Couples Therapy
Every relationship experiences challenges. At times, couples can find themselves caught in patterns of conflict, distance, misunderstanding, or disconnection that feel difficult to change on their own.
Couples therapy provides a safe and neutral space where both partners can feel heard, understood, and supported while working towards a stronger and more satisfying relationship.
Whether you are navigating a specific challenge or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, therapy can help you better understand one another, improve communication, and reconnect as a couple.
Couples may seek support for:
Communication and conflict difficulties
Emotional or physical disconnection
Rebuilding trust following hurt or infidelity
Navigating life transitions (such as moving in together, marriage, or becoming parents)
Parenting challenges
Problematic patterns such as alcohol or substance use, or gambling
Balancing work, family, and relationship demands
Differences in roles, expectations, or values
Supporting one or both partners with mental health concerns
Grief and loss
Challenges within extended family relationships
My Approach
I primarily use the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs John and Julie Gottman.
Over several decades, the Gottmans studied thousands of couples to better understand what helps relationships thrive and what contributes to relationship distress. Their research identified specific patterns associated with healthy, lasting relationships, as well as behaviours that can predict relationship breakdown.
The Gottman Method focuses on helping couples:
Improve communication and conflict management
Strengthen friendship and emotional connection
Increase understanding of one another’s inner worlds
Rebuild trust and intimacy
Develop skills for navigating differences and ongoing challenges
Create a stronger sense of partnership and teamwork
A key principle of the Gottman Method is that successful relationships are not conflict-free. Rather, healthy couples learn how to navigate differences, repair misunderstandings, and remain connected even during difficult times.
What to Expect
The first few sessions focus on gaining a thorough understanding of your relationship, including your strengths, challenges, patterns of communication, and goals for therapy.
As part of this process, couples are invited to complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup, a comprehensive relationship assessment that helps identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
Following assessment, we develop a shared treatment plan tailored to your relationship and goals.
Therapy may include:
Improving communication skills
Understanding recurring conflict patterns
Strengthening emotional connection
Increasing friendship and positive interactions
Learning repair and conflict-management strategies
Rebuilding trust and intimacy
Developing rituals of connection and shared meaning
A Balanced and Respectful Approach
My role is not to take sides or determine who is right or wrong.
Instead, I work collaboratively with both partners to understand each person’s experience, identify patterns that may be contributing to difficulties, and support the relationship in moving towards healthier ways of relating.
Appointments
Couples therapy appointments are available in-person in Frankston, Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as via telehealth across Australia.
If you are considering couples therapy and would like to discuss whether it may be a good fit for your relationship, please feel free to get in touch.