Repressed writer returned to couch (4-2)
I believe the answer is:
pent-up
'repressed' is the definition.
('pent-up' can be a synonym of 'repressed')
'writer returned to couch' is the subsidiary indication.
'writer' becomes 'pen'.
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'to couch' becomes 'put' ('put' can be a synonym of 'couch').
'put' written backwards gives 'tup'.
'pen'+'tup'='pentup'
(Other definitions for pent-up that I've seen before include "Confined like feelings or water behind dam" , "Dammed or repressed" , "Closely confined" , "Repressed, emotions say" , "Held back, confined" .)