Couples Therapy
Relationships can be hard work sometimes. Every relationship has moments of disconnection, misunderstanding, or stress. When communication breaks down or disconnection starts to grow, it can be hard to find your way back on your own. Couples therapy offers a supportive space to better understand each other, improve communication, and strengthen your relationship goals.
Our counsellors works with couples to improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection. Using practical, evidence-informed approaches, we help you recognise patterns, express your needs more clearly, and respond to each other with care and empathy.
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Melbourne Psychology and Counselling is proud to have Nika Cseh join us as a couples therapist. You can learn more about her approach to couples therapy here.
Couples therapy can be helpful for partners who want to improve communication, resolve conflict, rebuild trust, or strengthen their connection.
Even if you are uncertain what the future holds, couples therapy works when both people are willing to reflect, listen, and work on the relationship together.
Couples therapy can be helpful for:
- Improve communication and reduce conflict
Learn to express your thoughts and feelings more clearly, listen to each other with understanding, and manage disagreements in healthier ways.
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Rebuild trust after challenges
Work through issues such as dishonesty, infidelity, or emotional distance, and begin to rebuild trust and security in the relationship.
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Navigate major life transitions
Adjust to changes like moving in together, becoming parents, relocating, or entering retirement, with support to stay connected through change.
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Manage external stressors
Develop strategies to handle pressures related to work, finances, health, or family, so these stressors don’t take a toll on your relationship.
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Strengthen emotional and physical intimacy
Reconnect, rediscover closeness, and nurture affection when the relationship has started to feel distant, flat, or “stuck.”
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Clarify the future of your relationship
Find space to explore what’s next — whether that means recommitting to each other, redefining your connection, or separating with care and respect.
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Understand and respect differences
Learn to manage differences in values, culture, communication styles, or lifestyle in ways that strengthen, rather than divide, your partnership.
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Access support in an inclusive space
We welcome all couples — including same-sex, polyamorous, and culturally diverse relationships — in a safe, respectful, and affirming environment.
Couples therapy is not suitable when:
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There is ongoing or recent domestic violence
Physical, emotional, sexual, or coercive control in the relationship.
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Anyone is feeling unsafe or afraid
Situations where one partner is fearful of the other.
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There are active mental health or substance concerns
When individual support is needed first to address severe mental health or substance use issues.
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One partner has decided to end the relationship
Therapy is not effective if only one partner is engaged or willing.
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You are in crisis or need urgent support
Couples Therapy is not suitable if you are in crisis or your situation is more urgent. If you would like urgent support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, CareinMind 1300 096 269 or call 000.
If any of these concerns are present, individual counselling may be a more appropriate starting point. Our team can help you find the right support and ensure that everyone’s wellbeing and safety are prioritised.
What to expect
Your First Session
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In your initial session, Nika will spend some time speaking with each partner individually (around 15 minutes each) to hear from you in your own words and gain a clearer understanding of your perspectives. You’ll also be asked about your current situation, relationship history, and concerns. This helps create the most effective plan tailored to your needs.
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After the First Session
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From the start, you’ll collaborate with Nika to develop goals and create a plan that fits your relationship. These goals guide the counselling process and give you both a sense of direction.
In subsequent sessions, you’ll begin working on the areas you’ve identified together — whether that’s communication, trust, intimacy, or future planning. Each session builds on the last, offering practical strategies, guided conversations, and time to reflect and strengthen your connection.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes, and the frequency depends on your needs. Both in-person and online sessions are available (note: the initial session is in-person).
Common Questions
What if my partner doesn’t want to come?
For couples counselling to be balanced, both partners need to attend. If one partner is hesitant, we can explore ways to encourage them.
How do we know if counselling will work for us?
Counselling can’t guarantee specific outcomes, but it provides a safe space to explore issues, learn skills, and work on solutions together. The more both partners engage, the more effective it tends to be.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on your goals and what you’d like to work on.
Some couples notice changes in a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support.
What if we disagree during sessions?
Disagreement is normal.
The role of the couples therapist is to help guide the conversation safely and respectfully so both partners feel heard.
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What is the cost?
The cost of a 60-minute couples counselling session is $200, payable on the day.
Medicare rebates are not available.
Do we have to discuss everything?
You only need to share what you feel comfortable with.
Many couples start with one issue and gradually explore others as trust builds.
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Couples Therapy
Form
Please complete the form to apply for Couples Therapy
Some questions in this form ask about conflict, control, and safety in your relationship.
While most responses remain confidential, if any answers indicate that a child might be at risk, we are legally required to notify child protection.
Please know that we handle all information with care, sensitivity, and respect, and our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved