Maureen Fenner

Marriage Counselling Ashford

Hello, my name is Maureen and I’m a fully qualified individual and couple therapist with over 14 years’ experience. I have a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Counselling & Therapy Central Awarding Body).I’m also an accredited member of the NCS (National Counselling Society)

My experience covers a wide range of areas, including depression, anxiety, bereavement, and a strong focus on relationship counselling for couples and families. Prior to training as a therapist., I worked with organisations such as Citizens Advice, Victim Support, and Disability Information Kent. This is where I developed a deep passion for supporting individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds. These roles strengthened my skills in active listening and providing support—qualities that remain central to my work in helping couples navigate their relationship challenges.

My Approach to Relationship Counselling

I believe that counselling is fundamentally about change. For relationships to thrive, change is often essential. While it can be difficult to shift from negative behaviours, I provide couples with the space and time to explore themselves and each other, all within a non-judgemental, confidential environment.

Communication is at the heart of many relationship challenges. It’s not just about talking but truly listening to and understanding your partner’s perspective. I work with couples to break down these barriers, fostering healthier communication and stronger emotional connections. I also emphasise the importance of the relationship we have with ourselves. If we can build self-confidence and learn to value ourselves, it positively impacts how others perceive and connect with us.

Qualifications

• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Counselling & Therapy Central Awarding Body)
• Level 6 Diploma in Clinical/Non-Clinical Supervision (Thoros Training)
• Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Background & Experience

I have extensive experience in counselling, having worked at New Romney Counselling Service for eight years, supporting clients with issues ranging from suicidal thoughts to relationship struggles. For five years, I also worked with bereaved clients and their families. While I no longer specialise in bereavement counselling, this work has greatly informed my therapeutic approach and helped me grow as a counsellor.

How I Can Help You

• Improve communication in your relationship
  I will help you both to express your thoughts and feelings clearly, listen effectively, and understand each other’s needs to create open, supportive dialogue.
• Help you express your true feelings
  I’ll guide you in owning and communicating your emotions honestly, fostering a more authentic connection with your partner.
• Build resilience in the face of relationship challenges
  We will work together in developing tools to navigate conflicts and setbacks, helping you build a stronger, more resilient relationship.
• Offer non-judgemental listening and support
  I provide a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can explore your feelings and relationship challenges with empathy and understanding.
• Guide you toward becoming the person you want to be
  I will help you overcome personal barriers, encouraging growth so you can be your best self both individually and in your relationship.

Types of Therapy Offered

• Couples Therapy
• Marriage Counselling
• LGBTQ+ Couple Counselling
• Relationship Counselling
• Depression Counselling
• Anxiety Therapy
• Person-Centred Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Anger Management Therapy
• Young Person Therapy (11+)

If you would like to book Maureen for Marriage Counselling Ashford. Please use this link to book now

Lynn Garbutt

Marriage Counselling Ashford

Hello, my name is Lynn Garbutt and I am a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Couple Counsellor based at Relationship Counselling Kent’s  Ashford (Egerton) practice.  I hold a PGDip in ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ (CBT/REBT) and have over five years’ experience in helping both couples and individuals make positive changes in their lives and relationships.

In my experience, it’s common for relationships to go through troubling periods and this can have an impact on the health and happiness of both parties, as well as other family members. When emotions are running high, it can be difficult to appreciate and understand our partners perspective. This it can lead to feelings of hurt, resentment, confusion and loneliness.

My approach to couple therapy

At the beginning of the first session, I will ask you both what you hope to achieve out of the therapy. Whether you would like help to make your relationship work better, or whether you would like help in separating more amicably. Perhaps you are not sure which direction you would like your relationship to take and would like to see how the therapy goes before you decide. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know, or if your answers are different, I will help you both work through things in order to find clarity.

The therapeutic relationship between us is of the upmost importance in order for the therapy to be successful in achieving the goal you have set yourselves/self. Therefore, I will strive to build a trusting and empathic relationship with you. I will also tailor my approach to suit your unique situation.

