Anne Hartman
Anne Hartman is a systemic couples psychotherapist.
From Anne:
Couples therapy is a safe, confidential space where we can talk about anything that impacts your relationship, including money, sex, infidelity, pornography, addiction, sexuality, and gender identity. My aim is to help couples understand the underlying dynamics in their relationship while also encouraging them to take action right away to shift unwanted patterns.
Systemic couples therapy aims to achieve meaningful change by equipping you with the understanding and skills you need to navigate your way to a better place. I may ask you about your experience growing up so we can think about any connections, since patterns from our childhood often impact adult relationships. Developing greater insight into trigger points rooted in early experience can be freeing, increasing choices and helping couples feel less stuck.
While sessions will initially be weekly, as you progress they may become less frequent to give you time to try out new ways of interacting and experience the difference this makes. Some couples achieve their goals in six or twelve sessions, while others may need longer. If you or your partner have been impacted by mental health difficulties, trauma, racism, or discrimination based on gender, sexuality or any other characteristic, we may decide to take things more slowly and have additional sessions. I can also support couples who have decided to separate and would like advice about managing separation and child contact arrangements.
I have many years experience working with adults, couples and children. As a clinician in the NHS I worked with couples impacted by mental illness and provided both relationship and parenting support. I worked as a family therapist in CAMHs (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) and in adult eating disorders as a highly specialist systemic and family psychotherapist. I have an MSc in Family Therapy from Kings College, University of London, and an MA in Social Work from University of East London/Tavistock. As a social worker I I was a children’s guardian in public and private law, and have expertise in high conflict separations, difficulties around child arrangements and contact, and domestic abuse. Prior to training as a social worker and family therapist, I completed a doctorate and lectured in English Literature. I am UKCP registered.
Face to face sessions are available on Friday and Saturday. Please email me at annekhartman@googlemail.com if you would like to arrange a free initial consultation.