Relationship Counselling Melbourne

Relationship difficulties are maintained by predictable negative interaction cycles. Gottman’s research identified the “Four Horsemen” — criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling — as the strongest predictors of relationship breakdown (Gottman & Levenson, 1992).

Without intervention, these cycles intensify. Effective counselling works by:

• Identifying and interrupting the negative interaction cycle
• Rebuilding emotional safety and responsiveness
• Improving communication skills — speaking and listening
• Processing past hurts and rebuilding trust
• Strengthening friendship, affection, and shared meaning

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) produces relationship recovery in 70–73% of couples and significant improvement in 90% (Johnson et al., 1999).

Our psychologists use the most researched relationship therapy approaches:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

The most extensively researched couples therapy approach (Johnson et al., 1999). EFT identifies the underlying attachment needs and fears driving negative interaction cycles, and helps partners respond to each other in new, more emotionally accessible ways. Produces lasting change in relationship satisfaction.

The Gottman Method

Based on over 40 years of relationship research, Gottman Method therapy builds friendship, manages conflict constructively, and creates shared meaning (Gottman & Silver, 2015). Includes structured interventions for repairing after conflict and deepening intimacy.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Relationships (CBCT)

Addresses the thoughts, beliefs, and behavioural patterns that maintain relationship difficulties — including unrealistic expectations, attributional biases, and communication deficits (Epstein & Baucom, 2002). Particularly useful for communication breakdown and conflict management.

Individual Therapy for Relationship Patterns

Many people benefit from individual therapy to understand their own relationship patterns, attachment style, and personal history before or alongside couples work. Attachment-based and schema approaches are particularly effective for this.

Your psychologist will discuss whether individual or couples sessions are most appropriate, or a combination of both.

WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.

• WorkCover approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
• NDIS plan-managed or self-managed — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
• TAC claim approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
• DVA — Gold Card holders are fully covered with no session cap (clinically justified). White Card holders covered for accepted conditions, plus all current/former ADF members can access fully-funded psychology for any mental-health condition under NLMHT. GP referral required.
• Medicare rebate (Mental Health Care Plan) — rebates same-day or next day
• Private Health Insurance — itemised invoice provided
• No funding / self-pay — affordable rates from $50 per session, no referral needed