, booking models, and value.
Couples Therapy After a Baby: Why So Many Couples Struggle in the First Two Years
Two-thirds of couples experience significant relationship decline after having a baby. Mark Ryan, a London relationship therapist, explains why, and what helps.
When to Go to Couples Therapy: Signs You Shouldn't Wait
Wondering whether your relationship needs therapy? Mark Ryan, a London relationship therapist, explains the research-backed signs it's time to seek help, and why most couples wait too long.
Your First Couples Therapy Session in London: What Actually Happens
What actually happens in a first couples therapy session? Mark Ryan, a London relationship therapist, walks through the consultation, the session itself, and what to expect.
Why Do Couples Stop Having Sex? Understanding Low Libido in Relationships
A London relationship therapist explores why couples stop having sex, the emotional dynamics behind low libido, and how intimacy can be rebuilt over time.
Gay Couples Therapy in London: Finding the Right Support for Your Relationship
Looking for gay couples therapy in London? Relationship therapist Mark Ryan explores the real challenges gay couples face, what to look for in an affirming therapist, and how therapy can genuinely help.
How to Stop Arguing with Your Partner: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle
Every couple argues. But when the same fights keep happening with no resolution, something deeper is at play. Relationship therapist Mark Ryan explains what drives conflict cycles and how to break them.
Is Couples Therapy Worth It? What the Research Says
Thinking about couples therapy but not sure if it actually works? Relationship therapist Mark Ryan looks at what the evidence says, who it helps most, and when to go.
After Betrayal: How Couples Can Heal from Infidelity and Rebuild Trust
If your relationship has been rocked by infidelity, you need honest guidance. A BACP Accredited London therapist on what recovery actually involves.
Is Our Sex Life Normal? Understanding Sexual Desire and Intimacy in Relationships
Many couples carry a quiet anxiety about their sex life — wondering if what they have is "normal," but never quite finding the words to ask. This article explores why there is no universal benchmark for sexual desire, how the erotic and companionship dimensions of a relationship work differently, and what it means when desire shifts over time. An honest, shame-free introduction to one of the most important — and least spoken about — areas of relationship life.
Surviving Christmas Without Falling Out: How Couples Can Navigate Conflict During the Holidays
Christmas can place unexpected strain on even the strongest relationships. Heightened expectations, family pressures, and emotional fatigue often mean conflict feels closer to the surface. This article explores why tensions rise at this time of year, how couples can navigate disagreements more gently, and when relationship therapy might help.
The Four Communication Styles That Harm Relationships: Gottman's Communication Patterns and How to Change Them
Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. A London couples therapist explains the four communication patterns Gottman's research links to relationship breakdown, and the antidotes that actually work.
How Secure Attachment Shapes Adult Relationships (and Why It’s Never Too Late to Heal)
Secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganised: a London couples therapist explains the four adult attachment styles, how they shape relationships, and how earned security develops in therapy.
Blame in Relationships: Why We Do It, How It Hurts, and What Therapy Can Offer
Blame can erode connection. Discover why it happens and how therapy can help couples reconnect.
Always On: Reclaiming Your Mental Health from Phones and Social Media
In a world of constant pings and endless scrolling, our relationship with phones and social media is reshaping how we think, feel, and connect. This post explores the impact of digital habits on mental health, sleep, anxiety, and relationship intimacy—drawing from therapeutic insight at Rise and Grow Therapy. Whether you’re feeling overstimulated, disconnected from your partner, or simply tired of being “always on,” this guide offers practical strategies to help you reclaim your attention and build a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology.
What to Expect from Couples Therapy: A Realistic Guide from a London Therapist
What does couples therapy actually involve? A London relationship therapist explains the assessment, the working phase, the ending, how long it takes, and what real progress looks like.