Couples Therapy
Building stronger connections through understanding
Relationships are complex, and they can become even more nuanced when you add neurodivergence or alternative relationship styles into the mix. Whether you’re navigating communication differences, managing sensory and executive function needs, or rebuilding connection after burnout, we’re here to support you.
Who we work with
We work with both partners to understand how your brains work, develop strategies that honour both your needs, and create pathways for genuine connection. We support:
- Relationships at any stage, from dating to long-term partnerships
- Neurodivergent relationships, whether that’s one partner is neurodivergent, one is neurotypical, or both partners are exploring their neurotype together
- LGBTQIA+ couples
- Polyamorous, open and alternative relationship structures
- We provide a genuinely affirming space for diverse identities
Common challenges we address
Communication differences
Understanding each other when you process and express differently. We help you develop shared language and bridge communication styles without requiring either partner to mask.
Emotional regulation and conflict
Managing disagreements when one or both partners experience emotional dysregulation, shutdown, or meltdown. We explore patterns and develop tools that work for your nervous systems.
Sensory and executive function needs
Balancing different sensory sensitivities, energy levels, and executive function capacities. We help you create sustainable routines and environments that support all partners.
Intimacy and connection
Rebuilding closeness when burnout, masking, or life-demands have created distance. We support you in finding authentic ways to connect that feel right for both of you.
Division of labour
Navigating household tasks, decision-making, and mental-load when executive function challenges are present. We help you develop equitable systems that account for each partner’s strengths and struggles.
Late diagnosis and identity shifts
Supporting relationships through the process of discovering neurodivergence. This can reshape how you understand yourself and each other, and we’re here to guide you through that transition.
Our approach
Both individual and relational
Sometimes we work with you as a couple, sometimes we offer individual sessions to explore personal patterns before bringing them back to the relationship. We adapt to what serves you best.
Understanding the broader context
Relationship challenges don’t exist in a vacuum. We consider how workplace stress, family dynamics, systemic ableism, and other external factors impact your relationship. Real change happens when we address both what’s happening between you and what’s happening around you.
Neurodiversity-affirming from the ground up
We don’t pathologise neurodivergence or expect one partner to change to fit neurotypical relationship norms. Instead, we work with how your brains actually function, helping you understand differences as variations rather than deficits.
Practical and evidence-based
We draw from approaches including Parts Work / Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Our work combines genuine understanding with concrete skills you can use in everyday life.
What to expect
Couples therapy is a collaborative process. You bring your experiences and what you’re hoping for, we bring clinical expertise and a toolkit designed for neurodivergent relationships.
In the first session, we’ll explore what’s brought you to therapy, what you’re each hoping for, and begin developing a shared understanding of your patterns. We’ll work together to set clear goals and regularly check in on progress.
Some couples come for short-term support around a specific challenge, others engage in longer-term work to rebuild connection or navigate ongoing differences. The frequency and duration are decided together based on your needs and what feels most supportive.
Frequently asked questions
Can we do couples therapy if we’re also doing individual therapy?
Yes. Many people find it helpful to have both individual and couples support. We can coordinate with your individual therapist if that’s useful, or keep the work separate if you prefer.
How often will we meet?
Most couples meet weekly or fortnightly, though we decide on frequency together based on your goals and circumstances. This might change as your needs evolve.
What if we’re not sure if our relationship can be saved?
That’s an honest and important place to start. Part of our work together is exploring whether the relationship can meet both partners’ needs and what that would require. Sometimes couples therapy leads to reconnection, sometimes to conscious uncoupling. We support you in finding clarity either way.
Is what we share confidential?
Yes, with the same exceptions required by law as individual therapy. We’ll discuss this in your first session, including how we handle individual sessions within couples work.
Do we need to be neurodivergent?
Not at all. We work with neurotypical and neurodivergent partnerships, two neurodivergent partners, and couples who are still exploring their neurotypes. What matters is that you’re looking for an approach that understands your experiences.
What if my partner doesn’t believe in neurodivergence or doesn’t think it’s relevant?
This can be a tender dynamic. We approach this gently, focusing on understanding patterns and differences without requiring agreement on labels. Often, as partners experience being understood differently, perspectives shift naturally.
What if we’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
We sometimes hear this. Many couples find that traditional relationship therapy doesn’t account for neurodivergent communication styles, sensory needs, or executive function differences. Our integrated, neurodiversity-affirming approach was designed to address these gaps.
Do you support polyamorous or non-traditional relationship structures?
Absolutely. We provide affirming support for all relationship structures, including polyamorous, open, and other alternative configurations. We understand that relationship diversity often intersects with neurodivergence.
Take the next step together
Contact us to explore whether couples therapy at Mindkit feels right for your relationship. We can discuss your needs and see if our approach is a good match.