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Couples Therapy

From the outset of couples therapy, we seek to diagnose the causes of relationship dissatisfaction or disconnection. From here, we tailor a treatment program which will exclusively benefit the couple. Many factors can lead to relationship breakdown. As such, it is important to choose a therapist who is experienced and well-trained in identifying presenting concerns and implementing the most appropriate strategies to resolve these. Common themes for couples who present to our clinic include:

  • Conflict and poor communication
  • Relationship neglect
  • Loss of love or friendship
  • Lack of intimacy
  • Affairs and infidelity
  • Difficulties adjusting to parenthood
  • Managing mental health issues for one or both partners
  • Pre-marital check-ups
  • Controlling behaviour
  • Sexual problems and dysfunction
  • Marriage makeovers 
  • Anger management issues
  • Problems with parenting your children
  • Issues managing external family dynamics
  • Managing through a separation

The Couples Clinic therapists have been intensively trained in Gottman Marital Therapy and other leading evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Marriage and relationship counselling is also beneficial for those looking to enrich their relationship, and is not solely focused on crises and the repair of poor conflict management.

Immersive Therapy

Research has shown that relationship counselling is most effective when treatment is undertaken as frequently and intensely as possible. As such, couples are encouraged to attend counselling on a regular basis to gain most benefit from the treatment. To support this, our Senior Relationship Psychologists offer Immersive Therapy (also known as Marathon Therapy), whereby couples are invited to engage in counselling for two full consecutive days.

Couples who engage in this kind of therapy quickly learn about those factors creating disconnect in their relationship and the best strategies to address their problems and grow together. Our process is intensive and both trains and coaches couples in practical skills to use moving forward.

For more information, please contact our office to discuss further. Immersive Couples Therapy needs to be booked in advance as our Relationship Psychologists devote two full consecutive days to the couple and online questionnaires need to be completed prior to the therapy commencing. Weekend and Public Holiday availability is available upon request.

Individual Therapy

In addition to couples therapy, The Couples Clinic also provides clinical counselling services for individuals experiencing marital or relationship issues. Therapeutic interventions delivered by our experienced psychologists include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused interventions and Interpersonal Therapy. 

Common individual therapy presentations we support are:
– Healing from acute stress and trauma. There are three main types of trauma: Complex trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Developmental Trauma.
– Desire and intimacy counselling for individuals with low or differing libidos to their partner, self-esteem or body image issues, difficulties maintaining arousal or reaching orgasm and issues regarding sexuality or sensuality in heterosexual, gay and lesbian relationships.
– Counselling for new mothers and fathers or individuals undertaking fertility treatment.
– Guidance for individuals post-separation or upon spousal abandonment.
 – Coming of age issues / adjusting to life transitions. 
– Navigating and communicating personal boundaries and needs in polyamorous or consensually non-monogamous relationships. 
– Anger management and domestic violence concerns. 

Many individuals engage The Couples Clinic as a means of improving their personal insights, coping responses, general wellbeing, and correction of maladaptive or unhelpful behaviours and communication patterns. Individual counselling provides a positive personal and relational benefit.  

Please note that if you are seeing a practitioner individually, you will need to engage an alternate practitioner at The Couples Clinic should you wish to transition to marital or relationship therapy. This ensures that your partner experiences an objective and unbiased therapeutic experience. Also, it would allow you to continue to see your practitioner individually either concurrently, or at a later date, if you so wish.