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At Harmony Psychology, we understand that relationships are complex, and even the strongest partnerships face challenges. Day-to-day stressors—like communication breakdowns, conflicting priorities, or unresolved arguments—can quietly erode connection over time. Too often, couples wait until the relationship has disintegrated before they engage support. However, we know the earlier you engage in the process, the more effectively you can address issues, stop desctructive patterns, and rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional closeness.

Our approach is grounded in the Gottman Method, a research-based framework proven to strengthen relationships by teaching practical skills for communication, conflict management, and emotional connection. Whether your challenges are persistent arguments, struggles with trust, or simply feeling disconnected, our couples therapy sessions provide a safe, structured space to explore your relationship dynamics and develop tools to thrive together.

Phone: 07 5211 082

How Couples Therapy Works

  • At Harmony Psychology, our couples therapy is structured to provide clarity, support, and practical tools for your relationship. The process typically includes:

    • Initial Joint Session (1 hour): Meet together to discuss your relationship history, current concerns, and goals for therapy.

    • Individual Sessions (1 hour each): Each partner meets separately with the therapist to explore personal perspectives and individual needs.

    • Feedback Session (90 minutes): Review insights from the assessment phase, highlighting relationship strengths and areas for growth, and agree on a personalised treatment plan.

    • Treatment Sessions (2 hours): Focused sessions using Gottman Method interventions, equipping you with practical skills to strengthen your connection and manage challenges together.

  • Assessment and Goal Setting

    The first phase of therapy is a thorough and clinical assessment conducted over three sessions. This phase helps us understand your relationship’s strengths, challenges, and patterns, and sets the foundation for effective therapy. It includes:

    1. Joint Initial Intake Session – Both partners meet together to discuss relationship history, current concerns, and therapy goals.

    2. Gottman Online Questionnaires – Each partner completes detailed assessments designed to identify communication patterns, conflict styles, emotional connection, and areas of stress within the relationship.

    3. Two Individual Assessment Sessions – Each partner meets separately with the therapist to explore personal perspectives, individual needs, and underlying issues that may impact the relationship.

    At the end of this phase, we provide a clear feedback summary and collaboratively establish therapy goals tailored to your relationship.

  • Phase Two begins with a joint feedback session, where we review the insights gained from the in-depth assessment phase. This session highlights your relationship’s strengths, identifies key areas of struggle, and establishes a tailored treatment plan.

    Following this, couples work together with the therapist to develop practical skills for improving communication, managing conflict, and strengthening emotional connection. Using the Gottman Method, this phase focuses on:

    • Enhancing communication – learning to express needs and listen effectively without escalating conflict

    • Conflict management – identifying destructive patterns and practicing constructive problem-solving

    • Increasing positive interactions – fostering moments of appreciation, affection, and shared meaning

    • Emotional attunement – deepening empathy, understanding, and responsiveness to each other’s feelings

    Phase Two equips couples with tools they can immediately apply in daily life, helping to reduce tension and increase connection while building a foundation for lasting intimacy.

  • Phase Three focuses on intervention sessions using targeted, research-based Gottman techniques designed to address your specific relationship challenges. Each session provides practical tools and strategies that you can take away and implement in your daily life.

    This phase typically involves:

    • Applying Gottman interventions – techniques tailored to reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and enhance emotional connection

    • Deepening intimacy and closeness – exercises to strengthen friendship, admiration, and shared meaning within your relationship

    • Addressing ongoing challenges – working through recurring issues and patterns that were identified in the assessment phase

    • Practical take-home strategies – actionable skills to practice between sessions to reinforce growth and connection

    The goal of Phase Three is to actively repair areas of strain, strengthen your bond, and equip you with tools to create a more resilient and fulfilling partnership.

    • Session are weekly.

    • Sessions are billed according to the hourly rate for sessions longer then 1 hour.

    • Couples therapy does not attract a rebate under a Mental Health Plan.

FAQs

  • Generally, couples counselling is not covered by Medicare as it is considered relationship therapy rather than individual mental health treatment. So, no your dont need a referral.

    All you need is two people willing to start.

    We can discuss session costs and scheduling to suit your needs.

    Contact our team to book your intake appointment.

  • No. Many couples seek counselling proactively to strengthen communication, deepen connection, or navigate a specific challenge. Attending couples counselling reflects a commitment to understanding each other and improving your relationship.

  • Previous experiences do not determine future outcomes. Different therapists, approaches, and timing can significantly influence effectiveness. Couples counselling can still be valuable even if past attempts were disappointing.

  • This is very common. Couples counselling can still be effective even when motivation levels differ. Therapy provides a structured, neutral space where both partners can feel heard and supported at their own pace.

  • No. A couples therapist remains neutral and focuses on relationship dynamics rather than blame. The goal is to help both partners understand patterns of interaction and develop healthier ways of relating.

  • When conversations happen without guidance, conflict can escalate. Couples counselling offers a safe, facilitated environment where difficult topics are explored thoughtfully, reducing reactivity and increasing understanding.

  • Not at all. Many couples attend counselling during periods of transition—such as parenthood, health challenges, or work stress—before problems become entrenched. Early support often leads to better outcomes.

  • No concern is too minor or too complex. Whether you are navigating everyday disconnection or significant relationship distress, couples counselling is designed to meet you where you are.

  • Repeating conflicts often reflect underlying patterns rather than unresolved topics. Couples counselling helps identify these cycles and introduces practical strategies to interrupt them and create more constructive communication.

  • No. The role of the therapist is not to decide the future of your relationship, but to support clarity, understanding, and informed decision-making. Any outcomes are guided by your values and goals as a couple.

  • While communication is important, couples counselling also addresses emotional safety, trust, attachment needs, values, intimacy, and shared meaning—depending on what is most relevant for your relationship.

  • The duration varies depending on your goals and circumstances. Some couples benefit from short-term, focused work, while others choose ongoing support. Progress is reviewed collaboratively throughout the process.

  • Feeling hesitant or vulnerable is completely normal. Psychologists create a respectful, non-judgemental space where sensitive topics can be explored safely and at a pace that feels manageable.

  • Our purpose built practice is located at 1/5 Ochre Way, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556.

    Our new Sunshine Coast practice offers ample free parking at both the rear and side of the property.

    Reception is accessible from the front of the building on Ochre Way.

    Make sure you arrive a few mintues early so that you can check in with our reception team, help yourself to the Sip Station for a herbal tea, latte, or sparkling water. Once you have your refreshment, make yourself comfortable in our waiting area.

    We look forward to welcoming you to our new practice and supporting you on your theraputic journey.