Brain-Based Couples Therapy

Learn the psychological secrets to creating lasting, fulfilling relationships.

Here’s where to start:

Book a Couples Session

INCLUDES: Assessment, Relationship Principles, Psych Exercises to FastFix your Relationship

BEST WAY TO: Check out Relationship therapy, understand how relationships work and how to change them.

Free Quick Chat Call with Dr Sharyn

INCLUDES: An introductory 15-minute call to learn more about me, Couples Therapy and how it works. Ask any questions you have.

BEST WAYS TO: Check out if we are a good fit and know that Couples Therapy is a perfect option for you.

Free Quick Chat Call with James

INCLUDES: An introductory 15-minute call to learn more about me, Couples Therapy and how it works. Ask any questions you have.

BEST WAYS TO: Check out if we are a good fit and know that Couples Therapy is a perfect option for you.

Here’s How Relationships Really Work

Understand Relationships

Relationships work when people feel loved and emotionally and physically safe. They work even better when people feel accepted, appreciated and understood. Learn how to build these behaviours into your relationship so it sings.

Use Emotions not Logic

The key to relationships is emotional connection. You can do this in different ways, but your relationship will wither and die without it. If you focus on solving problems at the expense of using feelings and intimate connection, your relationship (and your heart) may feel empty.

Appreciate two Different Brains

You will each bring your own thoughts, feelings and experiences to the relationship and they will affect how you respond to each other. You need to know and understand absolutely everything about your partner – so you can confidently navigate your relationship together.

When Broken Relationships Drive you to

  • Fight and Argue

  • Hurt each other

  • Get angry and throw things

  • Shut down

  • Hide, or run away

  • Get lost inside of yourself

Learn what makes Relationships work so you can fix it

When Broken Relationships Leave You Feeling

  • Lonely, lost and fearful

  • Despondent and ready to give up on relationships

  • Betrayed and inadequate

  • Despondent and ready to give up on relationships

  • Betrayed and inadequate

Learn what makes Relationships work so you can fix it

Who am I?

Hi - I’m Sharyn Kennedy - a Practicing Psychologist and expert Couples Therapist. I’ve taught hundreds of couples how to successfully change the interactions in their relationship and create new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving with each other.

We’ve worked together to get through relationship fractures and/or betrayals and to re-establish strong emotional connections. When you see persistent negative patterns in your relationship that feel destructive and hurtful, you know you need to learn new ways of relating to each other.

We know from research that it’s easier to restore relationships earlier rather than when there is a big breakdown. Don’t leave your relationship to struggle….Book a session and start from there

Who am I?

James Kennedy is an experienced relationship expert who specialises in bringing joy back into relationships. Learn how relationships work and how to build a sound, secure and loving bond. James can help you work through problems such as:

  • Highs and lows in long-term relationships

  • Intimacy/sexual challenges

  • Romance and its importance in relationships

  • Should you stay or leave?

  • How to create and grow a successful relationship

  • How to restore a broken relationship

  • How to fix fights and communicate well

Here’s where to start:

Book a Couples Session

INCLUDES: Assessment, Relationship Principles, Psych Exercises to FastFix your Relationship

BEST WAY TO: Check out Relationship therapy, understand how relationships work and how to change them.

Free Quick Chat Call with Dr Sharyn

INCLUDES: An introductory 15-minute call to learn more about me, Couples Therapy and how it works. Ask any questions you have.

BEST WAYS TO: Check out if we are a good fit and know that Couples Therapy is a perfect option for you.

Free Quick Chat Call with James

INCLUDES: An introductory 15-minute call to learn more about me, Couples Therapy and how it works. Ask any questions you have.

BEST WAYS TO: Check out if we are a good fit and know that Couples Therapy is a perfect option for you.

Get our Love Map Guide 

Ever wonder how some people stay together for so many years? Creating a Love Map could unlock the secret to relationship success.

Our guide will explain what a Love Map is, how it works, and give you a checklist to create your own!

Testimonials

  • "My husband and I joined Dr. Kennedy's therapy a couple months ago and with only two sessions with her we were able to put into perspective a conflict that we have had carrying forward for more than five years. Our in-law relationships haven't been easy for us and our discussions about these relationships usually finished with one of us feeling sad or disappointed. Dr. Kennedy has helped us improve our situation by providing us a safe and positive space to talk. Dr. Kennedy had helped us express our feeling in a more assertive way, and understand each other better. We are working on improving our communication skills with her guidance. She's providing us with valuable instruments to manage conflicting situations in a more peaceful and comforting manner. I highly recommend her therapies for those couples that want to learn how to be a happier marriage."

  • "Therapy sessions followed with Sharyn were very useful and beneficial for both of us. Sharyn really succeeded to guide us in order to re-establish a communication process between us. She especially succeeded to move from the conflict status to the resolution status. What I really preferred about the therapy was mainly the dedicated exercises at home with my wife in order to re-establish discussions and communication without any conflict. These moments were really exciting and, in a short term period, we succeeded to get a lot of interactions and to forget that they were part of a therapy. Therapy sessions with Sharyn allowed us to reposition our couple in the good direction and good perspective by getting a good listening, sharing emotions and having projects for the future."

  • "It was because of James that I was able to recognise what was going on in my marriage, take action as well as begin the healing process. He was compassionate with his advice, thoughtful with his suggestions, and kind with his support. He never pushed me to make a particular decision, but instead he guided me through my thought process which empowered me to my own conclusions and create my action plan. For this I am very grateful. – L.C., ABU DHABI, UAE"

  • "Couples therapy was intentional, thoughtful, and pragmatic. Dr. Sharyn was a balanced mediator that allowed my partner and me to express our concerns to each other in a safe way. More importantly, she left us with tangible exercises and assignments to improve our communication beyond the sessions. Follow up meetings were helpful in giving me clarity on what my partner needed and what I can provide."

FAQ

  • Like everything else in life, your relationship needs you to work on it. First, you’ll need to figure out what is messing up your relationship, and then you’ll need to do the appropriate work. We use therapy to help you understand and change the interactions between you. Couples Therapy will help you deal with the underlying drivers of relationship problems and give you the skills and strategies you need to change.

  • No. Instead, we will focus on what is happening between you and your partner and try to understand the emotions that are present in your interactions. Arguments, criticism, defensiveness and fighting — all of these are stressful and emotional and can destroy the trust, emotional connection and happiness that you need in your relationship.

  • Yes, we do. You can book a session and attend either in-office (Corniche, Abu Dhabi) or on Zoom.

  • We don’t take insurance but can provide receipts so that you can claim the costs on your insurance later. If you aren’t sure whether your insurance will cover such claims, please double-check with them before your first session with us.

  • The number of sessions you’d need to see positive changes in your relationship depends on your specific situation. Here’s what we know from our experience: One to two sessions are enough to solve a small problem, such as managing family problems or communication issues. A solution-focused approach can bring about significant changes in as few as four sessions, even in difficult relationships. Where there are deep-rooted issues, like childhood trauma or psychological problems, you can book individual sessions to supplement your Couples therapy. You don’t have to commit to multiple sessions at once and can decide if you need or don’t need another session at any time.