Your Questions About Couples Counselling – Answered
I understand that starting couples counselling can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous or unsure about what to expect.
Whether you’re exploring in-person sessions with me here at my McCrae location on the Mornington Peninsula, or considering couples counselling online, you likely have a few questions.
My FAQ is here to help you find honest answers to the most common questions I’m asked.
Feeling comfortable and making the most of our time together, is what it’s all about.
If there’s something you’re still unsure about, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m just a phone call away.
What happens in a couples counselling session?
Couples counselling is a type of therapy that helps couples process emotions, address conflict, and improve their relationship.
Through couples counselling, partners gain a better understanding of each other, learn effective communication skills, and develop solutions to their relationship issues.
All of my sessions are at least 90 minutes long, so there is plenty of time to talk, listen, reflect, process, learn, laugh and repair.
With the right attitude it’s a very rewarding experience.
What kinds of issues can couples counselling help with?
Marriage counselling can help couples work through a variety of issues.
Common areas I help couples in include:
- Communication problems
- Infidelity
- Trust issues
- Values conflict
- Disagreements
- Parenting & family stressors
- Mental health
- Past trauma
- Behaviour challenges
- and more.
I conduct a thorough assessment with every couple to ensure Couples Counselling is appropriate.
How many couples counselling sessions do we need to repair our relationship?
This is a difficult question to answer, as every couple is different and there are a number of contributing factors at play.
After our first discovery session together, I will have a good sense about your relationship needs.
Further assessment is the first step in my Save My Marriage program and helps us work together in a collaborative and targeted way.
Research indicates 12 to 20 sessions (or equivalent) is required for couples to achieve significant improvements in their relationship.
How much does couples counselling cost?
Couples Counselling in Australia is not covered by the Medicare scheme. I am guided by the Australian Psychology Society recommended rates, with my initial consult priced at $440 (inclusive of GST) for a full 90-minute session.
I approach Couples Counselling a bit differently than other counsellors and aim to provide a deeper level of service. From the moment you book, we begin the process, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from your very first session.
By the end of your first initial session, you can expect to feel more at ease about your relationship challenges and more clear and confident about your next steps.
You’ll also feel more hopeful for the future of your relationship.
After this session, I provide personalised feedback and my expert recommendations on the best path forward. This may include my Save My Marriage Program designed to help you achieve real lasting change without delay.
I work best with couples couples who are committed to improving their relationship. My goal is to guide you toward the best outcomes, not just temporary fixes, but deep relationship transformation.
What's the best way to prepare for couples counselling?
These two resources I’ve developed, are great starting points to help you prepare and get the most from couples counselling.
What happens if we split up during couples counselling?
While my programs are geared toward repairing your relationship, break ups do happen and this is normal.
While a break up can be emotional, it’s often the best choice at the time, for each other – all things considered.
During this time, I support you, and help you manage your emotions, and differences.
I have a range of resources and therapeutic frameworks to help you communicate, remain respectful, and amicably compromise.
Couples Counselling helps each individual, and our work together, can support you in future relationships or even getting back together, depending on each of your goals.
How do I choose the right online couples counsellor?
Your time is valuable, and a struggling relationship in distress is painful and emotionally draining, so it’s in your best interests to get the right help first time around.
Wasting time and money with someone who is not a specialist or not the right fit is frustrating and could even drive you even further apart.
Couples Counselling is a specialist area, so finding someone who only works with couples and relationship issues (like me) is highly recommended.
An experienced counsellor with extensive training can help you with ‘what’s really going on’ beneath the surface sooner; And can handle delicate situations with sensitivity, tact and confidence.
A counsellor who has training in many areas (multi-disciplinary) can help people in different ways & different areas. Perfect for couples who have multiple contributing factors influencing the health of the relationship, or prefer to learn or comprehend things in different ways.
Do you need support in an additional specialist area?
Common specialist areas you might need to consider include:
- Sex therapy
- Same sex relationships
- Anger / domestic violence
- Alcohol / drug dependency
- Depression / anxiety / mental health
- Gambling / behaviour
- PTSD / trauma
- Health / hygiene / weight
Availability and consistency of your counsellor is another important consideration. I believe having the one counsellor who can be there for you, know you, understand you, and celebrate with you is worth it’s weight in gold.
Finally, it’s all about client fit, personality and professionalism.
You can click here to learn more about me. and my approach here.
Is online couples counselling as effective as in-person couples counselling?
The simple answer is yes! In some ways it can be easier, as you are calling in from the comfort of home. Therefore you can be feeling more relaxed and secure at home.
Recent research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person, and client satisfaction is also the same. (https://www.center4research.org/does-online-therapy-work/)
I believe it boils down to your personal preference & convenience.
I overcome many limitations of online therapy by checking in with you, and being tuned in to your body language, facial expressions, tone and more. So rest assured that Couples Counselling is just as effective as in-person counselling.
Almost all the couples who try online couples counselling with me have a great experience and are happy to continue counselling online. It’s not a barrier to their experience or success.
However I understand some clients and therapists may have a preference for in-person therapy over online.
There’s no doubting though, online sessions sure are convenient!
Do you use Zoom for online couples counselling?
Yes, I use Zoom. It’s easy, free, reliable, secure, and provides a great quality experience.
You can use it on your computer, or mobile device. Visit the zoom website to learn more.
Do you have any tips for using zoom during our online sessions?
Here are 10 tips to help you set up zoom and get the best quality experience from your session.
- Check your video and microphone are working before your session.
- Check your device is working well and update zoom to the latest version.
- Make sure your internet is working well and you have a stable connection from the location you are joining from.
- Check your lighting is adequate so I can see you. Avoid lights or windows behind you.
- Sit together so I can see you both at the same time. A stable webcam at eye height is a big help.
- Avoid distractions and interruptions like phones, children, alarms, other people, etc.
- Have a pen & paper handy, your program folders, and anything else to keep you comfortable for your session. A drink bottle or blanket could be handy to have close by.
- Speak clearly and one at a time for me to hear and understand you easily. Being in a quiet location also helps.
- A laptop or computer with a nice big screen to see each other clearly is preferred over a smaller device. I sometimes share my screen, so being able to read text and view diagrams clearly is also helpful.
- Get comfortable, relax, and prepare for your session. Showing up at your best with a healthy attitude will go a long way to getting the most out of Couples Counselling and who knows you might even enjoy the experience!
Are online couples counselling sessions private & confidential?
Yes. Zoom is considered ‘safe and secure’ for online therapy sessions. Zoom uses encrypted data transmission, similar to your online banking etc. In addition, any client notes I create are stored securely with encryption.
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