Couples Therapy

Most couples wait an average of six years after problems begin before seeking help. By the time you’re looking at this page, you’re likely exhausted. Maybe you’re:

  • Cycling through the same argument over and over without resolution.

  • Feeling like roommates rather than romantic partners.

  • Walking on eggshells, afraid that one wrong word will spark a blowout.

  • Healing from a breach of trust and wondering if "back to normal" is even possible.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need a perfect relationship to have a happy one. You just need the right tools to navigate the messiness together.

My Approach

I draw from the Gottman Method, restorative practices, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In our sessions, we will:

  1. Identify the Cycle: We’ll look at the patterns you’ve fallen into and understand the "why" behind the reactions.

  2. Learn New Tools: You’ll get practical strategies to communicate needs without blame and listen without defensiveness.

  3. Rebuild Trust: We create a structured environment to heal old wounds and move forward with clarity.

How It Works

Couples work begins with an Assessment phase, which consists of three steps:

  • The Joint Session: We meet all together to discuss your history, your current challenges, and what you both hope to achieve.

  • Individual Sessions: I then meet with each of you separately. This is a safe space for you to share your personal perspective, history, and goals for the relationship.

  • Questionnaires: Depending on what is bringing you to couples therapy, I may ask you to fill out some questionnaires on your own time, to help give me a better picture of your perspectives and concerns.

  • The Roadmap: We’ll then come back together and I’ll offer an outline for a customised plan and we will decide on our next steps together.

Choosing the Right Pace for Your Relationship

Every couple has a different capacity for this work. Whether you need a steady, ongoing space to check in or a dedicated block of time to dive deep, we can work in a way that feels sustainable for you both.

Questions? Get in touch.

  • This is the traditional approach to therapy. We meet for 50 minutes once a week to slowly unpack the layers of your relationship.

    • Best for: Integrating small, meaningful changes into your daily life as they happen.

    • The Benefit: It provides a consistent "safety valve" to process the week’s events and build new habits over time.

  • Sometimes, an hour a week feels like you’re just getting started when the session ends. Intensives are extended blocks of time (ranging from a half-day to two full days) designed to get months of work done in a shorter window.

    • Best for: Couples in crisis, those whose schedules make it difficult to connect in sessions each week, those traveling from out of town, or those who want to jumpstart their healing.

    • The Benefit: We can move past the surface-level "recap of the week" and get to the root of your dynamics without the pressure of the clock.

  • You don’t have to be in crisis to prioritise your partnership. Think of this as preventative maintenance—a chance to stand at the "top of the cliff" and check in to prevent future cracks from forming.

    • The Focus: This retreat isn’t the deep dive marathon therapy session; it’s about deepening what’s already working and strengthening your relationship. It’s a dedicated space to step away from the noise of kids, careers, and chores to rediscover each other.

    • The Goal: To leave feeling refreshed, aligned, and more intentional about your future together.

  • all prices include GST

    50 minute session: $265

    90 minute extended session: $395

    indicative weekend intensive (includes pre-assessment, 12 hours of therapy time over 2 days, and 1 follow-up session): $4200

    Note that intensives and retreats can be adapted to suit your needs and circumstances.

I currently provide therapy to couples in person at the Braemar Office Network, Level 3, 32 The Terrace, Wellington 6011.

 

Relationships come in many forms, and they are all welcome here.

  • All Identities & Orientations: I provide an LGBTQ+ affirming space. Whether you identify as queer, trans, non-binary, or straight, your identity is respected here.

  • Various Life Stages: Whether you are early in your relationship and looking to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been together for decades and have hit a fork in the road.

  • Cultural & Intercultural Pairs: I welcome couples from all backgrounds and am mindful of how different cultural perspectives can shape your relationship dynamics.