Francesca Harden

For online sessions I currently have some availability on weekdays during office hours (9am-5.30pm), except Thursdays.

For in-person sessions please enquire directly.

Hello.  I am a qualified, experienced relationship therapist, committed to helping a wide range of couples and individuals to address their relational challenges and to repair, grow and thrive.

My postgraduate training was at Tavistock Relationships, a renowned centre of excellence, where I continue to practice as a Visiting Clinician and Assessor. I am a registered member of the BACP (the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists); and a graduate member of the TRACP (the Tavistock Relationships Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I am a registered provider with the private health insurer WPA.

My core training was in psychodynamic therapy, which helps us to understand patterns of behaviour based on previous experiences and relationships. This can unlock valuable insight into why your interactions might feel repetitive or ‘stuck’, leading to greater understanding and empathy for each other.  I also use active strategies based on behavioural and mentalisation techniques to resolve conflict and improve communication. We will consider pre-existing strengths in your relationship, and how you might use these to move forward from the current difficulties. Above all, I offer a non-judgemental, reflective space in which your relationship needs will be safely explored and supported.

You might be in a couple stuck in a repeating pattern of arguments, lacking intimacy and feeling alone. Or an individual struggling with relationships and life, wanting to fulfil your potential, gain insight and connect with others. You might have experienced pain or trauma, feel in crisis or just need a safe space to talk. If so I can help - please get in touch.

My sessions are held both online and in-person in West London at a well-known holistic health clinic.  I can accommodate either open-ended, longer-term or short-term work.

In the past year I have been part of a small clinical team delivering successful short-term relationship support on behalf of the NHS. I have also completed specialist training in supporting couples who are divorced or separated, or who may be considering this difficult step. A particular area of professional interest is supporting the growing numbers of clients facing relationship challenges due to neurodivergence, such as ADD, ADHD and ASD.

I work with a wide range of clients in terms of background, culture, age, and sexuality. Here are some of the areas I can help with:

• Communication difficulties

• Feeling confused or stuck in your relationship

• Repetitive and/or escalating arguments

• Lack of intimacy – emotional and/or physical

• Infidelity

• Parenting

• Difficulty in maintaining lasting relationships

• Anxiety and/or depression

• Life events such as loss, trauma and illness

• Sexuality and identity issues

Ongoing sessions are generally held weekly, at the same time every week.  For clients who find it difficult to commit to open-ended therapy and where short-term therapy is suitable, I offer a 5 session focussed therapy model which is payable in advance.  Please enquire for details of this service.

The first step is to get in touch to arrange a free, 20 minute phone or zoom call.  I then offer an initial 60 minute consultation, with no obligation to continue sessions.   This gives us the time to fully explore both your and your partner's key concerns.  I will then share my understanding of the current difficulties. We will decide together whether I am the right therapist for you, identify key areas for the work, and agree whether open-ended or short-term work is more suitable.  Once we have agreed to work together, I will send you a brief service description and contact details form.  Progress is reviewed regularly and you are free to end your sessions at any time.

Finding the right therapist is important and can take time.  If after the consultation either of us feels we are not quite the right 'fit', I am always happy to refer you to other colleagues or organisations.

The fee for the initial consultation is £90 for individuals or £120 for couples.