Relationship patterns can feel like a cycle that's hard to break — whether it's choosing similar partners, struggling with conflict, or feeling unfulfilled despite your efforts. For many, these patterns are shaped by past experiences, unmet needs, or survival responses that continue to influence how you relate to others. Relationship struggles don't just happen in isolation; they are often rooted in your earlier life experiences and how your mind learned to protect you.
You might notice yourself falling into familiar roles, feeling overly responsible for others' emotions, or finding it difficult to communicate your needs. Sometimes it can feel like no matter what you do, the same issues keep repeating. These patterns are not flaws or failures — they are adaptive responses your nervous system developed to help you navigate complex or challenging relationships in the past.
Relationship patterns often form in response to early attachment experiences, trauma, or past relationship dynamics. If you grew up feeling unsafe, unheard, or emotionally neglected, your brain and body may have adapted by developing certain coping mechanisms that now feel like habits. Recognising where these patterns come from is the first step towards changing them.
These patterns are not weaknesses. They often reflect adaptive strategies your mind developed to feel safe or valued. Therapy can help you understand these responses and explore healthier ways of relating to others.
Therapy offers a space to gently explore the relationship patterns that keep repeating in your life. By examining how past experiences have shaped your attachment style and responses to others, we can start to make sense of why certain dynamics feel so familiar. Using a combination of psychoeducation, trauma processing, mindfulness, and self-awareness practices, therapy can help you gain insight and develop more fulfilling, balanced connections.
Our sessions will focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your relationship history and current patterns at your own pace. Whether you're dealing with repetitive conflict, difficulty trusting, or feeling overwhelmed in relationships, the goal is to help you build healthier dynamics and a stronger sense of self. Therapy is not about blaming yourself or others but understanding how past experiences influence your present relationships.
Changing relationship patterns is a gradual journey. It's natural to fall back into old habits sometimes, especially when faced with stress or uncertainty. In our work together, we will practice self-compassion — recognising that healing is not about perfection but about building awareness and making conscious choices. Being patient with yourself as you navigate these changes is an important part of the process.
If you're considering therapy, I'm here to support you. We can start with a free 15-minute consultation to see how you feel about working together. Taking that first step can feel daunting, but you don't have to carry the weight of it all on your own.
Book a Free ConsultationAvailable in Glasgow (Barrhead & Clarkston) and Online.
I like to write articles about how trauma can affect your thoughts, emotions, and relationships — and how therapy can gently support you to become yourself again.