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.
How do I choose the right marriage counselling service?
Every relationship faces unique challenges, which is why Ashore Wellness offers two respected, evidence-based modalities to help you reconnect. Nick, an AASW accredited social worker, specialises in the Gottman Method, providing a practical framework to build a “Sound Relationship House” by improving communication and managing conflict. Alternatively, Khai, our ACA registered counsellor, utilises Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) to strengthen the emotional bond between partners. By identifying the negative cycles that drive conflict, she helps couples foster a secure, empathetic connection. Whether you seek structured tools or deeper emotional transformation, our team supports your journey toward a resilient partnership.
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)
Individual Assessments
Individual assessment sessions take place seperately to allow in-depth discussion of history and concerns.
(2 x 50 mins sessions)
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. 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!
Evidence-Based Couples Therapy
At Ashore Wellness, we provide you with the opportunity to explore and strengthen your relationship using some of the world’s most respected, evidence-based modalities. We primarily offer The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), allowing you to choose the clinical framework that best aligns with your goals.
While Nick utilises the research-driven strategies of the Gottman Method to build practical communication skills and manage conflict, Khai focuses on the attachment-based depth of EFCT to help partners rewire their emotional bond and foster deeper security. Our therapists are also trained in various supplementary modalities, which are integrated into your sessions to personalise the experience and optimise your therapeutic outcome.
The Gottman Method & Narrative Therapy
Therapist: Nick Koyang
Nick is an AASW-accredited social worker specialising in the Gottman Method to help couples build stronger, research-backed foundations. While primarily using Gottman’s practical frameworks to manage conflict and deepen intimacy, he also integrates Narrative Therapy to help clients reshape their stories, creating a resilient “Sound Relationship House” filled with shared meaning.
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT)
Therapist: Khai Chia Teoh
Khai is an ACA registered counsellor who specialises in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) to help you move past surface-level arguments to reach the heart of your connection. By identifying the repetitive cycles that cause distance, you’ll learn to express your needs with vulnerability instead of anger. This fosters a secure bond, ensuring both partners feel truly seen, valued, and emotionally supported.
Testimonials
“My counselling journey with Khai has given me a sense of safety that I had never experienced before. She listens with genuine empathy and always approaches my emotions with warmth and understanding. At the same time, she offers thoughtful and professional guidance that helps me navigate the challenges I face.
……
If anyone is considering counselling, I would wholeheartedly recommend Khai. She is a professional, patient, and compassionate counsellor who truly creates a safe space for personal growth.”
“I’ve really appreciated my time with Nick. Over the past month, he has provided a supportive and safe environment that has allowed me to explore my thoughts and feelings. The Tree of Life practice was particularly meaningful for me, offering valuable insights. Nick’s gentleness and understanding made a significant difference in my journey. I highly recommend his services.”
“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
What is couples counselling, and how can it help us?
Couples counselling provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges in your relationship, improve communication, and strengthen your bond. Using evidence-based techniques, such as the Gottman Method, I help you and your partner work through conflicts and build a deeper connection.
Do we need to be in a crisis to attend couples counselling?
Not at all. Many couples seek counselling to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, or navigate life transitions. Counselling can be beneficial at any stage of your relationship.
What happens during a couples counselling session?
Sessions typically involve guided conversations to identify challenges, improve understanding, and develop strategies to address them. The process includes both joint discussions and individual reflections, ensuring that both partners feel heard and supported.
How many sessions will we need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and challenges. Some couples find clarity in a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support. We’ll work together to create a plan that suits your needs.
Will counselling make us fight less?
Conflicts and arguments are a healthy part of any relationship! The goal of counselling isn’t to eliminate all conflicts but to help you manage them more effectively.
With better communication and conflict resolution skills, disagreements can become opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress.
Can counselling save our relationship?
Counselling can significantly enhance relationships, but its success relies on both partners’ commitment to actively engage and work collaboratively.
Together, we’ll also tackle persistent challenges or gridlocks in your relationship, helping you explore whether these issues can be resolved to support your journey as a couple moving forward.
My role is to guide you through this process, providing you with tools and strategies to rebuild trust, strengthen your bond, and create a more fulfilling partnership.
What if my partner doesn’t want to attend counselling?
It’s common for one partner to feel hesitant initially. If this is the case, you’re welcome to attend alone to explore how you can approach the situation.
Is everything we share in counselling confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential, and I adhere to strict ethical guidelines according to AASW and ACA, to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions are situations involving safety concerns, which I will discuss with you upfront.
Can counselling help us rebuild trust after an affair or betrayal?
Yes, couples counselling can help rebuild trust and address the underlying issues that led to the betrayal. This process requires commitment from both partners, but with guidance and effort, healing is possible.
Do you offer online couples counselling?
Yes, I offer online sessions for couples who prefer the convenience of meeting from their own space. Online counselling is just as effective as in-person sessions and allows us to connect wherever you are.
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 Expect?
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
Our therapy room is located in Moonee Ponds, easy access to parking and public transports, just 1 min walk from Moonee Ponds Station.
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.