Martin has decided he will be the one to move out of the Surgery to allow Louisa the space she needs, which she does really appreciate. Louisa is intrigued to meet Martin's therapist, Dr. Rachel Timoney, but is not quite so happy when Rachel suggests that they should have therapy as a couple, instead of Martin having it on his own. Aunt Ruth, however, manages to persuade Louisa that being a part of it will allow her a chance to defend herself if she needs to. Mrs.

Louisa and Martin have their first therapy session together -- though neither of them was expecting that they would be given homework. Peter Cronk, now 15, approaches Louisa to ask if Martin will allow him to do work experience at the Surgery. Louisa is surprised, and impressed, when Martin agrees to this: perhaps he is learning to change after all. Morwenna is not quite so happy about it when Peter starts trying to boss her around in the Surgery.

Martin reaches his breaking point with being followed around by Buddy: he resolves to find a vet to have him put down. Morwenna, and eventually Louisa, manage to persuade him that it isn't quite that simple - a vet will not put down a healthy dog just on Martin's say-so. They intervene and find a new home for Buddy with Angela Sim, a local vet, though Martin will have to take him there himself. Martin is not impressed by Angela's alternative approaches to medicine, even if it is veterinary medicine, but at least he has managed to offload Buddy onto her.

Martin and Louisa don't seem to be having much success with their therapy, so Dr. Timoney advises that they should try and take things back to the beginning of their relationship, and plan a date, and try not to let their busy lives get in the way, even though Louisa is also trying to plan James Henry's first birthday party.

After Martin and Louisa tell Dr. Timoney about their failed date night, she questions their ultimate compatibility. She asks them if it is time they recognize that perhaps they are not meant to be together: something for them to go and think about. Martin has new neighbors: Erica the new Art Teacher at Portwenn school has moved in with her daughter, Bernie. Though Louisa is happy to finally have found a permanent teacher, this proves to be short lived when Erica wants to try out some rather alternative ideas on the children.