Virginia Johnson and William Masters changed what science knew about sex. Their pioneering research transformed our understanding of sexual response forever.

As a psychosexual therapist, I often talk to my clients about their ground-breaking work and in this blog, we’ll look at how influential it remains, what's changed, and how psychosexual therapy works today.

Meet Theresa, one of our specialist relationship counsellors and supervisors. At Relationship Works we see supervision as key to how we practise, giving our counsellors a trusted space to reflect, gain knowledge, and ensure every client gets the very best of our collective expertise.

Theresa's path from Chartered Accountant to relationship counsellor and supervisor has given her an insightful perspective on people, relationships, and change.

What does it take for a relationship counselling support service to survive and thrive for over 80 years? The answer lies in our willingness to evolve whilst staying true to our core values.

There have been a number of changes at Relationship Works (previously Relate Avon) over the last few months, so here is the story of how we got here …

In couples counselling, the idea of forgiveness often comes up.

Whatever the situation, the pain can feel all-consuming. And the pressure to 'just forgive and move on' can make it worse. And the pressure to 'just forgive and move on' can make it worse. Often, our counsellors hear clients share a familiar sentiment: “I’m not sure I can ever forgive them.” That feeling is completely valid. And it's also where the real work begins.

As part of our new Meet the Team series, we're introducing the people who make up our warm and supportive team of counsellors. First up is Jane, one of our online counselling specialists, who brings a thoughtful and distinctive perspective to virtual relationship counselling for couples and individuals. Over to Jane...

It’s natural for two people to see the same situation differently. In fact, it would be far more surprising if they didn’t. Each of us brings a unique history, personality, set of values and emotional experiences into our relationships. 

In this article, we explore why perspectives differ, the psychological patterns that fuel conflict, and five practical tools to help you navigate disagreement, including how relationship counselling can support you when conversations feel stuck.

When we think about connection, it's easy to picture Valentine's Day - red roses, heart-shaped cards or carefully chosen gifts. But real connection is messier and more meaningful than this. It creates stronger relationships than gestures or so-called perfect moments.

If you're thinking about your relationships with yourself, your partner or your family this month, you're not alone. Discover why connection deserves your attention, not just in January, but all year round and how to prioritise relationships in your busy life. 

For some, Christmas is a season filled with warmth, celebration and connection. For others, it can be complicated, overwhelming or painful. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling low, anxious, disconnected, or simply “not festive enough” at this time of year, you are not alone. Christmas has a way of shining a spotlight on the things we struggle with — and it’s okay to acknowledge that.

We're now Relationship Works, the new name for Relate Avon. Building on 80 years of experience in relationship counselling, we've made the bold move to become a fully independent charity - protecting specialist, local support for our community for generations to come.

We often grow up believing that failure is something to be avoided at all costs — that it says something about who we are, our worth, or our abilities. We live in a culture that celebrates success and hides struggle. But the truth is, failing is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign that we’re trying, learning, and human.

Considering couples counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you're unsure what to expect. At Relationship Works, we aim to make the process as comfortable and supportive as possible for you and your partner. So, what happens during a Relationship Works couples counselling session, and how can it help you and your partner?

Inclusivity isn’t just a value we talk about – it’s something we try to put into practice every day. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and because every person and every relationship is unique, we know that counselling must be accessible, respectful, and safe for everyone.

A very common conversation in relationship counselling sessions here at Relationship Works will include some discussion about conflict. Many couples, for example, will say they want to reduce the number of arguments they have but find it difficult to air differences of opinion in a way which gets heard and doesn’t escalate.

Every couple faces challenges from time to time. For LGBTQIA+ couples, these challenges can be shaped by additional pressures. At Relationship Works, we believe that everyone deserves access to affirming, inclusive support in their relationships, whatever their gender identity or sexual orientation.