What People Say About Us

Kay Doherty

This is the first time I’ve had counselling. It was nice to do with my husband so you can experience it with someone else because I wasn’t sure what to expect. Kay is very friendly, approachable, easy person to talk to and put us at ease straight away. Online zoom really worked for us as we have young kids and never have time for ourselves unless they are asleep.

It really helped us to see each other’s perspective and understand one and other and it’s massively helped us. I would highly recommend Kay and we will definitely be coming back for future sessions when and if we need it.

Kay Doherty

We both found the counselling with Kay Doherty really helpful in getting us to really talk and really listen I’d happily use this service again.

“We loved our experience, keep up the good work! It completely surpassed our expectations!”

Madeleine Kingsley

I initially went to meet with Madeleine for marriage guidance therapy.  Madeleine was understanding, supportive and empathetic to our needs.  She was a rock through the most difficult times in my life; always available with sage advice and guidance even when it wasn’t easy to hear. Her quick wit makes her easy to open up to, effortlessly building relationships.

Since finishing my regular sessions we keep in touch and I have recommended her to friends, family and even clients. 

Kay Doherty

If you are looking for a great counsellor then Kay is the person you need to see. Without her me and my partner would not have been able to make the steps we have. Her support and guidance is greatly appreciated and we thank her for everything.

Many thanks

Kay Doherty 

We had never used counselling of any kind in the past so we found the whole process of finding someone we can speak with quite challenging. We ideally wanted to meet with someone face to face but soon realised that everyone was busy, so searched for an on-line appointment.

Ours was a private relationship matter, we had no one to talk to but each other so when we met Kay we were hoping for a good listener, independent advice, someone with experience who appreciated what we were going through.

Kay was exactly what we needed, she listened to both of us, sometimes each in turn and sometimes to both of us together as we opened up about our individual journeys. She is very experienced, so settled our nerves that what we were experiencing was normal each of us at different stages and with different issues to resolve.

After weekly on-line calls over a period of three months, Kay helped us get to the bottom of our issues and guided us to think about what we were doing, improve communication and better listening. We took on board the feedback and gradually we started working together on the same side as opposed to working against each other.

We would highly recommend Kay as a Couples Therapist and if we do falter, we would instantly go back to Kay for more help.

Denese MacDonald

Dear Denese, we really have learned a lot about our relationship through our sessions with you . After 40 years we were happy but taking each other for granted . The bigger issues were not a problem , but the smaller irritations were magnifying for a very long time .

You helped us understand that small changes can make a very big difference , and to simply let things go ! Your counselling is insightful , calm and patient  Talking things through with you as an impartial counsellor who did not criticise us has been very beneficial .

Thanks so much Denese.

Kathy Hoggart

Kathy Hoggart is amazing! With Kathy’s help my husband and I are back ‘on track’. Kathy reassured us that both of our feelings count and because of this Kathy gained our trust instantly. Kathy quickly helped us to identify what could be causing our issues and how we can use simple techniques and solutions to resolve/manage/accept them.

Kathy had a very thoughtful approach throughout our sessions so that they were well planned and logical but also free flowing and flexible and without her being overbearing or dictating the pace. We had quick exercises that we willingly did in between our sessions that also really helped with our conversation during them. The support Kathy gave us to resolve our issues was superb. The tips and encouragement Kathy gave us helped us to work well together during the sessions. We were also able to work independently so that we made good progress from one session to the next. We are still using those tips now and we still remind each other when we need to of the wonderful guidance Kathy gave so that we can continue to benefit from it whenever we need to.

Thank you Kathy

Tim Gilbert
For Julie and I, counselling was an opportunity for change. We knew we were stuck and needed the time, the tools, the space, the bravery and impetus to begin the process of change.

Tim gave us what we needed and at a pace we could manage. Tim joined with us in our exploration so the Julie-and- I duo became a trio with Tim; working together to resolve our issues.

After each session we felt empowered to take away what we had discussed so that we may consider this in greater depth in our own time.

He was never the passive wall or mirror (which would have irritated and blocked our learning) but an active participant in our striving to move forward.

Sian Jones
“Hi Sian, we just wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Things have never been so good for us!”

