Couples
Relationship Counselling
I Need Help with My Relationship!
Seeking help for your relationship is a courageous step, and I’m here to support you. Whether you’re dealing with conflicts, disconnection, or simply want to enhance your relationship, couples therapy can provide the tools and understanding needed to strengthen your bond. By choosing to invest in your relationship, you are taking a positive step toward a healthier and more fulfilling partnership.
What is Relationship Counselling?
Relationship Counselling, or Couples Therapy, is a collaborative process where both partners work together to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild emotional connections. Whether you’re navigating a major relationship challenge or just seeking to improve your dynamic, therapy offers a space for growth and understanding. It’s about working together as a team to create a relationship that thrives.
The Gottman & Narrative Therapy Approach
At the heart of my work with couples is the evidence-based Gottman Method. This approach focuses on building a strong foundation of friendship, managing conflict effectively, and fostering deeper intimacy. Together, we will explore key components such as:
- Building Love Maps: Enhancing your understanding of each other’s inner world.
- Nurturing Fondness and Admiration: Strengthening appreciation and respect.
- Managing Conflict: Learning to navigate disagreements in a healthy, productive way.
- Enhancing Emotional Intimacy: Building stronger emotional connections.
Our session is also supplemented with Narrative Therapy approach to support you to explore your journey as a couple and working towards creating a pathway you both share in your life story.
What to expect in Couples Counselling sessions?
THE FIRST PHASE: ASSESSMENTS
The first phase of couples therapy is Assessment. This phase will takes a few sessions to complete:
Initial Assessment as a Couple
We begin with an intake session where you’ll share your relationship history, strengths, and challenges. This is also a time for the therapist to observe and understand the dynamics of your relationship.
(1 x 100 mins session, or 2 x 50mins session)
Individual Assessments & Gottman Checkup
Individual assessment sessions take place seperately to allow in-depth discussion of history and concerns. The Gottman CheckUp online assessment is to be completed individually during this stage too.
(2 x 50 mins sessions, and roughly 1+ hour to complete Gottman Checkup)
Outcome Review
In this session we review the outcome from all the assessment, and work together to determine areas to work on and a plan for future sessions.
(1 x 50 mins session)
THE SECOND PHASE: WORKING TOGETHER
We follow the outcome and plan of our sessions, to work on identified areas in your relationships that requires attention on.
The duration of these sessions are usually 75 mins each (Extended Session). The numbers of sessions required are determined by the outcome review from assessment, and progress made by the couple.
Who can benefit from Couples or Marriage Counselling?
Couples therapy is beneficial for a variety of relationship challenges, including:
• Affairs in a Relationship
When an affair occurs, rebuilding trust can feel overwhelming. Our sessions provide specialized tools to help couples heal, regain trust, and reconnect emotionally. Together, we’ll foster a renewed sense of commitment and offer your relationship a second chance.
• Communication Breakdown
Speaking and truly communicating are distinct skills. In therapy, we’ll help you re-establish connection while teaching you practical techniques to enhance your communication, fostering a deeper understanding between you.
• Conflict Resolution
Conflict doesn’t have to be scary! Managed well, it can be a healthy part of any relationship. We’ll work on conflict resolution skills, helping you navigate disagreements, compromise, and achieve lasting solutions.
• Trust Issues
Trust is built over time but can be broken quickly. When promises are unkept or issues are avoided, trust erodes. We’ll work on rebuilding that foundation by addressing underlying concerns and fostering openness.
• Emotional Disconnection
Feeling unheard or suppressing emotions can create distance between partners. We’ll guide you in expressing your feelings and needs effectively, helping you and your partner reconnect emotionally and strengthen your bond.
Even if your relationship isn’t experiencing major difficulties, therapy can help you and your partner strengthen your connection and communication!
Testimonials
“I truly enjoy the walk and talk session with Nick. We had our session at canning reserve . It’s much less formal and much more relaxing . It felt like a walk with mate in the park, very freeing. Definitely recommend it !”
“Really helpful. Nick has the skillset and talent to guide us through meditation. Nick is natural and his sessions are really empowering. After the session I felt relaxed and my tensions were gone. Highly recommend!”
“I recently swapped therapists (not something I was looking for to interms of ‘onboarding’ them to where I’m at). Fortunately I landed with Nick and I’m super impressed with his ability to listen, engage and show genuine interest in my therapeutic ‘journey’ . I super appreciate that he checks in with me between sessions to see how I’m doing. And more so.. I, we, are making progress as I unravel my schizz and move forward. Kind, solid and authentic human…”
Book in your first session is easy.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can book an appointment through our appointment page, or feel free to give me a call on 0468863690 to discuss any questions you might have. Texting is also welcomed through SMS or Whatsapp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I’m not comfortable sharing right away?
A: That’s okay! There’s no rush to share everything in your first session. We’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, and trust will build over time.
Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: Yes. Everything we discuss in our sessions is confidential, except in rare situations where I’m legally required to break confidentiality (e.g., if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others).
Q: How much does a session cost?
A: Please visit the Appointment page for session costs.
Q: Can I claim NDIS funding?
A: You will be able to claim our individual work through item code 15_621_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Social Worker, if you are Self Managed or Plan Managed, and that this item it is included in your NDIS plan.
Q: Do you accept Worksafe, TAC, or VOCAT funding?
A: Yes, we can accept fundings through Work Safe Victoria, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), and Victim of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
Q: Do you accept Medicare MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan)?
A: Our fees structure is comparable to many psychologists’ fees after medicare rebate. We are working on establishing the MHCP rebate to better service the community, and in the meantime, we are doing our best to keep the fees low.
Q: Do you accept OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)?
A: We offer affordable reduced fee service to International Students, however, we do not accept OSHC at the moment.
Q: Do you accept Private Health Insurance?
A: Our fees structure is comparable to many psychologists’ fees after insurance rebate. We are working on establishing the private health insurance rebate to better service the community, and in the meantime, we are doing our best to keep the fees low.
Q: I am a visitor to Australia, can I claim travel insurance for your service?
A: We provide invoice to all our services, please contact your insurance provider for details to confirm if they will accept your claim.
Q: Can you provide reports for court or legal purposes?
A: As an accredited social worker and qualified counsellor, I have provided reports to many clients in their legal proceedings relating to domestic and family violence, criminal related cases, and supporting documents in other situations. Please check with your lawyer or organisation to confirm their requirement for such reports.
Take the First Step today!
I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, but know that you don’t have to do this alone. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can support you, I encourage you to contact me today. Let’s take this journey together, towards greater well-being and balance.
What to Expact?
Confidential Conversations
We respect client’s privacy and confidentiality, let us know if you have any concerns and we will do our best to support you in the process
Safey First
We offer a safe space and environment for you to discuss your concerns
Multilingual Therapist
Families who are multilingual may need additional language options to support their family members. Our therapist Nick speaks English, Mandarin Chinese, and Taiwanese. If you need support in other language in our session, let us know in advance for alternative arrangements.
Locations
Melbourne Location
SItuated in inner west suburb of Footscray, easy access to parking and public transports
Online Telehealth
Meet online from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere in the world
Outdoor Walk & Talk
Meeting outdoor with the therapist and allow your mind and body to connect to the natural environment. Locations includes Essendon West, Avondale Heights, Keilor East, and Braybrook.