We've rebranded! We're now Relationship Works (formerly Relate Avon). Click for more information
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We've rebranded! We're now Relationship Works (formerly Relate Avon). Click for more information ⋆
Counselling for Couples Managing Depression
Online appointments available now.
Supporting couples where depression is affecting the relationship
Depression doesn't just affect the individual. It can place real strain on a relationship, making communication harder, connection feel distant, and leave both partners feeling isolated or misunderstood. Couples Therapy for Depression (CTfD) is a specialist programme designed to help.
Couples therapy for depression (CTfD) programme
Couples Therapy for Depression is a structured, evidence-based programme of around 20 sessions, developed specifically for couples where depression is a significant factor affecting one or both partners.
The CTfD programme combines supportive counselling with cognitive behavioural interventions — working with both the experience of depression and its impact on the relationship.
It is NICE-approved (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) demonstrating it has strong clinical evidence behind it.
Couples Therapy for Depression - is it right for you?
This programme may be suitable for you if:
You are together as a couple and committed to working on the relationship.
One or both of you is experiencing mild to moderate depression.
Relationship difficulties may be a factor. Perhaps you feel isolated from each other, communication has become difficult, or you feel mutually misunderstood.
This programme is not suitable where there are:
unresolved secrets, such as an undisclosed affair.
more severe mental health conditions present
concerns around coercive or controlling behaviour, significant substance misuse, or active self-harm
or you are separating or living apart.
If you're unsure whether this programme is right for you, we can help you find the most appropriate support. Get in touch.
How can Couples Therapy for Depression help you?
In our Couples Therapy for Depression programme, online counselling sessions focus on reducing stress, strengthening mutual support, improving communication, and exploring patterns within the relationship that may be contributing to or maintaining low mood.
A key principle throughout is balance, supporting the relationship while recognising the individual needs and experiences of each partner.
How does it work?
The programme includes practical behavioural exercises and between-session activities, helping couples apply what they're learning to their daily lives.
This is an online counselling programme, making is accessible wherever you are.
Sessions are delivered online via Zoom.
How much does relationship counselling cost?
We are a charity and don't make a profit from the services we provide. We charge £68 for an initial assessment. Ongoing counselling fees are then agreed between you and your counsellor (or the administration team). We work with you to find a rate that’s sustainable. Most people pay £75 but some who can afford it pay more (up to a maximum of £105).
Reduced counselling fees: we aim to to support everybody who can benefit from our counselling irrespective of their ability to pay. As part of this, we offer reduced counselling fees which we fund from dedicated fundraising and from those clients able to pay higher fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Couples Therapy for Depression (CTfD) is a specialist structured programme rather than open-ended counselling. It follows an evidence-based approach developed specifically for situations where depression is present in the relationship. If you're unsure which type of support is right for you, we're happy to talk it through.
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No. The programme is designed for couples where depression is affecting one or both partners. What matters is that relationship difficulties are a factor, and that both partners are committed to working on the relationship together.
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NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) evaluates healthcare treatments for their effectiveness and safety. A NICE-approved treatment has strong clinical evidence behind it. Couples Therapy for Depression is recognised by NICE as an effective treatment for depression where relationship distress is a contributing factor.
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The programme consists of around 20 sessions, each 50 minutes long. The pace is agreed between you and your counsellor based on your needs.
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At present we are offering this programme online via Zoom. Many couples find online relationship counselling works very well. You can attend from the comfort of your own home, which can make it easier to open up and fit sessions around busy lives.
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Get in touch with our team and we'll arrange an initial assessment. This helps us understand your situation and confirm that Couples Therapy for Depression (CTfD) is the most appropriate and helpful route for you both.
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We are a charity and don't make a profit from the services we provide. We charge £68 for an initial assessment. Ongoing counselling fees are then agreed between you and your counsellor (or the administration team). We work with you to find a rate that’s sustainable. Most people pay £75 but some who can afford it pay more (up to a maximum of £105).
What our clients say…