The Counselling Process
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Starting therapy shouldn't feel overwhelming. I offer a free 15-minute consultation call so we can meet casually over the phone and see if we’re the right fit to work together.
We’ll spend a few minutes talking through what you're hoping to get out of counselling, and I'll answer any immediate questions you have about my approach or how sessions work. It’s a low-stakes space to discuss your goals, get a sense of how I work, and decide if moving forward into a first session feels right for you.
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Our initial appointment is dedicated to gaining a clear, detailed picture of your relationship dynamics, your current challenges, and your unique history together. Rather than jumping straight into quick fixes, this session focuses on understanding the root of what’s keeping you stuck.
During this session, we will:
Unpack Current Challenges: Identify the recurring arguments, communication breakdowns, or emotional distance causing friction.
Explore Your Relationship History: Look at how your connection began, key milestones, and where the dynamic began to shift.
Map Out Your Dynamics: Understand the core triggers, attachment patterns, and behavioral loops at play for both of you.
By deeply understanding where you are right now, I can design a tailored treatment plan with specific, evidence-based interventions built around your unique goals and needs.
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Our ongoing sessions are guided by the Gottman Method—a research-backed approach focused on real-world application. Because every relationship is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all formula; we will collaborate to build a customized plan tailored specifically to your history, goals, and dynamic.
While your treatment plan will be uniquely yours, ongoing sessions typically cover key areas such as:
Managing Conflict Effectively: Learning how to de-escalate heated moments, express your needs without criticism, and repair after arguments.
Deepening Emotional Connection: Rebuilding friendship and intimacy so you feel like partners rather than roommates again.
Mastering Communication Skills: Developing practical strategies to listen deeply, validate each other's perspectives, and discuss sensitive topics without shutting down.
Breaking Gridlocked Issues: Identifying the core values, dreams, and hidden needs underlying the recurring fights you can't seem to resolve.
Creating Shared Meaning: Aligning on your long-term goals, family culture, and shared vision for the future of your partnership.
Practicing In-Session: Using structured exercises in real-time so you build muscle memory and confidence to handle tough conversations at home.
I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where both of you can speak openly, experiment with new communication styles, and create meaningful, lasting change.
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The Gottman Method: Evidence-Based Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method is a world-renowned, research-backed approach to couples therapy based on over 40 years of clinical studies by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Grounded in the study of thousands of couples, it focuses on building practical skills to deepen intimacy, manage conflict constructively, and create shared meaning in your relationship.
Key Pillars of the Approach
Strengthening Your Friendship: Build emotional connection, affection, and mutual respect by truly understanding each other’s internal worlds and daily lives.
Managing Conflict Productively: Shift away from destructive argument patterns (like criticism or defensiveness) and learn to navigate both solvable problems and perpetual differences with dialogue and empathy.
Creating Shared Meaning: Develop a shared sense of purpose, values, and goals that support both your individual growth and your bond as a team.
Who It Helps
Whether you are looking to strengthen an already solid foundation, navigate a major life transition, or repair broken trust, the Gottman Method provides structured, actionable tools tailored to help couples move from conflict to connection.
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Sessions are $200 for 50 minutes, and I typically recommend meeting fortnightly. Meeting every two weeks keeps momentum going while giving you and your partner enough space to practice your new tools in daily life.
Because every dynamic is unique, the overall duration of therapy depends on your specific goals and the complexity of the challenges we are addressing. Real, lasting change happens through a joint commitment to regular sessions and active engagement in the therapeutic process—both inside and outside the room.
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