Communication
Breaking the cycle of the same argument, and learning to talk about hard things without it escalating
Services
Couples Counselling
A space to be heard — and to hear each other
For couples who want to communicate better, rebuild trust, or find their way through a hard season together
Most couples don't come to counselling because they've stopped caring. They come because they care a great deal, and something keeps getting in the way.
Maybe the same argument keeps coming back in a different outfit. Maybe you've drifted somewhere quiet and polite and a little lonely. Maybe something happened that you haven't found the words for yet. Whatever has brought you here, you don't need to have it worked out before you arrive.
My job is not to take sides or decide who's right. It's to slow things down enough that you can both say what you actually mean — and both feel genuinely heard, often for the first time in a long while.
You don't have to be in crisis to come. Some couples come to repair something painful; others come simply because they'd like to do this well.
What we might work on
Every couple is different, so we'll start with what matters most to you.
Trust and repair
Working through betrayal, broken promises or secrecy, at a pace that feels bearable for both of you
Closeness and intimacy
Reconnecting emotionally and physically when life, stress or distance has got in the way
Parenting together
Getting on the same page about the children, and protecting your relationship alongside family life
Big changes
New baby, blended family, illness, money pressure, moving countries, retirement — change tests even strong relationships
Deciding what is next
Working out honestly whether to rebuild or to separate, and doing it with care either way
What to expect
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A first session together
You both come along. I'll ask what's brought you in and what each of you hopes might be different, and you'll get a feel for how I work. There's no homework and nothing to prepare.
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Space for each of you
Sometimes I'll offer each of you a shorter individual session. It can be easier to say certain things without your partner in the room, and it helps me understand you both properly.
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Working on it together
From there we work at your pace — noticing the patterns you get stuck in, practising new ways of talking to each other, and building on what already works between you.
Sessions — 60 minutes
When — weekday evenings from 5pm and weekends by appointment
Where — Craigieburn or online
Referral — not needed
Fees — please ask for current fees; payment and rebate information is on the Fees & Rebates page
A few honest notes
You don't both have to be equally keen. It's very common for one person to book and the other to come along unsure. That's a fine place to start.
I won't referee. I'm not there to judge who's more at fault. I'm there to help you both understand what's happening between you.
All relationships are welcome here. Married, de facto, dating, long-distance, same-sex, culturally diverse, blended families, and relationships that don't fit a tidy label.
Where there is family violence, couples counselling may not be safe. If you're afraid of your partner, please reach out to me or to 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 so we can find the right support for you.
Take the first step together
Reach out for a confidential, obligation-free chat about whether couples counselling feels right for you both — no referral needed.