I am Helen Priestley, a relationship and intimacy coach.
I work with couples and individuals who want their relationship to feel better than it does right now.
The moment you realise this is not what you wanted
Many people do not struggle because they stop caring. They struggle because the relationship stops working for them.They drift. Life gets full. Roles take over. Conversations become logistical. Touch becomes rare or loaded. One day they look up and realise the relationship they are in does not match the relationship they want.
Sometimes that drift shows up as frequent friction and fights. Sometimes as distance and silence. Sometimes as a vague dissatisfaction that will not go away. Sometimes as behaviours people are not proud of. Often it lands as the question people are almost afraid to ask out loud: Are we okay? Is this it? Should we keep going?
My style is warm, direct, and non judgemental. This is not passive, endless conversation. We work as a partnership, closer to a coaching model. We get clear on what is happening, what matters most, and what needs to change in day to day behaviour for the relationship to improve. Real progress requires personal responsibility. My job is to help you take it without blame, shame, or humiliation.
My approach
Clients come to me for many reasons
Connection and direction
rebuilding connection after the slow drift into separate lives
the grey zone: love but not in love
relationship crossroads and “should we keep going?” conversations
Life stage pressure
the impact of major life events: marriage, babies, peri/menopause, bereavement, empty nests
Conflict and trust
fights and bickering that repeat without resolution
repairing trust after a rupture, including affairs and betrayal
Intimacy
rebuilding physical intimacy and sexual connection when it has become tense, avoided, or disconnected
dating app boundary breaches, secrecy, and porn related conflict
I use a mix of science backed approaches, coaching tools, and trauma aware methods. Sessions are practical and structured. You will leave with clarity and a plan, not just insight.
I see couples together and I can also start with one person and then bring the other partner in later if appropriate. Many clients like to start that way.
How I work
I have a coaching background dating back to the early 2000s. I am a certified relationship coach and certified in Joy Potential and Trauma Repatterning. Alongside my coaching work, I am writing a practical intimacy guide designed to help couples keep sexual connection welcome, playful, and sustainable over time.
Before this became my primary focus, I spent 25+ years in senior board level marketing and leadership roles, including CEO, CMO, and Marketing Director positions for some of the best known businesses in the UK and internationally. I bring calm, pace, and a high standard of professionalism and care, especially when emotions run high.
About me
I moved into this work because I kept noticing how much quiet dissatisfaction exists in ordinary relationships and the impact this can have on wellbeing and everyday life.
Most of us are never taught relationship skills. We are left to figure it out under pressure.
My career has centred on data, understanding people, and driving behaviour change. I became fascinated by what actually helps people create lasting change in relationships, and how to translate research into practical tools people can use in the moments that matter.