
Strengthen your relationship
Relationships can be rewarding but also challenging. Couples counselling provides a safe, supportive space to explore what’s happening between you and your partner, improve understanding, and build connection and resilience together.
Who couples counselling is for
You might consider counselling if you and your partner are:
-
Struggling with communication or repeated conflict
-
Feeling distant, disconnected, or misunderstood
-
Navigating life changes (e.g., moving, new baby, career shifts)
-
Recovering from betrayal, past hurts, or breaches of trust
-
Wanting to strengthen your relationship before challenges arise
Counselling isn’t only for crisis moments — it can also help deepen connection, enhance understanding, and support growth as a couple.
What we work on
In couples counselling, we focus on creating a collaborative, judgement-free space where both partners can be heard. Together we will:
-
Improve communication and mutual understanding
-
Explore underlying emotions and unmet needs
-
Work through conflict in ways that feel respectful and constructive
-
Rebuild trust and closeness
-
Clarify shared goals and future direction
-
Learn and practice practical communication skills together
Couples counselling
Gottman Method

Our approach
We use the Gottman Method, a research-based approach that helps couples strengthen friendship, manage conflict effectively, and create shared meaning in their relationship.
Assessment and therapeutic sessions
Assessment Phase (first four sessions):
-
Initial couple session (60 mins): Explore your goals and relationship history together. Then complete an online questionnaire before the individual sessions.
-
Individual sessions (50 mins each): Discuss personal concerns and needs
-
Couple feedback session (60 mins): Explore strengths and areas for growth, set shared goals, and learn about the Sound Relationship House and Four Horsemen frameworks from the Gottman Method to guide your therapy.
Therapeutic sessions:
-
Typically 90–120 minutes, mostly weekly, reducing to 60 mins as progress is made
-
Sessions involve partners talking directly to each other, practicing communication skills
-
Most couples benefit from 10–24 hours of therapy
Session info
Session length varies and are available:
-
In-person in Newcastle East
-
Online Australia-wide via Zoom
Fees
Assessment phase:
-
Initial couple session: $286 which includes the 60 minute session and online questionnaires.
-
Individual sessions: $154 each
-
Feedback session: $220
Therapeutic sessions:
-
60 minutes: $220
-
90 minutes: $308
-
Two hours: $407
All fees include GST.
Getting started
If you have any questions, or you are both ready to begin, you can:
-
Contact Fiona with any questions or to book in.
-
Book a free inquiry phone call
-
Both complete the Couple intake form
-
Jump straight in and book an appointment (includes completing the intake form)
You don’t need to have all the answers or a clear plan — just a willingness to explore your relationship together. The process is designed to feel safe, supportive, and collaborative from the very first step.
