Articles & Updates

More people are turning to AI for emotional support, self-reflection, and personal growth. In this article, I explore where AI genuinely shines, where its limitations begin, and how to use it wisely as a tool to complement therapy. Plus, a free AI Prompt Cheat Sheet to help you get started.

EFT and the Gottman Method are two of the most respected couples therapy approaches. Learn how they differ, what each does best, and how to choose the right one for your relationship.

The pursuer-withdrawer cycle is one of the most common — and most painful — patterns in relationships. Learn how EFT names it, interrupts it, and helps couples break free from it.

Does EFT couples therapy actually work? Here's what the research says about success rates, what 'working' actually means, and what makes EFT effective for lasting relationship change.

Wondering what actually happens when you walk into an EFT couples therapy session? Here's a plain-English guide to EFT techniques, what your therapist is doing, and what to expect.

Attachment theory explains why we need emotional security in relationships — and why we struggle when we don't have it. Learn how attachment styles shape your relationship, and how EFT helps couples build a more secure bond.

Preparing for marriage is an exciting chapter in your life, yet it can also bring uncertainty, questions, and even anxiety. You may feel eager about the future, but also wonder if you’re truly ready for the commitments and challenges that lie ahead. Premarital counselling offers a space to explore your relationship thoughtfully, to understand one another more deeply, and to step into marriage with clarity and confidence, not because something is wrong, but because your relat

Ending a relationship can be one of life’s most emotionally complex experiences. Even when you feel certain that separation is the right choice, it’s natural to feel a mix of grief, relief, uncertainty, and fear. These feelings are valid and normal, and they don’t exist in isolation from the rest of your relationship. Divorce counselling is often a part of couples therapy, not something separate, and it can be approached whether you are still deciding on the future of your

Introduction Sexual intimacy is an important part of many relationships, but it’s also normal for challenges to arise. Differences in desire, changes after life transitions, past experiences, or performance anxiety can make intimacy feel complicated or even stressful. Sex therapy is a form of support that addresses these experiences alongside the emotional and relational aspects of your partnership. It is not about judgment, “fixing” performance, or forcing desire. Instead, i

What Really Matters When Conversations Are Hard Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already under emotional strain. Many people start therapy because conversations at home feel stuck, explosive, or painful, and they’re not sure how to move forward without making things worse. While credentials and logistics matter, the most important factor is often overlooked: how well a therapist can guide difficult conversations when emotions run high. Effect

Restoring Clarity, Stability, and Productive Conversations When couples seek therapy, they are often not short of emotions. What they are missing is clarity. Conversations feel circular, arguments escalate quickly, and both partners leave feeling misunderstood, defensive, or exhausted. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches therapists use to help slow things down, restore perspective, and create the conditions for more productive discussions. At Hirsch T

When Trust Is Broken Infidelity is one of the most painful experiences a couple can face. It often brings a sudden sense of shock, betrayal, grief, anger, confusion, and emotional disorientation. Many people describe feeling as though the ground has dropped beneath them, unsure of what is real, what can be trusted, or what comes next. Infidelity counselling is not about rushing couples toward reconciliation or separation. Its purpose is to create a safe, structured space wher

Relationships are living, evolving systems. Over time, even strong and loving partnerships can feel strained, confusing, or disconnected. When challenges arise, many couples wonder whether what they are experiencing is simply a rough patch or whether it might be time to seek additional support. Couples counselling is not about waiting until things are broken beyond repair. More often, it is about recognising when the relationship is asking for care, attention, and understandi

Does Couples Therapy Work? If you are considering couples therapy , it is very natural to ask whether it actually works. You may be feeling hopeful, uncertain, sceptical, or all of these at once. Many couples come to therapy after trying to manage difficulties on their own for a long time, and it makes sense to want reassurance before taking another step. To help out, we have an introductory article on couples therapy . It explains what you can expect from couples therapy and

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is one of the most well-researched approaches to supporting couples in deepening emotional connection and resolving conflict. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is grounded in attachment theory and decades of clinical research on how emotions shape relational patterns. It focuses on the underlying feelings and unmet attachment needs that drive recurring conflicts, rather than simply addressing surface behaviors. EFT has been shown in multiple stud

The Gottman Method is one of the most widely researched approaches to understanding romantic relationships. Developed by psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman, it is grounded in decades of observational research with couples, studying how partners interact over time and what patterns tend to support long-term relational health or predict distress. In therapy, the Gottman Method is not used as a checklist or a set of rules for how couples “should” behave. Instead, it offer

Taking the first step toward couples therapy can feel both hopeful and uncertain. It is normal to have questions, doubts, or even nervousness about what will happen. Many couples wonder how the session will feel, what will be asked, and whether therapy is right for them. At Hirsch Therapy , we understand these concerns. Our goal is to make the first session as safe, supportive, and clear as possible. If you feel unsure or have questions before booking, we offer a 15-minute on

When Relationships Feel Harder Than They Used To Every relationship goes through periods of strain. Sometimes these challenges are linked to a specific event, a betrayal, a major life transition, a growing disagreement. At other times, the distance builds slowly, through miscommunication, unresolved tension, or feeling emotionally unseen over time. When this happens, it can be deeply unsettling. You may find yourselves having the same arguments repeatedly, feeling more discon

Discover how travel can support mental health and personal growth. From reconnecting with your roots to rediscovering who you are, this article explores the deep emotional and psychological benefits of meaningful travel through the lens of therapy.

Discover the benefits of cooking and baking for mental health. This article explores how time in the kitchen can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and create meaningful connections with others and yourself.