Question 1

Do we need a mental health care plan, or do we have access to Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need a mental health care plan and couples counselling is not eligible for Medicare rebates

Question 2

Is couples counselling ever not recommended?

Accepted Answer

Couples counselling is not recommended in the following cases: 
 • There is extreme violence in the relationship 
 • An ongoing, undisclosed affair
 • An (untreated) drug or alcohol addiction 
 • Current / frequent suicidal ideation
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**Please note I don’t work with a couple when there is an active DVO/AVO in place**

Question 3

What do we need to do to prepare before our first session?

Accepted Answer

Please complete your Gottman Connect Questionnaire and Intake/Consent Forms 48 hours prior to our first session. This helps me adequately prepare for our time together.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Most couples will attend 10-12 sessions. After that, we transition to 'maintenance' or 'check-in' sessions, which occur every fortnight, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your needs. Of course, every situation is different, and you may need more or fewer sessions, but as a general guide, this is what most people typically do.

Question 5

Are sessions claimable with my private health fund?

Accepted Answer

Please check your level of cover to see if counselling is included. The current funds I'm registered with include Medibank, AHM, HCF, Bupa, and ARHG (emcompassing St Luke's Health, Police Health, GMHBA, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, see-u by HBF (previously CUA), AIA Health, Mildura Health, Teachers Union Health, Westfund, Teachers Health, Nurses & Midwife Health and Unihealth)

Question 6

Parking / Location

Accepted Answer

Parking is available onsite, as well as street parking nearby. Please head to our reception area, where our lovely admin team will greet you and take payment prior to the session.

Question 7

Can couples counselling save a relationship?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that couples who engage in the Gottman Method often experience significant improvements in relationship satisfaction and emotional connection. For instance, a study published in The Family Journal found that couples who underwent Gottman Method Couples Therapy reported enhanced trust, improved communication, and increased relationship satisfaction compared to those receiving treatment-as-usual approaches.

Question 8

How much is relationship counselling?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are $195 for 1 hour and $350 for 2 hours.

Question 9

Does relationship counselling work?

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that therapy can lead to significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, and emotional connection. A study published in BMC Public Health found that couples who engaged in counselling showed greater relationship satisfaction and mental health improvements over time. 
Additionally, a review of various therapeutic methods, including Gottman Method Couples Therapy, found that couples who undergo therapy experience better conflict resolution skills and increased intimacy (gottman.com)(https://www.gottman.com/about/research/effectiveness-of-gottman-method/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Question 10

What type of counselling is best for couples?

Accepted Answer

The choice of therapy should align with the specific needs and dynamics of the couple. Consulting with a qualified therapist can help determine the most suitable approach for your relationship. What I particularly love about the Gottman Method is that it is not only evidence based but also grounded in decades of rigorous research. Research has shown that 70% to 75% of couples who engage in the Gottman Method experience significant improvement, and many report increased intimacy and communication skills.

Question 11

What happens in the first session of couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

In your first session of couples therapy, the main goal is to get to know you both and to create a space where you each feel heard and understood. I’ll start by asking what’s brought you in today. I always want to hear from both of you because your individual perspectives matter, even if you’re not totally sure what to say at first.

We’ll talk a bit about how you communicate, how you tend to argue or resolve conflict, and also get a sense of how your relationship began, how you met, what drew you to each other, and what your journey together has looked like so far. That includes the highs, the lows, and the in-between moments that have shaped your connection.

I’ll also ask what each of you is hoping to get out of therapy. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, rebuild trust, reconnect emotionally, or something else entirely, knowing your goals helps shape the work we’ll do together.

Toward the end of the session, we’ll chat about next steps. That includes how often we might meet, what the general timeframe for therapy could look like, and booking in future sessions if you’d like to continue.

Question 12

Can couples therapy bring back feeling in love?

Accepted Answer

Yes, couples therapy, particularly the Gottman Method, can help rekindle feelings of love and intimacy. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Schwartz Gottman, this approach is grounded in over four decades of research with more than 3,000 couples. It focuses on building a strong foundation of friendship, respect, and shared meaning, which are essential for reigniting love and connection.

Question 13

Is it better to do couples therapy or individual?

Accepted Answer

For couples facing relationship-specific issues, couples therapy is often more effective than individual therapy alone. However, integrating both individual and couples therapy can provide a holistic approach to improving both personal and relational well-being.

Question 14

When should couples consider couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

Couples should consider therapy whenever they feel the need to strengthen their relationship. Research indicates that many couples wait an average of six years before seeking professional help for marital issues. This delay allows negative patterns to become entrenched, making resolution more difficult.

Preventative care is crucial. Engaging in therapy proactively, even when things are going well, can help couples build resilience and improve communication skills. Studies show that premarital counselling can reduce divorce rates by 31%.

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