My approach to relationship therapy is down to earth and common-sense and will help you work through your issues step by step. I may draw upon the tools of CBT to gently challenge you both about the negative impact any unhelpful behaviours might be having on the relationship

 Moving you forward

The vast majority of issues caused in relationships because of poor communication. It is common for couples to claim listen to what the other is saying but they don’t actually ‘hear or understand’ what is being said. I will help you to try and appreciate each other’s point of view in a calm, supportive, non-judgemental space. It’s not about agreeing with each other necessarily, it’s about learning to understand and appreciate your partners point of view.

Together we will work on finding any negative patterns of behaviour (which includes the way you speak to each other) which are impacting your relationship. People are often unaware of how their reactions/behaviours might be having a detrimental effect on their partner. Couples often describe having the same arguments over and over again without understanding how their own actions are contributing to the problems.

I will take an active role during our sessions by helping you both reflect back each other’s perspective. It is also important that you both feel comfortable with me in order to get the best out of each session. The feedback I have received from couples has said that I am warm, perceptive and impartial, so hopefully you will feel relaxed enough to  share your story with me.

Ethical standards

I subscribe to and works within the UKCP Code of Ethics and the BACP Ethical Framework and undertakes regular professional development. Alongside  having professional indemnity insurance.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Lynn for marriage counselling Ashford or online. Then please contact her via  Relationship Counselling Kent today. Request an appointment

Beth West

Marriage Counselling  Ashford

Hello, my name is Beth and I am a fully qualified CBT therapist who offers a unique, tailor made approach to couple counselling called ‘Rational Emotive Counselling Therapy’ (RECT). Which is for couples struggling with emotional disturbance in their relationships

I hold an ‘Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)’ and ‘Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT)’ awarded by ‘The College of Cognitive Therapies London’. Both of which are accredited by the ‘National Counselling Society’ (NCS).

I am also a qualified Mediator, which means I am an unbiased third person who is called upon to help resolve any differences/disputes. I have mediated a range of disputes, including family, neighbourhood and employment disputes. This has given me a good insight into relationships and how they breakdown when one or both parties hold irrational demands on themselves or the other person.

I combine my experience as a mediator with my REBT training in order to provide ‘Rational Emotive Counselling Therapy (RECT) for couples.

My role in couple counselling

At the start of the session, I will ask you what you are hoping to achieve through couple counselling. Perhaps you want help in making your relationship work better than it currently is. Or maybe you would like help to be able to separate more amicably. Perhaps, at this point in time, you might be feeling a little sceptical as to whether the relationship can be any better, so you would like to see how the therapy goes before you decide.

It is not my mission to rescue or save a troubled relationship if that isn’t what you want. I will help you work towards your goal. If you are unsure as to which direction you want the relationship to take. I will help free you from any strong negative emotions so that you can make more informed decisions as to whether you want to continue the relationship.

If you decide you want to stay together, I will help you enhance your long-term happiness. This will be through helping you eliminate and replace relationship-defeating beliefs. We will then work on identifying and changing any dysfunctional/unhelpful behaviour patterns to ones that help achieve long-range happiness. I will teach you cognitive, emotive and behavioural skills so you are able to successfully resolve any problems in the future. Ensuring ongoing harmony and happiness once the relationship counselling sessions have come to an end.

My approach

Relationships require hard work in order to ensure both parties feel mutually supported, respected and secure. In today’s busy world, it can be all too easy to lose focus on connecting with, listening to and supporting your partner. I provide a warm and non-judgmental environment where you can talk openly about the problems from your individual perspective. We will work together to better understand the role you have both played in the relationship running into difficulties. I will then help you understand the changes and tools required so you can support one another going forward.

I will help you both to rebuild your confidence, understand the possibilities of relating to each other more effectively and feel more enabled to make empowered choices about your relationship.

Ethical Standards

I am an accredited member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and as such subscribe to and work within the NCS code of ethics. I undertake regular professional development and supervision as well as having professional indemnity insurance.

If you would like to see Beth at marriage counselling ashford  please contact her via Relationship Counselling Kent today. Book here