Couples Therapy
At Excel Psychology we provide evidence-based therapy for couples who are experiencing challenges in their relationship. Humans are wired to bond with each other, and when these bonds are threatened by miscommunication, emotional misalignment or potential abandonment, it strikes us at a deep, vulnerable level. Given that relationships can build us up, encourage us to engage with the world knowing we have a safe base to return to, and positively influence our mental health, we innately wish to protect and nurture them. Therapy can help with this.
Facing relationship difficulties can be hard, and bringing such a personal, sensitive topic to therapy can be daunting. This is why we’ve carefully selected qualified, experienced and caring therapists to provide relationship therapy at Excel Psychology.
Meet our Relationship Therapists
Felix Frain
Provisional Psychologist (learn more), Practice Manager Hello, I'm Felix. I'm a Provisional Psychologist and the Practice Manager at Excel Psychology, and I’ve been a part of the team here for over nine years. I hold a Graduate Certificate of Mental Health Practice, a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), and I’m currently completing my masters degree. I am trained in Gottman Relationship Therapy, Emotional Focussed Therapy, and draw upon attachment and psychodynamic theories when working with couples. In less complicated terms, I recognise the fundamental part in each of us that seeks safety, connection and reciprocal love. In couples therapy, I assist by exploring how each person in a relationship has learned to navigate having their needs met, and how this influences our adult romantic relationships. I help couples better understand the ways in which they each contribute to a relationship, and how to best navigate this together beyond our time together in therapy.
I work with couples in monogamous relationships or marriages, and with polyamorous, open or untitled relationships, and have experience working with individuals and couples in the LGBTIQAP+ community. I ensure a space of safety for all of my clients, and recognise the need for each relationship to be seen as uniquely it’s own.
See Felix’s blog posts on couples therapy below
Alicia Kent-Rooney
Relationship Counsellor
Alicia is a warm, empathic and caring person. She welcomes her clients to a warm, safe, relaxing space, free of judgement. Alicia has a wealth of life experience that informs her counselling approach. She strikes the right balance of offering practical strategies to use straight away while also having a view of the bigger picture.
Alicia currently provides relationship therapy, drawing on experience working with young people, the LGBTQIAP+ community and understanding the complexity of family systems. Alicia has completed level 1 and level 2 training in the Gottman Relationship Model. She is passionate about helping couples resolve difficulties including extensive understanding of the complexities of relationships and family systems to her work. Additionally, Alicia has been a registered teacher for nearly 20 years. She is patient and effective in the learning spaces of counselling. She seeks to understand the journey from each person's individual perspectives before moving forward from a strengths basis with strategies that are tailored to specific issues and needs.
See Alicia’s blog posts on couples therapy below