Standard Couples therapy

The Gottman Method for Couples Counselling is entirely research based and has been proven to be a highly effective therapy for couples. We recommend marathon counselling, however some couples will prefer regular weekly sessions. Using the Gottman model for regular sessions the first 4 sessions of therapy will be assessment sessions.

• Session 1 is 60 minutes and includes a Gottman Relationship Check-Up, which is an online assessment that you and your partner complete, that usually takes between 60-90 minutes.
• Session 2 and 3 are individual sessions and are 45 minutes each. These are an opportunity to speak about your own emotional and mental state, background and perspective on your relationship.
• Session 4 is 45 minutes and will provide you and your partner with the results of the assessments so that you both have a thorougher understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship, and can also agree on a plan for which areas to address first in counselling.

• Following your assessment sessions you will need lounger sessions, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, to help get your relationship back on track. At some point it will be possible to reduce session length to 50 minutes.
• The Gottman Institute recommends at least 17 hours of therapy, in addition to the assessment sessions, for the basics of therapy to be covered.

Marathon Couples therapy

Marathon therapy is an approach to couples therapy that is an alternative to regular weekly sessions. It’s an opportunity to put to bed long standing issues and get your relationship back on track. Marathon therapy is an opportunity for couples to process past hurts, perpetual issues in their relationship, and to learn and practice effective communication. A marathon is especially beneficial for couples who don’t live near a trained Gottman Couple’s Therapist, have hectic work schedules and couples who require immediate help.

We are currently offering marathon couples therapy in Townsville and Melbourne.

Couples will engage in 2 days of couples counselling that will involve 6-7 hours of therapy on each of these days, plus a break for lunch and other short breaks each day.

All couples are required to complete a comprehensive online relationship assessment a week prior to their retreat, as the results of this assessment are required to ensure the retreat will address the most pressing issues of each couple. This significantly reduces the amount of time you would otherwise spend helping your therapist understand your relationship. All results are presented as joint strengths or weaknesses and individual results are confidential.

Therapy will take place at our clinic in a private counselling room. We are conveniently located close to accommodation and popular areas of Townsville, providing an opportunity for interstate or out of town couples the comfort of staying the night in your chose of accommodation and the ability to enjoy the beach and restaurants available within the area when needing to travel to complete your marathon with us.

A marathon will often address conflict, lack of friendship, negative relationship sentiment, lack of appreciation and respect, poor communication and trust and commitment issues.