Business Details
Trusted Psychotherapy for Couples and Families in Cornwall
Established by Susan Irving, Tamar Psychotherapy provides specialised analytical psychotherapy services for couples, blended families, and co-parenting arrangements. Our practice combines deep psychoanalytical insights with practical solutions to address relationship challenges, sexual difficulties, and family dynamics. With over 35 years of clinical experience since 1985, we offer tailored therapy sessions in Portwrinkle, Cornwall, and virtual consultations via Zoom. Our approach prioritises confidentiality, long-term relationship transformation, and culturally sensitive support for diverse family structures. As a Senior Member of the British Association of Psychotherapists and member of the International Psychoanalytic Association, we maintain rigorous professional standards.Sessions typically occur weekly in a calm, neutral environment, with fees adjusted to individual circumstances. Our expertise extends to helping couples navigate communication breakdowns, life-changing events, and complex family reconfigurations. We provide initial assessments to determine therapy suitability, with no obligation to continue beyond this stage. Our services cater to heterosexual, same-sex, and mixed-race couples, as well as stepfamilies and assisted conception arrangements. All practitioners adhere to the British Confederation of Psychotherapists' Code of Ethics.
Services
Couple Psychotherapy
Co-Parenting Support
Blended Family Therapy
Sexual Difficulties Counselling
Initial Assessment
Highlights and features
- Specialised expertise in couple analytical psychotherapy since 1985
- Confidential sessions in a calm, neutral environment
- Flexible delivery with in-person and Zoom options available
- Tailored approaches for diverse family structures and cultural backgrounds
- Senior membership with British Association of Psychotherapists
Associations and certifications
- British Psychoanalytic Council
- International Psychoanalytic Association
Services
Couple Psychotherapy
In-depth analytical therapy exploring relationship dynamics and underlying causes of conflict. Weekly sessions help couples improve communication, resolve sexual difficulties, and rebuild trust. Based on psychoanalytical principles, this service addresses both immediate issues and long-term relationship patterns for lasting transformation.
Co-Parenting Support
Specialised support for separated couples navigating shared parenting responsibilities. Addresses communication challenges, custody arrangements, and child welfare considerations. Helps divorced parents, guardians, and assisted conception couples establish effective co-parenting frameworks that prioritise children's emotional well-being through transitional family changes.
Blended Family Therapy
Therapeutic support for reconstituted families facing loyalty conflicts and adjustment challenges. Addresses stepfamily dynamics, extended family relationships, and new partnership integration. Helps navigate complex emotional landscapes arising from remarriage, adoption, or new cohabitation arrangements, fostering healthier family systems and improved intergenerational communication.
Sexual Difficulties Counselling
Specialist therapy addressing sexual problems with psychoanalytical depth. Explores both psychological and physiological factors affecting intimacy. Helps couples resolve issues stemming from past trauma, communication barriers, or relationship changes. Combines clinical expertise with compassionate support to improve sexual well-being and strengthen emotional connections.
Initial Assessment
Preliminary evaluation determining therapy suitability and treatment approach. Face-to-face or virtual session assessing specific relationship challenges and therapeutic needs. Provides professional recommendations while maintaining client autonomy. Fee-based assessment with no obligation to continue, offering clear guidance on potential therapy outcomes and session structures.
People
Susan Irving
Couple Analytical Psychotherapist
Senior member of British Association of Psychotherapists with 35+ years clinical experience. Specialises in couple psychotherapy and family dynamics. Holds Masters in Couple Psychotherapy from University of East London. Registered with British Psychoanalytic Council and member of International Psychoanalytic Association.
Questions
What types of relationships do you work with?
We support heterosexual, same-sex, mixed-race couples, stepfamilies, co-parenting arrangements, and assisted conception partnerships experiencing relationship difficulties.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes, all discussions during psychotherapy sessions are entirely confidential, adhering to strict professional ethical standards.
What happens during initial assessment?
The initial assessment evaluates your specific needs, determines therapy suitability, and discusses potential session structures without obligation to continue.
Can therapy help if my partner refuses to attend?
While joint participation is ideal, individual sessions can still address relationship challenges and explore personal coping strategies.
How are fees determined?
Fees are discussed during initial assessment and may be adjusted according to individual financial circumstances to ensure accessibility.
What locations do you serve?
Our primary practice is in Portwrinkle, Cornwall, with virtual sessions available for clients across Devon and beyond.
