Emma Palmer

Couple Therapy West Malling

Hello! I’m Emma Palmer, a fully qualified, highly experienced ‘Relate’ trained couple counsellor based at Relationship Counselling Kent’s West Malling practice. I have a Graduate Certificate in ‘Couple Counselling’ and have over 20 years of experience . I specialise in helping couples and individuals find resolution to conflicts, embrace positive change and restore peace within their relationships.

Using an ‘Integrative Approach’ that acknowledges and accepts relationship difficulties. I support couples in understanding and addressing long-standing conflicts that may have been concealed, but are negatively impacting their present lives. Unresolved discord can unintentionally create emotional strain and stress within intimate relationships and family dynamics.

Deeply rooted and internally held emotions, combined with a multitude of external tensions associated with every-day living. Can result in regular clashes and intolerance within our most valued relationships.

How I can help your relationship

I offer sessions designed to provide context and guidance, empowering couples to work towards their chosen goal. As a warm and inclusive professional, I will create a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space where both partners can express themselves and feel truly heard. I understand that it might feel quite daunting discussing your relationship difficulties with a stranger. However, I will ensure you are comfortable so you feel more at ease opening up.

Our therapy sessions will begin by gaining a shared understanding of your concerns and goals. Together, we’ll explore ways to achieve clarity so you are able to move forward with confidence, in whichever way you choose.

Initial sessions may bring about some challenges, as each individual may have different desires and strongly held views on solutions, potentially leading to more conflict. This is a natural reaction, due to old wounds potentially being opened up.  However, as progress is made, couples discover the power of active listening and conflict resolution. This paves the way for positive change and a more harmonious relationship.

I recognise that individuals within relationships are influenced by their past experiences and upbringing. This can have a significant impact on the current relationship dynamics. By understanding any underlying pressures and nurturing a shared commitment to lasting change, we’ll work together to explore the transformations and resolutions you seek.

Ethical Standards

I undertake regular professional development in all frameworks of the counselling disciplines provided, together with regular clinical supervision sessions. I also hold professional indemnity insurance.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Emma for couple therapy West Malling. Contact her via Relationship Counselling Kent Today. Book Now

Sara O’Donnell

Relationship Counselling West Malling (Wateringbury)

Sara O’Donnell – Psychotherapeutic Counsellor & Couples Counsellor

Location: Relationship Counselling Kent, West Malling.

Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) | Registered Member of the BACP

Quick Summary: Here’s a short introduction to Sara and how she can help — you can read more about her below.

Sara is a compassionate and experienced therapist working with both couples and individuals. Based in West Malling, she offers a supportive and non-judgemental space to explore relationship difficulties, improve communication, and break unhelpful cycles of conflict.

As an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and Registered BACP Counsellor, she follows an integrative, person-centred approach, drawing on Transactional Analysis and RIGAAR techniques to tailor therapy to each couple’s unique needs. Clients describe Sara as empathetic and authentic, helping them feel heard, understood, and supported in making meaningful changes to their relationships.

👉 Book an appointment with Sara at Relationship Counselling Kent – West Malling

More From Sara

My name is Sara O’Donnell and I am a fully qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. I work with both couples and individuals. I’m an accredited member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I subscribe to and work within the NCS Code of Ethics and the BACP Ethical Framework, undertake regular professional development and supervision, and hold professional indemnity insurance.

My Approach to Couple Therapy

In my experience, couples usually try to resolve issues on their own before seeking counselling. They often find themselves stuck in the same arguments, struggling to break unhelpful cycles. By the time they attend therapy, many feel upset, angry, hurt, and overwhelmed by the pattern they are in.

How Couple Counselling Can Help

Couple counselling provides a safe and confidential space to talk about what is happening in your relationship. It helps both partners feel supported and understood.

I will work with you to:

• Understand your individual needs, as well as your needs as a couple.
• Identify repeating negative patterns that are causing unhappiness.
• Explore common issues such as affairs and infidelity, communication difficulties, unmet emotional needs, parenting differences, intimacy concerns, and ongoing conflict.

A Tailored, Integrative Approach

I use an integrative, person-centred approach, which means I tailor therapy to each couple’s unique situation. I may draw on different models, including Transactional Analysis (TA) and RIGAAR.

RIGAAR focuses on what is not working in a person’s life rather than what is “wrong” with them. This may involve recognising essential needs that are not being met, or inner resources that are not being fully used, and then helping you address this.

Understanding Patterns and Emotions

I help couples explore why difficulties such as depression, anxiety, or conflict might occur, and how to manage them more effectively. Together we look at:

• Why things happen the way they do.
• The effects of your words, actions, and behaviours.
• Practical ways to cope and change unhelpful patterns of relating.
• When we develop greater self-awareness, we are better able to replace negative cycles with healthier thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

What Clients Say

Couples often tell me that I am empathetic, authentic, and non-judgemental. They feel supported while exploring their world and valued as individuals as well as partners.

Hearing each other’s stories is an important part of the process. Supporting personal growth within the relationship also helps strengthen the couple as a whole. When both partners feel balanced and understood, there is a greater sense of peace, harmony, and wellbeing.

👉 If you would like to make an appointment with Sara O’Donnell for relationship counselling in West Malling or online, please [click here] or use the Book Now button below.