FAQs

Is Couples Therapy for us?

A common misconception people sometimes struggle with is the idea that their problems or feelings aren't serious enough for therapy, or that seeking help is something to be ashamed of - which just isn't true. Therapy can help you through any kind of struggle you’re having difficulty resolving on your own. Here are just a few tell-tale signs you may benefit from exploring Couples Therapy:

Affairs and betrayals
Loneliness
Feeling like you’re 'falling out of love'
Trust and commitment issues
Perpetuating sense of inequity in the relationship
Feeling unsupported or dismissed
Issues around sexual intimacy
Parenting styles leading to conflict
Escalating conflict, or inability to resolve issues
Conflict avoidance resulting in distance

What if my partner doesn't want to come?

As a first step, try reading the article Five Steps to Inspire Your Partner to Join You in Attending Couples Therapy.

Access to online learning and tools, such as the Gottman Relationship Builder, allows you to have some exposure to what we know about relationships, and to begin skill-building at home.

The Gottman Institute also offers Art and Science of Love workshops, which are available both online and virtually.

What happens when we first come to Couples Therapy?

Assessment is the first phase of Couples Therapy. This includes understanding the current strengths and difficulties within the relationship, its history, as well as individual factors that may impact the therapeutic process or the relationship itself. The assessment phase enables us to begin the Couples Therapy work on a sure footing in which we understand where the relationship currently stands, and how we plan to progress toward established goals.

Session 1: Couples Assessment Session - 90 minutes.

During the assessment phase you will each be asked to complete a number of questionnaires online in order to inform your treatment planning - approx. 2 hours.

Session 2: Individual Assessment Sessions - 50 minutes each.

Session 3: Feedback Session and Treatment Planning - 90 minutes.

How long are the therapy sessions? And why?

Couples Therapy: In the beginning of the active treatment phase, I recommend 120 minute sessions. Research has demonstrated that focusing more time to treatment, particularly in the early stages, results in better treatment outcomes. These 120 minute sessions also allow sufficient time for each partner to have their turns processing an issue, reflecting their understanding to their partner, and practicing the application of the new skills and principles they learn during therapy. In the later stages of therapy, 90 minute sessions may be sufficient as new ways of interacting will have become more established and comfortable.

Will our sessions remain confidential?

All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:

It is subpoenaed by a court, or
Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
Your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency. eg. a GP or a lawyer; or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

What's your cancellation policy?

If for some reason you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice, otherwise you may be invoiced the cost of the session.