As you know, when we booked to see you we were on the verge of splitting up and Brian didn’t want to have counselling because neither of us could see a way forward.  And as much as the sessions were really difficult to start (in the nicest possible way!!) You were so kind and understanding whilst at the same time encouraging us to both be really honest. You were very honest with us both also by pointing out what we needed to take responsibility for individually if we wanted things to get better”

“We both feel it’s a bit scary not having our weekly sessions with you but hopefully we will be OK now but we know where you are! Thanks again x

Madeleine Kingsley
“We’ve turned some pretty big corners in this household, I’m feeling very grateful indeed. Thank you for always being there and holding space, it’s facilitated so much healing for me and my family”

Sabine Hawkins
“Hi Sabine, you asked us if we would mind writing down what we felt the benefits of relationship counselling are so you can share that to help other people. We both thought long and hard about it and we are not sure we can answer that in a generic format because we feel it only worked for us because of you (sorry if that’s a bit creepy but it’s true!)”

“From the moment we met you, you put us at ease. You had a way of making us open up and tell you things we had never told each other let alone anyone else! You helped us understand each other and ourselves and you never made us feel judged or uncomfortable and as I said to you on the phone last week now we have finished our sessions we will miss you  in a strange sort of way. Thanks again for everything”

Kaye Barney
“I arranged an initial session through the OCC website where we identified the issues I wanted help with and the approach that suited me best. We subsequently arranged a series of 6 counselling sessions, via video due to covid restrictions. In reality, the video format worked well for me as it felt personal whilst allowing me to be in comfortable surroundings.

I found Kaye’s approach worked very well – listening & questioning but without judging. She used her experience to introduce useful  techniques which helped shift my thinking and offered topics that I could (optionally) work on between sessions.  She is warm and friendly with a thorough professionalism.

Over the sessions I significantly progressed my thinking and understanding of my situation. I always felt supported but also pushed to challenge myself, which is what I wanted

I would thoroughly recommend Kaye as an adaptable, experienced and friendly counsellor. Thank you”

Elaine McKenzie
“When we found Elaine our relationship was in crisis. We had sessions with her jointly and individually. Both myself and my partner found Elaine to be helpful and non-judgemental in appraising our situation. She was very easy to talk to and posed thoughtful questions that enabled us to appreciate our present situation which enabled us to find a way forward”

“We found it a comfort to have someone with Elaine’s experience to help during this difficult time. We would have no hesitation in contacting her in the future if we need to and would happily recommend her to others”

Sian Jones 
“My wife point blank refused to seek help for our problems with marriage counselling because she saw this as a failure she didn’t want to admit to. Neither of us wanted to separate but we wanted to feel happy again. But as much as I tried to persuade my wife to see Sian she point blank refused.

I called online couples counselling to  ask for advice it was actually them who suggested that perhaps my wife might feel more comfortable if we had a session on Zoom. Although my wife was still hesitant she felt much more comfortable with this idea and it’s helped us greatly. We didn’t even realised how stale things were and  how mundane our lives had become. Sian inspired us with new vigour and understanding and we are both happier now and actually looking forward to our retirement together rather than dreading it”

Madeleine Kingsley
“We really lucked out when we got Madeleine as our counsellor”

Madeleine Kinsgley
“Our sessions with you have been a lifesaver and completely invaluable and I think moving forward we are both so much better equipped to deal with whatever comes next. But we also won’t be afraid to ask for help if and when we may need it.”

Elaine Brown
“Just to say Thank you for your help, it has been invaluable and it was wonderful confiding in someone so warm and non-judgemental.  The sessions were priceless in how they improved our communication and overall relationship.  The tools we’ve learnt will be invaluable taking froward”

Tim Gilbert
“The weekly sessions with Tim have been invaluable. His intuition, sensitivity and empathy have made the process enlightening and very manageable at a point where our marriage was in crisis.

Thank you, Tim, – you have saved my relationship”

Elaine Brown
“Thank you so much for everything you have done to help the situation with our marriage.  We have learnt a lot but still have a way to go but you have helped more than we can of expected”

Kaye Barney

I have recently been helped by Kaye Barney and through my sessions I can honestly say I have felt improvement. She helped create a open and friendly platform in which we could discuss the relevant topics that helped ease my overall stress and anxiety. I would recommend Kaye very highly and I would not hesitate to book further sessions if I felt the need. I would also recommend the online sessions and found them far less stressful that adding extra travel to my day.

