Relationship difficulties are one of the most common reasons people seek psychological support — and one of the most rewarding areas to work on. Whether you’re navigating conflict, disconnection, trust issues, or a major transition, effective help is available.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne offer evidence-based relationship counselling for individuals and couples across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
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.
Relationship counselling supports people experiencing difficulties in intimate partnerships, family relationships, or friendships. It is not only for relationships in crisis — many people seek support to strengthen an already functioning relationship, or to recover from past relationship trauma.
Common presentations include:
A relationship may benefit from professional support when:
Gottman & Silver (2015) found that couples wait an average of six years from the onset of problems before seeking help — earlier support consistently produces better outcomes.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Couples sessions are 50 minutes. In the first session we explore your relationship history, current difficulties, and what you each hope to achieve.
Both partners attend together unless individual sessions are clinically indicated. We see couples at all stages — from strengthening a good relationship to navigating separation.
Individual sessions for relationship issues follow the same structure as standard psychology appointments.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
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.
Does my partner have to attend?
Not necessarily. Individual therapy can be very effective for relationship difficulties, particularly for understanding your own patterns and responses. Couples therapy requires both partners to attend together.
How many sessions will we need?
EFT typically involves 8–20 sessions depending on the complexity of the relationship difficulties. Gottman Method therapy is often structured as a series of 10–12 sessions. Your psychologist will discuss expectations after the initial assessment.
What if my partner doesn’t want to come?
Individual sessions can still be highly valuable. Many relationship patterns can be shifted when one person changes their own responses — this often has a positive effect on the relationship dynamic.
Do you see same-sex couples?
Yes. Our psychologists work affirmatively with all relationship structures including same-sex couples, polyamorous relationships, and culturally diverse partnerships.
Is what we discuss confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential. The only exceptions are standard duty of care obligations (risk of serious harm). Your psychologist will discuss confidentiality in detail in the first session.
Whether you’re in crisis or just want to strengthen what you have — our team is here to help.
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Epstein, N. B., & Baucom, D. H. (2002). Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach. American Psychological Association.
Gottman, J. M., & Levenson, R. W. (1992). Marital processes predictive of later dissolution: Behavior, physiology, and health. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(2), 221–233. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.63.2.221
Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work (2nd ed.). Harmony Books.
Johnson, S. M., Hunsley, J., Greenberg, L., & Schindler, D. (1999). Emotionally focused couples therapy: Status and challenges. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 6(1), 67–79. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.6.1.67
Lebow, J. L., Chambers, A. L., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2012). Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145–168. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00249.x
