Anna Bulgakova
 

Working with Couples

Relationships can be the most meaningful part of our lives, and at times the most demanding. I work with couples at many different stages — those facing difficulty, those building towards a shared future, those repairing trust after it has been broken, and those parting thoughtfully. Whatever brings you, my aim is the same: a steady, balanced space where both of you feel heard.

​

A different way of working

When I work with a couple, I don't only see you together. Over a rolling three-week cycle I meet each of you individually, and then the two of you as a couple — so every voice is heard on its own as well as within the relationship.

It's a slower, more considered way of working, and in my experience a far more successful one. Each partner feels properly understood, patterns become clearer, and change tends to hold, because it's rooted in real understanding rather than a quick fix.

​

An affirming space

My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming. I welcome people of all sexualities, gender identities and relationship styles, and I work in a way that is respectful, non-pathologising and led by you — whether you're exploring your identity, navigating coming out or transition, facing family or relationship questions, or simply want a therapist with whom none of this needs explaining.

I also work with what's sometimes called gender, sexuality and relationship diversity, or GSRD — an umbrella term for the many ways people experience gender, sexuality and relationships beyond the conventional. In practice that means supporting trans and non-binary people, and working openly and without judgement with ethically non-monogamous, polyamorous and kink-aware clients.

​

Grounded in the Gottman Method

My couples work is informed by the Gottman Method, in which I've trained to Level 2 — the only couples approach built on decades of research. It gives our work a clear, evidence-based foundation while leaving room for the particular story the two of you bring.

​

Building a future together

Not all couples come because something is wrong. I also work with partners who are committing to a life together, or thinking about starting a family — a considered space to understand each other more deeply, talk through hopes and differences, and step into the next chapter on firm ground.

I also support couples adjusting to the changes a new baby brings. The arrival of a child reshapes a relationship as well as a life, and it's common to feel stretched, disconnected or unsure of each other in that transition — gentle, well-timed support can make a real difference. It's work I find especially rewarding, and one where I've seen couples gain real confidence and closeness.

​

Rebuilding trust

I also work with couples where trust has been broken — through infidelity, or where there has been harm within the relationship. This is delicate work, and I approach it with care, holding safety and honesty at the centre as we gently make sense of what happened and whether, and how, trust can be rebuilt.

​

Separating well, and co-parenting

Sometimes the most caring decision a couple can make is to part. I support partners who are choosing to live separately and want to do it thoughtfully — with as little acrimony as possible, and with care for everyone affected. Where children are involved, their wellbeing comes first, and much of our work is about building a steady, respectful way of co-parenting that can carry on long after the relationship as a couple has ended.

​

How sessions and fees work

Couples work runs as an ongoing, relational process rather than one-off sessions. Across the three-week cycle, the two individual sessions are charged at my individual rate (£90) and the joint session at the couples rate (£120).

If you'd like to talk through whether this way of working might suit you, you're warmly welcome to get in touch.