Madeleine Kingsley
“Madeleine was wonderful, she saved my life and helped me come back to life through her kindness, compassion, encouragement and unfailing support. She is a genuinely lovely person and just brilliant at her job. I honestly can’t thank her enough for helping me re-build the shattered parts of myself, i’m in such a strong position now to deal with whatever life is throwing at me and i’m really really grateful

Kiran Kaur
“My experience of Couple counselling with Kiran was enlightening. I found Kiran to be professional, empathetic and supportive.

As a couple my husband and I were able to discuss challenging topics without the usual arguments. Kiran helped us listen to each other and most importantly be heard.

Personally I feel this time has given me the opportunity to reflect on my strengths (some of which I didn’t know I had) and my weaknesses.

Kiran you were able to help me articulate my feelings in a more productive way then I have ever been able to on my own. Thank you”

Kiran Kaur
“Dear Kiran, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your counselling sessions.

They have been a great support for me and Marvin, helping us to communicate with each other and providing us with a new perspective with our problems and an alternative solution.

Thank you for being objective with us. It was important  to  be  heard but also to know where we needed to improve or reflect.

We wish you the best of luck in the future and we know that you will continue to help other couples just like us”

Jo Walmsley-Moore
“From the very first contact (virtual) Jo was very warm and welcoming. She made both of us feel at ease.

Jo discussed our personal experiences in a kind and considerate manner, allowing both of us to speak, without feeling rushed. The sessions we had were all amazing and she helped us move forward with our relationship.

I’m happy for my name to be attached to my review”

Kiran Kaur
“Dear Kiran, I would like to say a sincere thank you for bearing with Peter and I for the last 6 sessions. I found it hard to answer some of your questions, as they involved unearthing what I was trying to ignore, name the things as they are, for me, and really think about how I see this relationship progressing.

This was the first time when I felt Peter heard what I was saying, and the first time I had to clearly admit that I wasn’t ok with what was happening. It takes guts (and a lot of tears) to do that. This was a positive shift for me, and for the first time saw where I should be heading to find peace again – it eventually being a separation, in our case. Thank you for showing this to me, and for giving me the opportunity to be heard”

Sian Jones 
“Hello my name is Brian, I don’t know your name but if your reading this I do at least know a little about you. I needed help and you presumably feel that you do as well.

It’s very difficult to ask for help, especially from a total stranger. We all think we can deal with whatever life throws at us, unfortunately some of us find we can’t. I waited some considerable time before I plucked up the courage to contact Sian, don’t you do that, grab the moment and you won’t regret it!

My first appointment I nearly cancelled. I am so glad I didn’t because I couldn’t wait for the next one. Sian is open, friendly, engaging, non judgemental and very good at what she does.

After six sessions I feel that with Sian’s understanding and the tools she has given me to look at situations in life that we all experience I am more able to deal with them and move on.

I can say in all honesty that I will miss our Zoom meetings!

I do know who to contact if I feel in need of a confidential chat

Sian, thank you for all your help”

Tara Cratchley
“We didn’t think we would be sat here together having enjoyed a family Christmas, when this time last year we felt we were at the end. Thank You for helping us find a way forward that suited us, and for your knowledge and understanding. We now are looking forward rather than dreading the future.

Tara Cratchley
“Thank You, Thank You Thank You… no need to reply, I just wanted to say thank you Tara. You had the right balance between managing the situation with kindness but with a firm boundary to help us both see and understand what where we were going wrong and how we could fix it with your help and support in structured sessions.

Tara is knowledgeable, understanding and really knows her stuff. I would highly recommend to others. If in doubt about whether or not to try couples therapy I would say what have you got to lose? We spent ages talking about going for help, and within a few weeks we felt we had a future and understood so much more about how we got in this situation and why.

I just wanted to say Thanks for your time, support and patience. We are so grateful and you really are amazing!! “

Kiran Kaur
“I wanted to give some feedback on myself and my partner’s sessions with Kiran.

She has been very understanding and supportive as well as non judgemental and definitely helped us process the things we have been going through recently. She has given me the confidence to believe I am doing the right thing.

I’m really glad we had the counselling. It has definitely been of help. Thank you”

Jo Walmsley-Moore 
“So my husband and I were in the process of separating and we were able to book an immediate session with Jo for counselling. At the time we were both not communicating and had completely shut down emotionally, with no way forward.

