Deborah Leaver – Qualified Couples Therapist
    Accepting new clients

    Deborah Leaver

    Deborah is a qualified and highly experienced Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist based at Relationship Counselling Walton-on-Thames. She specialises in helping couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and resolve conflict in a supportive, understanding environment.

    Using an integrative approach that blends evidence-based methods with warmth and empathy, Deborah helps partners explore how past experiences and communication styles influence their relationship today. Her sessions offer a safe space for both individuals to feel heard, respected, and understood — guiding you towards greater connection, emotional balance, and a more fulfilling relationship.

    Level 4 Diploma in Counselling

    Session Rates

    Couples Counselling

    60 minutes

    £80

    Individual Counselling

    60 minutes

    £68
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    About Deborah

    Hello, my name is Deborah and I’m a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where both you and your partner can express yourselves and feel truly heard. I understand that discussing intimate relationship difficulties with a professional can feel daunting, but I am dedicated to ensuring you both feel comfortable enough to explore the issues you bring to therapy.

    I utilise an 'Integrative Approach' which allows me to draw on a wide range of techniques tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are struggling with unresolved discord, seeking positive change, or navigating the emotional strain of complex family dynamics, I work with people from all walks of life. This includes diverse social, cultural, and religious backgrounds, as well as LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals.

    In our sessions, we will look at your feelings and behaviours as a couple. My approach often involves exploring how your past experiences—such as your upbringing, childhood, or established communication styles—might be contributing to your current relationship difficulties. By understanding these patterns, we can work together to foster a healthier partnership.

    Meet Deborah

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    Background & Experience

    I am a registered member of the BACP and hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Couples Therapy and Counselling, alongside a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. My professional journey began in the legal sector as a Management Consultant, a background that provides me with a unique perspective on the pressures of professional life and its impact on personal relationships.

    In addition to my private practice, I have extensive experience supporting clients through various charities, dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement, domestic violence, and substance misuse. I continue to be involved in charity work as I believe quality therapy should be accessible to everyone. To ensure I provide the most effective and up-to-date support, I regularly attend specialist workshops and training to further my expertise in relationship dynamics and trauma.

    How I can help

    I'll guide you both to communicate more openly and constructively, so you can navigate disagreements without escalation or blame.

    We'll delve into understanding your individual needs and attachment styles, building a stronger foundation for deeper connection and intimacy.

    I'll help you identify and shift unhelpful patterns, enabling you to respond to each other with greater empathy and understanding.

    We'll explore effective strategies, drawing from established relationship methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy, to foster lasting positive changes and renewed emotional closeness.

    I'll provide a safe and supportive space where you can address sensitive issues, fostering mutual respect and rebuilding trust.

    We'll work together to cultivate resilience and implement practical tools that nurture a more fulfilling and enduring partnership.

    Specialisms

    Psychosexual TherapyNeurodiversity in RelationshipsGender Diversity in RelationshipsAddiction and Substance Use in Relationships

    Problems I can help with

    Differences in values or life goals
    Repeating unhealthy relationship patterns
    Intimacy and sexual difficulties
    Feeling distant, disconnected, or stuck
    Deciding whether to stay together or separate
    Navigating long distance relationships
    Pre-marital therapy and relationship preparation
    Communication problems and not feeling heard
    Jealousy and insecurity
    Conflict and frequent arguments
    Life transitions and big changes
    Trust issues and infidelity

    Therapeutic approaches

    Gottman Method Couples TherapyPsychodynamic Couples Therapy

    Professional memberships

    British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

    Want to start counselling sooner?

    We can connect you with the first available qualified couples therapist so you can get support sooner.

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