Accepting new clients

Hello, my name is Lynn Garbutt and I am a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioural therapist and online couples counsellor. In my experience, it is common for relationships to go through troubling periods that impact the health and happiness of both partners and the wider family. When emotions run high, it can be difficult to appreciate our partner’s perspective, often leading to feelings of hurt, resentment, and loneliness.

I believe the vast majority of relationship issues stem from poor communication. Many couples feel they listen to one another without truly 'hearing' or understanding what is being said. My role is to provide a calm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can begin to appreciate each other’s point of view. It is not necessarily about agreeing on everything, but about learning to understand and value your partner's perspective.

My approach to relationship therapy is down-to-earth and common-sense. I work with you step-by-step to find negative patterns of behaviour—including the way you speak to one another—that may be impacting your connection. I take an active role in our sessions, helping you both reflect back each other's perspectives and ensuring you always feel comfortable as we navigate these challenges.

Prior to qualifying as a CBT therapist and couples counsellor, I spent a number of years teaching adult literacy and numeracy within Adult Education and the prison service. During this time, I realised that students often faced significant emotional barriers to learning, such as a lack of confidence and the anxiety of being judged. Addressing these obstacles was essential for progress, and this insight ultimately led me to retrain as a therapist.

In addition to my teaching background, I spent several years volunteering for the 'Silverline Charity' as a telephone friend to older people facing loneliness. I eventually progressed to training new volunteers for the organisation. These diverse experiences have shaped my compassionate and empathetic approach, allowing me to help couples from all walks of life navigate personal growth and life transitions.