In that session Jo managed to completely change our lives. She discussed our history, our upbringing and our own values and beliefs, things we’d never even considered would contribute to a relationship. Sometimes you need someone to think outside the box. You can tell she is a people person and is very normal, it was easy to chat to her and tell her all our personal issues within minutes (and we are both introverted quiet people, so not an easy task).

There were no sides taken, no opinion offered. Thank you Jo, you have saved our marriage and given us the tools to be happier in the future”

Sian Jones

“My wife and I decided to seek online marriage counselling with Sian after having experienced a few communication challenges whilst in lockdown. We have been married just under 2 years and really wanted to nip these issues in the bud”

“The counselling was a real revelation. The whole experience was enlightening and we both found it to be very useful. Sian had a really experienced and specialised way in helping us to approach and deal with our challenges well. It certainly wasn’t about blame or who was right or wrong, but it helped us understand how the other was feeling and how they processed thoughts”

“We had just 4 or 5 sessions and are now looking forward to a long, happy and fulfilled marriage with much-improved communication skills. Thank you “

Jo Walmsley-Moore

“Jo took the time to understand us as individuals and our respective ways of thinking rather than jumping straight into our problems as a couple. She helped us to navigate through our issues gently and at our own pace using tools and resources between sessions to get us thinking and talking to each other about them”

“We finished every session with a reminder that we love each other, had a strong foundation and were there to improve things in our relationship. We’ve come out of our sessions with Jo with a better understanding of how we each perceive our problematic interactions and practical ways to deal with them. This came at a particularly crucial time when our marriage was strained and we had another child on the way”

Jo Walmsley-Moore

“Although my wife was not comfortable discussing our marital problems with a counsellor herself, Jo really helped me understand how to approach the issues, and gave us a good foundation/plan to build upon.

They say the first step is to talk about the problems, and talking with Jo really helped!. Was the first time (aged 48) I have had any kind of counselling, which filled me with fear, but within a couple of minutes of the Zoom meeting Jo put my mind at rest.”

Debbie Fletcher

“Online Relationship counselling with Debbie was a positive experience for both of us. The initial questionnaire was a good way to get us to think deeply and try to identify issues we had and wanted to address”

“Debbie seemed to understand where each of us was coming from and tried to get us to see the other person’s point of view”

Allie Markantonis

“We weren’t sure what to expect, or even if it would help. Best money we ever spent!” We chose Allie for help and guidance after finding out of infidelity”

“After 15 years into our relationship we were on complete unknown territory. However knew we didn’t want this to be the end”

“Therefore found ourselves at marriage counselling. Feeling anxious and worried about talking, Allie quickly helped those feeling disappear and was easy to talk to”

“She gave us the tools to understand and appreciate one and other again. And helped us understand how we got to where we were. And most importantly how we worked to get out of it”

Allie has helped us, as a couple and as individuals, and we have learnt some valuable tools we will continue to use. And we are happy to say, we now feel the strongest we ever have”

Allie Markantonis

“I saw Allie for online counselling when I was struggling to know what to do and was very confused. I was in the middle of having an affair and thinking about leaving my wife and child. I couldn’t make sense of what I was feeling or which way to turn”

“Allie worked slowly with me to assess what was truly making me happy and the steps to cope with everyday life. Then we explored the bigger issues which slowly but surely led me to a much deeper understanding of myself”

“My relationship with my wife has vastly improved. We are now able to communicate more openly and can provide each other with space, companionship and appropriate support when needed. I have regained my enjoyment in our journey of building a life and family together”

“I am now happier than I have ever been and feel more confident to move forward with my life with much stronger ability to cope with anything life throws at me in the future. I’ll never be able to thank you enough”

Debbie Fletcher 

“We felt having a space to talk in that was safe and supportive was really helpful. The sessions were very well managed and structured by Debbie Fletcher and there was an understanding and empathy with our situation which felt comforting.  We were each allowed a decent time to talk and reflect”

“Thank you Debbie – you were very kind and understanding and we really appreciated the lack of judgement and desire to help us with your reflections and ideas”

Request an appointment

Sian Jones 

“We booked with Sian for some marriage counselling online and found that she has an amazing ability to explain back to you EXACTLY how you are feeling, both me and my husband just couldn’t believe it! It was like she had experienced every single feeling we had at some point so she could really relate to it. At no point did she judge either of us such she just helped understand each other’s perspectives and got us actually communicating properly again! Thank you!

