Couples Counselling

Are you:

  • fighting with your partner often?

  • getting ready for a major life transition with your partner (moving in together, getting married, having a child, etc.)?

  • having the same arguments over and over again?

  • dealing with betrayal and infidelity?

  • feeling that your relationship is stale and the “spark” is gone?

Couples counselling can help.

I use Gottman Method couples therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that involves learning skills to help you and your partner understand each other (and yourselves) better, improve communication, and manage conflict more effectively.

You can read more about the research basis for Gottman Method couples therapy here at the Gottman Institute.

What happens in Gottman Method couples counselling?

There’s a reason you chose your partner. There’s a reason your partner chose you. Maybe you used to be happy together, but feel you’ve been growing apart. Maybe your priorities have changed or your life goals have started to diverge over time. Or maybe there’s been an unplanned life transition, like moving to a different country — or a huge rupture, like a betrayal.

First, we’ll explore what brought you and partner together initially, and go over the history of your relationship to see what’s changed.

Next, I’ll talk with you and your partner separately to understand each person’s life story, values, and the history each of you is bringing to the relationship, which may be affecting the couple dynamic.

We’ll then meet together to discuss your goals, decide on the issues you and your partner want to work on, and create a plan together.

If my partner has betrayed me, is there any hope for our relationship?

Of course, only you know the answer to this question. Infidelity is incredibly painful and destructive to a loving, trusting relationship — but it doesn’t have to mean the relationship is over. I have worked with couples who struggled with jealousy, broken promises, and emotional and sexual affairs. What I would suggest is, “Don’t give up prematurely”. If both partners are willing to be patient and empathetic, be vulnerable with each other, and atone and forgive, healing is possible.

Whatever decision you eventually come to, couples counselling can help you deepen your understanding of yourself, find clarity about what lessons can be learned, and hopefully end the relationship on a positive note.

How much does couples counselling cost?

In Gottman method couples counselling, the initial phase (also called the “assessment” phase) goes like this:

  1. Joint session with both partners present (80 mins at $280)

  2. Each partner completes the Gottman relationship questionnaire separately (online, $70 for the couple)

  3. The therapist sees each partner individually to understand their perspective (50 mins at $180, x2)

  4. Joint session with both partners present, where therapist reviews the results of the questionnaire with the couple (80 mins at $280)

We offer a package for this assessment phase, at an 8% discount. The final price is $910.80 for 4 sessions and the online assessment tool.

How often do I have to attend couples therapy?

At the start of the therapy process, we recommend attending weekly if possible, to maintain momentum and make it easier to notice any changes quickly.

After learning some skills, we could then space out the sessions to once every two weeks, so you have time to practise the skills in between sessions.

How long do I have to attend couples therapy for?

The process of repairing a relationship can take a few months to a year. It’s up to you to decide when you have reached your goal and are ready to “graduate” from therapy. If you experience any doubts or disengagement during the process, please feel free to bring it up in session. I want to listen and help you the best I can.