Couples Therapy 

Harmony Psychology

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.

  • 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.

Phone: 07 5211 0825

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FAQs

  • You don’t need a referral to attend our practice. However, under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, you may be eligible for up to 10 Individual and 10 Group sessions per calendar year that attract a rebate.

    How to Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan:

    Simply book a consult with your GP and ask them to send your referral to us via email to reception@harmonypsychology.net.au

    We also accept private clients, NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed), Workcover Qld Claims, DVA, Insurance Claims, and EAP referrals.

    We’re here to support your mental health journey every step of the way. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

  • How Billing Works:

    • You pay the full session fee on the day of your appointment.

    • We process the Medicare Rebate back to your nominated account (Please note: It may take up to 24–48 hours for the rebate to appear in your account).

      You cannot claim both a Medicare and private health rebate for the same session.

      If you have any questions, feel free to touch base with our administration team.

  • You can use your Private Health Insurance for Mental Health Support. How it works:

    • You pay the full session fee on the day of your appointment.

    • Our system will then send you a copy of the invoice paid via email.

    • You then simply upload a copy of your paid invoice and make an online claim with your provider.

  • Finding the right fit is an essential component to good theraputic outcomes.

    We encourage you to browse the bio’s of our team and make a shortlist of one or two clinicians which resonate with you based on their backgrounds, expertise, and availability.

    If your preferred clinician doesnt have availability, we will work closely with you to find the best possible fit.

    What happens if after my first session I don’t feel my psychologist is a good fit?

    That can happen from time to time, and it’s completely okay. Just let our administration team know — they’ll help connect you with another psychologist on our team and take care of the rest for you.

  • Both psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are qualified mental health professionals who provide counselling and therapy for a range of emotional and mental health concerns. While their training pathways differ, both are skilled in assessment, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and supporting people to improve their mental wellbeing.

    Psychologists are trained in psychology and focus on understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are trained in social work with additional accreditation in mental health, bringing a strong understanding of how life experiences, relationships, and social factors impact mental health.

    Both psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers can provide therapy under Medicare with a valid referral and work with individuals, couples, and families to support meaningful and lasting change.

  • Why seeing a Provisional Psychologist is a good choice:

    Accessibility:  Our provisonal Psychologist Olivia has immediate availability.

    Affordability: Provisional Psychologist have lower session fees making therapy more accessible and reduces barriers to care.

    High Quality Care: Provisional Psychologists receive weekly supervision from experienced, AHPRA-endorsed supervisors — meaning all treatment plans and interventions, are evidence-based are monitored weekly.

    Flexibility: Their training allows them to support a broad range of presentations and age groups, with adaptable session formats (in-person or telehealth).

    No Mental Health Care Plan Required: Clients do not need a referral letter or Mental Health Care Plan.

  • Once your matched you with a psychologist, your first session will be schedule and a $100 non-refundable deposit will be required and applied to your first appointment.

  • Once your first session and deposit have been processed, our team will send you an electronic intake form to complete which will request your details. We need you to complete this as soon as possible and no later then 3 business days prior to your first appointment.

  • 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.

  • Therapy isn’t only for major crises — it’s for anyone wanting support, clarity, and emotional wellbeing. If something is affecting your quality of life, your relationships, or your peace of mind, therapy can help. No problem is too big or too small.

  • Therapy ultimately is investment in youself and your future.

    Many clients find that therapy saves them time, stress, and emotional energy by giving them tools that last a lifetime.

    If finances are a concern, we can discuss frequency, rebate options, and pathways that support your budget.

  • Your first session is an opportunity to build connection and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. During this session, your clinician will gather relevant background information, explore your current concerns, and may ask you to complete a few questionnaires. If time allows, you will also begin discussing your goals for therapy.

    Feeling nervous is completely normal. Your psychologist will go at your pace, help you feel safe, and never push you into anything you’re not ready for. Therapy is a collaborative process — you stay in control of what you share.

    Following the first session, your clinician will develop a treatment plan and review this with you in your next appointment.

    Ongoing sessions are guided by this plan and typically involve discussing what you’re experiencing, identifying patterns, learning practical strategies, and working toward your goals. Sessions are conversational, supportive, and paced to suit your needs.

    From time to time, your clinician will review your progress and revisit your goals with you to ensure therapy remains helpful and aligned with what you want to achieve.

  • Finding the right therapist is like finding the right pair of shoes — the fit matters. Different approaches and personalities can make a huge difference. We encourage an open conversation about what didn’t work previously so we can tailor the experience to you.

Evidence-Based Therapy

At Harmony Psychology, we use a range of proven, evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your unique needs:

  • CBT is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. It’s effective for anxiety, depression, stress, and many other mental health challenges.

  • EMDR is a specialized therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma and distressing memories. It’s widely used for PTSD, anxiety, and phobias, providing relief by reprocessing traumatic experiences.

  • Schema Therapy explores deep-rooted patterns and beliefs formed in childhood that affect your current relationships and emotions. It’s especially helpful for chronic emotional difficulties and personality disorders.

  • Art Therapy uses creative expression as a pathway to explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness. It’s beneficial for people who find it difficult to express feelings in words, including children and adults alike.

  • ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with your values. It helps increase psychological flexibility and improve overall well-being.