Gottman Method Couples Therapy
When you feel more like housemates than partners​
If you’re lying awake after another argument, wondering how your relationship ended up here, you’re not alone.
Whether you feel like housemates, struggle to communicate without conflict, or are trying to rebuild after an affair, it’s easy to feel disconnected and unsure where to turn.
Most couples don’t come to therapy because their relationship is “beyond repair.” They come because something has changed.
Conversations that once felt easy now end in arguments.
Silence has replaced connection.
The fun and laughter you once shared have slowly faded.
You feel more like housemates than partners.
You no longer feel understood, appreciated, or connected.
For some couples, there has been a significant rupture, an affair, broken trust, betrayal, or another painful experience that has left the relationship feeling uncertain.
For others, it’s the gradual drift apart. The same arguments keep happening. The same misunderstandings repeat. No matter how hard you both try, nothing seems to change.
You may still love each other. You may still want the relationship to work.
You just don’t know how to find your way back to each other.
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How I work with couples
I help couples across the Gold Coast and Australia understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck and find new ways of communicating, reconnecting, and responding to one another during conflict.
Many couples come to me feeling like they are having the same argument on repeat, or that small misunderstandings quickly turn into distance, silence, or emotional shutdown.
My focus is on slowing these moments down so you can begin to see what is actually happening between you, rather than staying caught in the reaction.
I am a psychologist and Certified Gottman Method Therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples.
I use a structured, evidence-based approach developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
The Gottman Method is based on over 50 years of research into relationship patterns, communication, and emotional connection.
I also integrate Schema Therapy, which helps you understand the deeper emotional patterns that sit underneath conflict such as fear of rejection, feeling unheard, withdrawing, or becoming defensive when things feel overwhelming.
Together, these approaches allow me to work with both:
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what is happening between you in the moment (communication and conflict patterns)
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and what is happening within each of you (emotional needs, sensitivities, and protective responses)
In sessions, we work collaboratively to make sense of what is happening in your relationship and develop practical ways to improve communication, rebuild emotional connection, and reduce ongoing conflict over time.​
What we focus on in therapy
Depending on what you are experiencing, therapy may include:
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reducing cycles of conflict and reactivity
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rebuilding emotional safety and trust
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improving communication and understanding
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working through betrayal or ruptures in trust
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understanding repeated relational patterns
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strengthening emotional connection, intimacy, and responsiveness
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The aim is not to decide who is “right or wrong,” but to understand what is happening in the relationship system and how it can change.
What sessions are like
Couples sessions are structured and collaborative.
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Both partners are given space to speak and be heard, while also slowing down reactive patterns that can keep conflict going.
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At times, sessions may focus on the couple together.
At other times, we may explore individual emotional patterns that contribute to relationship dynamics.
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The pace is guided by your needs, and what feels safe and workable for both partners.
When couples therapy can help
Couples often seek support when they are experiencing:
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ongoing conflict or repeated arguments
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emotional distance or disconnection
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breakdown in communication
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loss of intimacy or closeness
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rebuilding after betrayal, infidelity, or rupture
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uncertainty about the future of the relationship
You don’t need to be at a crisis point to seek support. Many couples come in when they simply feel “stuck” or disconnected and want to understand each other again.
Assessment and Treatment Structure
Couples therapy is a structured process that begins with an assessment phase, followed by tailored therapy sessions.
01 Assessment
Before your first session, each partner completes the Gottman Relationship Checkup online. This provides background information about your relationship and helps guide the assessment process.
The assessment phase includes four structured sessions:
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Joint initial session
We meet together to discuss current concerns, relationship history, and what has brought you to therapy.
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Individual sessions
Each partner is seen individually to understand their perspective and experiences within the relationship.
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Goal setting session
We review key themes from the assessment and set clear goals for therapy.
02 Therapy
​Once the assessment is complete, therapy focuses on helping couples:
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Improve communication
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Understand recurring relationship patterns
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Strengthen emotional connection, closeness, and friendship
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Develop more effective conflict management strategies
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Repairing past ruptures or betrayals
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Build greater understanding and respect
Progress is reviewed throughout therapy, and the approach is adjusted depending on your needs.
03 Maintenance
​Once therapy goals are achieved, maintenance sessions are recommended to support ongoing progress.
These sessions provide continued support over time and may be helpful in maintaining changes made during therapy.
Maintenance may include: initially monthly sessions then extending to every 6 months and continuing up to 2 years as needed
Therapy Formats
I offer therapy in three formats: Marathon, Mini-Marathon, or Weekly sessions.
Weekly
Ongoing weekly support
A paced option with regular sessions over time.
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Includes: Initial 4 x 1-hour assessment followed by 2-hour weekly sessions
This option allows time between sessions to reflect and practise new skills.
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Mini Marathon
Focused extended sessions
A structured option delivered over several extended sessions.
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Includes: Initial 4 x 1-hour assessment session followed by 4-hour therapy sessions
Scheduled weekly or more frequently
Marathon
Intensive therapy option
An intensive format delivered over a short period with extended sessions.
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Includes: Initial 4 x 1-hourassessment session followed by2 full-day therapy sessions
This format suits couples who prefer focused, immersive work over a shorter timeframe.
Depending on your goals, progress, and relationship challenges, additional sessions may be recommended throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about individual and couples counselling, fees, Medicare, appointments and what to expect before your first session.
Get in Touch
This approach is generally best suited to couples who are able to commit both time and financial resources to the process.
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If that doesn’t feel possible at the moment, it may be helpful to wait until the timing feels more suitable.
If you would like to arrange a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation, please contact me via the inquiry form.
