Relationship Therapy

Relationship therapy, also popularly known as couples therapy, provides support for the many different configurations of modern relationships. Whether you are co-parents, separating partners, a blended family, or navigating a traditional partnership, this space is for you.

  • Communication challenges

  • Navigating separation or divorce

  • Co-parenting challenges

  • Blended family dynamics

  • Rebuilding trust and intimacy

  • Recurring conflicts and arguments

  • Life transitions and adjustments (e.g. new parents)

The Therapy Process

Please note: All adult parties must complete a referral and consent form prior to commencing therapy.

1
Initial Consultation (All Parties)

We start with a joint session where all parties attend. This is an opportunity to talk through what has brought you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you are hoping to achieve. It helps set the direction and allows us to begin understanding your unique dynamic.

2
Individual Sessions

The second step involves individual sessions for each party. This provides a safe, confidential space to explore your personal history, perspectives, and individual experiences that may be influencing the relationship.

3
Joint Sessions

From the third session onwards, we return to joint sessions. It takes a few sessions to truly get to know you and your dynamic before meaningful intervention can occur. I encourage attending weekly to maintain continuity and build momentum in our work together.

4
Therapy Review

We regularly review our progress and adjust our goals as needed. This ensures that the therapy remains relevant and helpful for your relationship.

5
Maintenance or Discharge

Therapy may conclude when you feel more confident managing your relationship dynamics independently, or it may continue longer-term if appropriate for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a general guide, short-term relationship therapy tends to run for around 10 sessions, while longer-term work is typically 20 or more sessions. The right length really depends on the complexity of what you're working through and the goals you set together.

  • My theoretical approach is grounded in systems and psychoanalytic theory. I believe that it takes two to co-create relationship dynamics, whether they are healthy or unhealthy. Furthermore, our past experiences deeply inform our present, and these historical patterns can often enact themselves unconsciously within our current relationships. By bringing awareness to these dynamics, we can work towards healthier, more fulfilling connections.

  • I am not formally trained or certified in the Gottman Method, but I am very familiar with their research and popular ideas. I often reference these concepts during therapy when they are helpful, however, I do not offer certified Gottman Method couples therapy.

  • It is very common for one person to feel more hesitant about therapy than the other. While relationship therapy is most effective when all parties are engaged, you can still attend individual therapy to work on your own relational patterns, boundaries, and communication skills.

  • No, relationship therapy is not eligible for Medicare rebates. However, some private health funds do cover couples or relationship therapy. It is best to contact your health fund directly to see what you are covered for.

Get in touch

The best way to contact me is by phone on 0456 668 649 or email at tash@redearthcounselling.com.au. You are also welcome to leave your details in the contact form here, which once submitted will be sent to me as an email.