Tara Cratchley 

“The Irish” (ha ha ha!) cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us Tara. It’s been a steep hill but we finally got there, we will never forget what you have done for us and all being well we won’t be booking again!! :))”

Kiran Kaur
“I cannot recommend Kiran enough. She has supported, listened and realistically saved my relationship and mental health in a very tough patch in my life.

She became a 3rd member of our relationship and has offered guidance that we will continue to do in our relationship for years to come. She is a wonderful lady with empathy and intellect that makes you re-evaluate in the best possible way”.

Sabine Hawkins 

“We procrastinated about having relationship counselling for around 2 years. I made 3 appointments then cancelled them trying to pretend the problems were manageable and we didn’t need help. Things finally came to a head and we had no choice; either go for help or split up. My husband didn’t want to so it felt like I was dragging him along but plucking up the courage was the best thing we ever did and we wish we had done it five years ago. After only 2 appointments with Sabine it started to get better and then continued to grow each session after that. With our new communication skills and understanding of each other I feel like we are back in love again! I would tell anyone not to be scared or embarrassed and it is worth every penny”

Allie Markantonis 

“It’s been good and it’s been bad………………… but knowing what we know now …. we should have done it years ago! Thank you thank you thank you!”

Sian Jones 

“We found Sian to be such a huge help in our quest for improving our communication skills. Sian will teach you how to think about your behaviour and what it’s linked to so you learn to understand yourself and your partner a whole lot better. This is an invaluable technique,. She is also warm & fun which really helps!:)”

“We now communicate better and understand one another….invaluable & life changing.’ Many thanks again”

Kiran Kaur
“Really appreciate the help and support provided via the counselling service you have provided. It has really helped our relationship and has helped me understand how to better communicate and make my feelings known.

This intervention has helped save and mend our relationship and ultimately our marriage so thank you again”

Sian Jones 

“Sian Jones is Highly recommend!!  I contacted Online Couples Counselling for an appoinment with Sian because I was concerned that my reaction to the small irritating things my partner was doing was getting out of hand. I was anxious, angry and upset on a regular basis. I tried to blame him for a while but I started to realise it was me and not him.

I saw Sian for a few months, once a week, and began to understand why I was reacting the way I was. This understanding was half the battle, and was incredibly revealing. I learned not to let my hurt feelings turn to anger and frustration, and deal with them in a different way. I feel like my old self again now, I’m more in control of my emotions, and much happier in my relationship. Sian was sympathetic, caring, open and I felt genuinely happy for me when I started to feel better”

Elaine Brown

“As you know Elaine I have tried very hard to get over my wife’s affair. Unfortunately I haven’t been unable to forgive and forget and now know I never will. Although the whole experience has hurt like hell, I couldn’t have done it without you. You helped me through it by giving me time, patience and a different perspective. I know more about myself and relationships than I ever did before and I’m hoping one day I will see some good in what’s happened. Hopefully this will help me in my next relationship”

June Brogan

“Having June help us talk through our problems online helped us both see each others point of view and see things more clearly. Our marriage is much stronger now that it has been for years – thank you so much”

Sabine Hawkins 

“We knew we needed to separate but wanted to do so amicably for the sake of our two children. Sabine made this possible by offering us the support through a very difficult time”

Sian Jones 

“We were really skeptical about online couples counselling as you know! But it was great and so convenient. Thank you so much Sian for putting our marriage back on track!”

Sian Jones 

“When my wife suggested that we should see a relationship counsellor but I thought it was very sceptical and cynical. But Sian Jones made us both feel very relaxed from the outset and she never took sides in any of our conversations. Sian helped us through the sometimes difficult process. I would recommend her to anyone who is having problems”

Gaye Mitchell 

“Although my partner was reluctant to do online therapy Gaye put us both at ease straight away. I was surprised how he opened up and I was able to see things from his perspective for the first time. I know that he understands me more now and with Gayes help we are closer than ever”

Sian Jones 

“I didn’t think there was any hope for our relationship as all we did was argue and shout at each other. We booked to see Sian because she started online couples counselling so we thought she must be good.. She was so patient and understanding and always saw things from both points of view. We are now at a stage where we can at least communicate without getting angry. We are still working on our relationship but now feel at least there is light at the end of the tunnel”