The Gottman Method is one of the most extensively researched approaches to couples therapy in the world, developed by Dr’s John and Julie Gottman over more than 40 years of studying what actually makes relationships work and what doesn't. Rather than focusing only on conflict, it looks at the whole relationship: friendship, trust, shared meaning, and how partners repair after difficult moments. Our approach is informed by this work, because it's evidence-based, practical, and it gives couples real tools they can use outside the therapy room, not just insight, but change.

Medicare does not currently cover couples therapy sessions — rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan apply to individual sessions only. Some private health funds do offer rebates for couples counselling depending on your level of cover, so it's worth checking with your fund directly. We'll always be transparent about fees upfront so there are no surprises.

Yes, and it's something we think about carefully. Neurodivergent couples — whether one or both partners have ADHD, autism, AuDHD, or PDA — often have relationship dynamics that standard couples therapy misses or misreads. We bring a neuro-affirming lens to all our work, including couples sessions. That means we won't pathologise difference, we'll help you understand each other's communication styles and needs without assuming one way of relating is correct, and we'll adapt the Gottman tools where needed to fit how your brains actually work.

Yes. We offer telehealth couples sessions across Victoria and Australia. For couples in regional and rural areas — including the Loddon Mallee region — telehealth means you don't have to travel hours for quality relationship support. All you need is a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera. Face-to-face sessions are available in Swan Hill for those who prefer them.

Yes, within the standard limits that apply to all counselling. We won't share what you discuss with anyone outside the practice without your consent, except in situations where we're required by law — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to someone. In the individual sessions that form part of Gottman work, what you share privately stays private from your partner unless you choose to share it. We'll explain this clearly before we begin.

The first session is a joint conversation where we get to know you both — what's brought you here, what your relationship history looks like, and what you're hoping for. It's also a chance for you to get a sense of us and whether this feels like the right fit. There's no pressure to disclose everything immediately. We'll talk about how the process works, what you can expect, and answer any questions you have. Some couples find the first session a relief just to have a space to start talking.

It depends on what you're working through. Some couples notice meaningful change in six to eight sessions. Others work with us over several months, particularly if there's significant conflict history, trust repair needed, or complex dynamics involved. We don't believe in dragging things out — our goal is to give you tools you can use independently, not to keep you in therapy indefinitely. We'll regularly check in on progress and adjust the plan together.

In Gottman Method therapy, we typically do one or two individual sessions early in the process — one with each partner separately. This gives each of you space to share things you might not feel comfortable saying in front of your partner, and helps us understand the relationship from both perspectives. After that, most sessions are joint. If individual therapy would be helpful alongside couples work, we can discuss how to structure that.