Couples Counselling
Couples Counselling
It is common for couples to feel anxious about beginning couples’ counselling. Be assured, you will be supported throughout the process. Please ask questions and advise of specific concerns you or your partner may have. Most couples feel more comfortable after the initial session and the counselling process has commenced. Couples counselling is a process for help couples improve their relationship by talking with a mental health professional such as a Psychotherapist, Psychologist or Counsellor. At VWM, the evidence based Gottman Method Couples Therapy approach is predominantly used. Gottman Method Couples Therapy process consists of multiple phases: Assessment, Treatment and Phasing Out.
Assessment Phase
Gottman Method Couples Therapy involves an assessment phase to be completed before treatment commences. This phase is very important as it enables a thorough understanding of presenting issues. This process includes an interview with the couple, followed by individual interviews with each partner. Couples also complete the ‘Gottman Connect Relationship Check-up’, which is an online questionnaire that provides comprehensive data on the relationship’s strengths and challenges. Once the assessment is complete, a feedback session is conducted to provide results of the assessment, and recommended areas for intervention are discussed. Together, treatment goals are agreed, and a personalised treatment plan developed. The frequency of therapy sessions is also discussed, outlining the various options to implement the therapy process.
Treatment
The treatment phase is tailored to meet the unique needs of a couple, with the focus on issues identified by the during the assessment process. Treatment focuses on developing positive patterns of communication, enabling healthier conversation and strategies to manage conflict. Collectively, these leads to an increased connection. The length of therapy will be determined by specific needs and goals.
Research demonstrates that intensity in treatment generally results in more rapid and sustainable change, particularly early in the process. To fast-track relationship recovery, it is often useful to engage in extended sessions, lasting for 2 to 3 hours. When making an initial appointment, it is recommended a series of appointments are booked to ensure the assessment, feedback and treatment sessions are conducted in a timely manner. Initially, sessions are conducted weekly. Outside of therapy, couples implement new skills, strategies, and behaviours on an ongoing basis.
Phasing Out
As therapy progresses, couples will be more closely connected, demonstrating positive patterns of communication, engaging in healthier conversations, and implementing strategies to manage conflict. During this phase, sessions are spaced further apart. Once a couple is functioning independently in the relationship, without the support of the therapist, therapy can conclude. However, during the first year or two after therapy ends, follow-up sessions are recommended at six-month intervals to reinforce the skills learned in therapy and prevent relapse into negative conflict patterns.
Couples Counselling
It is common for couples to feel anxious about beginning couples’ counselling. Be assured, you will be supported throughout the process. Please ask questions and advise of specific concerns you or your partner may have. Most couples feel more comfortable after the initial session and the counselling process has commenced. Couples counselling is a process for help couples improve their relationship by talking with a mental health professional such as a Psychotherapist, Psychologist or Counsellor. At VWM, the evidence based Gottman Method Couples Therapy approach is predominantly used. Gottman Method Couples Therapy process consists of multiple phases: Assessment, Treatment and Phasing Out.
Assessment Phase
Gottman Method Couples Therapy involves an assessment phase to be completed before treatment commences. This phase is very important as it enables a thorough understanding of presenting issues. This process includes an interview with the couple, followed by individual interviews with each partner. Couples also complete the ‘Gottman Connect Relationship Check-up’, which is an online questionnaire that provides comprehensive data on the relationship’s strengths and challenges. Once the assessment is complete, a feedback session is conducted to provide results of the assessment, and recommended areas for intervention are discussed. Together, treatment goals are agreed, and a personalised treatment plan developed. The frequency of therapy sessions is also discussed, outlining the various options to implement the therapy process.
Treatment
The treatment phase is tailored to meet the unique needs of a couple, with the focus on issues identified by the during the assessment process. Treatment focuses on developing positive patterns of communication, enabling healthier conversation and strategies to manage conflict. Collectively, these leads to an increased connection. The length of therapy will be determined by specific needs and goals.
Research demonstrates that intensity in treatment generally results in more rapid and sustainable change, particularly early in the process. To fast-track relationship recovery, it is often useful to engage in extended sessions, lasting for 2 to 3 hours. When making an initial appointment, it is recommended a series of appointments are booked to ensure the assessment, feedback and treatment sessions are conducted in a timely manner. Initially, sessions are conducted weekly. Outside of therapy, couples implement new skills, strategies, and behaviours on an ongoing basis.
Phasing Out
As therapy progresses, couples will be more closely connected, demonstrating positive patterns of communication, engaging in healthier conversations, and implementing strategies to manage conflict. During this phase, sessions are spaced further apart. Once a couple is functioning independently in the relationship, without the support of the therapist, therapy can conclude. However, during the first year or two after therapy ends, follow-up sessions are recommended at six-month intervals to reinforce the skills learned in therapy and prevent relapse into negative conflict patterns.