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The story of a relationship: a silly playlist

All the stories pop songs tell, in sequence

(1) The longing for love:

Joan Armatrading – Love And Affection

(2) They meet.

Through luck …
The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping  (lyrics starts 0:40)

… or or the girl goes for it …

Touch & Go – Would You…?

… or the guy:

Rod Stewart – Da Ya Think I’m Sexy – Remixed by Halou

or the modern, modern world:

Chainsmokers – Selfie  [Random fact. The voice in the song is the voice of the woman wearing the cheetah dress. VERY random fact. ]

(3) Things are great!!!

That glorious, wonderful, amazing, lifechanging morning when you wake up and realise you’ve fallen in love. (The money riff starts around 3:15)

Elbow – One Day Like This

Lazy Sunday mornings just enjoying each other, nothing to do, no problems, life is just good:

Gretchen Peters – Sunday Morning (Up And Down My Street)

(4) They marry. The inlaws are pretty crazy:

Oysterband – Blood Wedding

(5) They honeymoon, exploring life together, exploring the world together, going to amazing places TOGETHER, having amazing experiences for the first time, TOGETHER!! Life is ecstasy, breathtaking.

Sarah Brightman – You Take My Breath Away

Sex is great:

Touch & Go – Straight To…Number One

Patti Smith Group – Because the Night

(6) Oh dear. Trouble in paradise.

Deception:

Lady Gaga – Poker Face

Yes, there’s another woman, and she’s real pushy:

Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend

(7) You-and-me talks that end with that tense silence:

Genesis – That’s All

Worse and worse:

Oysterband – Love will tear us apart

(8) They separate. Vengeful horror.

Gayle – abcdefu

Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know

Taylor Swift – Bad blood

(9) But you know what? The flame still lives. Maybe unbelievable  but it does.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Hate Myself For Loving You

Olivia Rodrigo – Bad idea. right?

(10) They give therapy a try:

Melanie – Psychotherapy – Live

and they learn that love is a process, not a possession:

Sarah Anderson – For All We Know  (Spotify)

(11) And counselling works! Which happily can indeed happen. So, happy ending. Call me wise, call me intuitive, call me far-seeing, but somehow I just knew all along.

Emeli Sandé – Next to Me

Emeli Sandé – Where I Sleep

“This human being is a guest house: every morning, a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness; some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, Still, treat each guest honourably. He may be clearing your out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. Jelaluddin Rumi ”

– Jelaluddin Rumi

“Andrew is a highly experienced therapist who works with a number of different techniques, some unusual and unexpected (but in a good way!) that get to the heart of your issues quickly. He works gently and safely and I felt held in a safe space throughout the session. I would recommend Andrew to anyone looking for help in dealing with life’s questions. ”

Client who requests anonymity.

“ Andrew is an amazing human being! We had a few very useful sessions. He is totally and genuinely committed to helping people. … Thank you Andrew! ”

Pedro Da Silva, Google review

“I am finally comfortable with myself and at peace with past experiences. I highly recommend Andrew. He is a true soul healer. ”

Mal Szwarc, Google review

“Andrew is one of the best therapists I have ever worked with. He really listens. I feel deeply heard and understood in his sessions and have the space to discover ‘the answers’ for myself. The questions he asks and the comments he does offer are well thought-out and illuminating. I feel he is really there for me and I always experience a big shift in my understanding afterwards. If you want to make a breakthrough with an issue in your life or simply want to be heard, I highly recommend him. Jenny, massage therapist, Bristol. ”

Jenny, massage therapist, Bristol.

“I’ve had many therapists over the years, and Andrew has been the most significant to date. He helped me see my life more clearly, he lifted a vale of confusion. I will forever be grateful to Andrew, and have recommended him to multiple people since working together. ”

Holly Smith, Google review

“Andrew is one of the best therapists I have ever worked with. If you want to make a breakthrough with an issue in your life or relationship, I highly recommend him.”

Jenny, Massage therapist, Bristol

“We started seeing Andrew during a very difficult time, and without his help we would have split up. We both found Andrew’s sessions really helpful and it gave us the insight and tools to iron out the issues that were causing the most problems. Things between us are now really good and we are once again planning a future together.”

Couple who wish anonymity

“I have made some incredible progress and I am now in an intimate and happy relationship thanks to your help.”

Client who requests anonymity.

“… I had experienced a lot of trauma in my childhood that I had not been able to fully deal with my whole adult life. I had 10 sessions with Andrew and now I am no longer triggered as I had always been by certain situations and interactions. I can love myself finally and this has completely changed my romantic relationships and my career! So many of my friends want to see Andrew now after seeing this dramatic, positive change within me! ”

Kay Dent, Google review

“Working with Andrew was an incredibly deep, profound and life changing experience. I went to Andrew thinking I needed to be cured of loving the love of my life – thankfully this didn’t happen. I cannot thank or recommend Andrew highly enough – the changes that can occur when working with Andrew truly are magic! ”

Ali Lees, Google review

“[Couples clients] Cannot recommend Andrew enough. The most attentive, insightful, astute & compassionate therapist. The difference in our relationship – how we communicate, how we understand & relate to one another, how we’re able to support one another – is absolutely massive, & yet it feels like we’ve only had to make tiny tweaks to get there. Andrew is incredible at facilitating a safe, supportive place, making it surprisingly easy to be truly open & honest & to therefore get the most out of the sessions. Thank you for everything, this therapy has been life changing. ”

Naomi Kent, Google review

“Had a massive effect on my relationship. Learned loads of really good stuff – surpassed my expectations. [Andrew was] brilliant – a complete star! Emma C ♥♥♥ A very good course. It has changed how I relate. Helen D ♥♥♥ [Andrew had some] … profound insights into relationships … explained clearly. Natasha M ♥♥♥ Met needs I didn’t know I had! I loved the fast-track approach to raising self-esteem … [I had] “eureka” and “lights being switched on” moments. Fiona M. ♥♥♥ Very profound, enriching unravelling of the complexities of relationships. Really enlightening exercises. [Name withheld] ”

Feedback from the last relationship workshop I ran in Bristol.