In this short video, I explain how I work one to one when autism is part of a relationship that has suddenly gone wrong, and how I keep each session clear and predictable.
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Acute online autism couples therapy alone supports a single client in any country when autism belongs to you, your partner or both of you, the relationship is in sudden trouble and your partner is staying out of it. Sessions are by video, start soon and last one hour, at a time that suits your time zone.
We begin by getting your days back under control. Then we make sense of what happened, in clear terms, and you choose what to do in your own time. Think of it as the one-person form of acute online autism couples therapy.
Book a session, ask for a free 30-minute call or send me a written message. You will find the terms in my client policy.
Acute online autism couples therapy alone suits you if autism plays a role in a relationship that has abruptly gone wrong, and you are seeking help without your partner, wherever in the world you are.
Perhaps one of these fits more closely:
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These reviews describe clients’ experiences of working with me. They come from my wider practice and do not all relate to online sessions. Each person’s experience is their own, and a review does not promise a particular outcome.
“In my experience, when autism is part of a relationship that suddenly breaks, the person who comes alone is often looking first for one thing: a clear account of what happened. Not comfort, not advice, but facts that add up. That need deserves respect. So we build that account together, slowly and precisely, and alongside it we put your daily basics back in place. Once the picture is clear and your system has settled, the next step usually becomes much easier to see.”
Mark Colclough, MA, psychotherapist and EFT couples therapist
I am Mark Colclough, MA. I have practised since 2004 and offer online psychotherapy and couples therapy in English.
My training brings together your emotions, your thoughts and your relationships. My deep passion is the moment when what happens between you finally makes sense, to each of you and to each other. I have lived and worked in nine countries, so I know something of life across languages, cultures and borders.
Read about my background, or explore online psychotherapy and online couples therapy.
I meet regularly with experienced psychotherapists to reflect on my work, question my understanding and develop my skills. Supervision is part of the professional care I bring to individual and couples work, including online sessions.
My focus is thoughtful practice, integrity and responsibility.
You are welcome to ask about the kind of support you need.
Tell me where you are based and your time zone. We can then consider whether online sessions together are suitable.
Anna is autistic and lives in Zurich. Her partner Felix tells her one Sunday that he is moving out because he feels lonely in the relationship. Anna had no idea anything was wrong. She stops eating properly, cannot work and goes over their last six months of messages looking for the signs she missed.
In our first online sessions we write a timeline together: what Felix said, what Anna noticed, what each of them may have meant. We set up three daily routines to keep her going. A week later Anna sends Felix a short message asking what ‘lonely’ meant for him. His answer is the first real conversation they have had in months.
I have presented this clinical example as a compound of 22 years of clinical practice.
The relationship has suddenly stopped making sense, and you are working it out alone.
Your partner may have withdrawn, moved out or said they need time. Or they may simply not be ready for therapy. You are the one looking for a way forward, and you can start without them.
Clear information and a predictable rhythm often do more for you at this point than any amount of talking.
When an autistic partner goes quiet for days, it can feel like rejection. Often it is overload so deep that words are not available.
We look at what the silence might mean and how to leave the door open without pressure.
If you are autistic, a partner leaving can seem to come from nowhere, because the signals were never said plainly.
We go through what happened, step by step, so it starts to make sense.
Burnout can make even simple things impossible: answering messages, eating, making a decision.
We start with the basics and take away everything that can wait.
Many autistic people replay conversations in detail, trying to find the mistake. It is exhausting and rarely brings answers.
We give that need for understanding a better outlet: a written account we work through together.
‘Just talk it out’ is common advice. For many autistic people, and their partners, it can make things worse.
We use what works for you: writing, clear structure and time to think.
You may need clear facts before you can move forward: what was said, what it meant, what the options are.
We set those out plainly, so you are not deciding in a fog.
Recognise yourself? Book, request a call or write, as you prefer.
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Tell me briefly what kind of support you are looking for.
Include your country and time zone so we can discuss whether online work together is possible and find a suitable time.
You do not need to explain your whole story in your first message.
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Get your bearings. Make sense of it. Then decide.
Acute online autism couples therapy alone follows those three steps. We steady your days, build a clear picture of what has happened between you and your partner, and only then look at the choices.
Together we set out a precise plan: when you eat and sleep, when you rest, who you turn to and the rules for contact with your partner. Precise beats vague.
Yes. We agree a set time to think about the relationship each day, and a way to park the thoughts outside it. Writing them down often helps.
We draft short, clear messages: what you noticed, what you feel, what you would like. Nothing long, nothing that needs decoding.
Your partner’s reply, or return, is outside your control. Your self-care, your words and your limits are inside it.
Once you are steadier, we lay out the options in plain terms: repair, wait or let go. You decide in your own time.
Some clients carry on with online autism couples therapy alone at a calmer pace. Others bring their partner in later, or prepare for a separation. Each path is chosen, not forced.
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Arrive as you are. Paperwork and polished words are not required.
At first we map the events, check on your wellbeing and plan for the week.
Should another service suit you better, I will tell you plainly.
Each video session lasts an hour. I outline the hour at the start, we go through what happened and how you are, and I send a short written summary afterwards.
Yes. You can type in the chat, send notes before a session or answer in writing afterwards. Many people find it easier to be precise that way.
Normally within a few days. Take the first open slot, or send a brief note about the situation.
Every meeting has an identical shape: agenda, work, recap. Sessions are frequent at first and spread out later.
A crisis like this usually needs several sessions close together. A bundle sets the dates in advance and lowers the price per session. The cards below show the options.
Daily life works again, the mental replays are quieter, and the relationship can be considered calmly. That is when we look further ahead.
Your nearest options:
| Option | Choose it when | Pace |
|---|---|---|
| Acute online autism couples therapy alone (this page) | Autism is involved and you are on your own. | Frequent 1-hour sessions |
| Acute online autism couples therapy | Your partner is ready to take part. | 2-hour sessions, paused when needed |
| Online autism couples therapy alone | Hard, but nothing has just broken. | A 1-hour session every few weeks |
| Acute online couples therapy alone | Autism plays no real role. | Frequent 1-hour sessions |
It is brief, structured video work with one client, where autism plays a part in a relationship that has suddenly broken down and the partner stays away. Steadying, understanding and planning are the three tasks. Available in English in every country.
Yes. Autistic clients often arrive after a partner has gone or gone quiet, and we work through events at your speed.
Yes. Non-autistic partners frequently come to understand the situation and to get support for themselves.
No. Suspecting it, recognising it in yourself or waiting for an assessment all count.
Yes. Understanding how withdrawal works for an autistic partner can ease a lot of hurt, and help you decide how to respond.
Certainly. Once they feel ready, joint acute online autism couples therapy or calmer online autism couples therapy can follow.
No. I help you see the facts and options clearly. The decision is yours.
It differs from person to person. We agree the number step by step.
The prices page lists the fee for a one-hour online session in US dollars. Buying a bundle saves 10 per cent.
Pick a slot in my calendar, request a free 30-minute call or write to me, whichever is easiest.
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I want therapy to help you understand your experience and make choices you can use in everyday life. We pay attention to feelings, needs and the responses that happen before you have time to think.
Our online room should offer enough trust and honesty to explore what is difficult. I bring attention and professional judgement. You bring your experience, questions and the right to say when something does not fit.
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P.S. I’ll call you in a bit!
