Couples Therapy
There is an art and science to couples THERAPY.
A skilled couples therapist draws on science (evidence-based research and approaches) to identify strategies that can improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the bond between partners. At the same time, they bring art into the process, tailoring these techniques to the unique dynamics, history, and goals of your relationship.
Every couple is different, and your therapy sessions will be designed to meet your specific needs. This may involve integrating strategies from multiple approaches to address the challenges you face as a team. The focus will be on fostering understanding, rebuilding connection, and working toward practical, evidence-based solutions that guide you toward a fulfilling and balanced partnership.
At Mind Lift Psychology in Spring Hill, Brisbane we offer couples therapy using the Gottman Method.
We also offer individual therapy for those wanting personal support alongside relationship work.
What does Couples Therapy help with?
Couples therapy using the Gottman Method, can help couples address a wide range of issues. Here’s are some common issues that couples counselling can assist with:
- Communication problems: Therapy can improve communication skills and promote constructive dialogue between partners.
- Conflict resolution: Couples therapy offers tools and techniques to navigate conflicts and find mutually satisfactory resolutions.
- Intimacy issues: Therapy helps couples rebuild intimacy and strengthen their emotional connection.
- Infidelity: Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for processing emotions and rebuilding trust after infidelity.
- Trust issues: Therapy helps couples address trust issues and rebuild a foundation of trustworthiness.
- Parenting conflicts: Couples therapy assists in navigating parenting challenges and developing effective co-parenting strategies.
- Financial stress: Therapy supports couples in communicating openly about finances and managing money effectively.
- Blended family issues: Therapy helps blended families navigate challenges such as parenting roles and relationships with ex-partners.
- Emotional disconnect: Couples therapy aids in reconnecting emotionally and rediscovering shared interests.
- Life transitions: Therapy provides support as couples navigate major life changes together.
- Cultural differences: Couples therapy helps partners explore and celebrate their cultural differences while finding common ground.
- Lack of boundaries: Therapy assists couples in setting boundaries and creating a more balanced dynamic in their relationship.
Overall, couples therapy can provide a supportive environment for couples to address challenges, strengthen their relationship, and build a more fulfilling partnership.
Couples Therapy Process
Assessment Phase
Session 1 – Joint session with both partners – intake session
Session 2 – Individual appointment with partner 1
Session 3 – Individual appointment with partner 2
Session 4 – Joint session with both partners – feedback session
*Fees for the first session also include a comprehensive Gottman screening questionnaire. This is completed via Gottmanconnect.com and you will be sent a link to this once your first appointment is confirmed. This questionnaire is essential to providing an optimal assessment and treatment plan for you both.
It is preferred that the first session is conducted in person at our clinic in Spring Hill. If you require telehealth, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Treatment Phase
Session 5 to 10 typically would be the core treatment phase; however, the number of appointments may vary depending on your needs as a couple.
A treatment plan is tailored to each couple based on your overall goals and specific circumstances.
Some couples may benefit from one session every week; others engaging in monthly therapy could be better suited.
Double sessions (110 minutes) are also available and are an efficient way to expedite the therapeutic process for some couples.
Integration Phase
Integration is an important component in couples therapy as it emphasises relapse prevention. These sessions are usually consolidating your learnings as a couple so that you can confidently move forward into the next phase of your relationship.
Fees
At Mind Lift Psychology, we believe in providing an affordable service. The current Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) recommended fee is $300 per hour for individual therapy. A full APS Fee Schedule can be found here. A full APPi Fee Schedule can be found here.
Couples Counselling
couples session:
$300
Gottman assessment:
$60
Private Health Provider
(eligible for rebate)
Medicare rebate
Medicare does not provide a rebate for couples therapy.
To be eligible to receive psychological services under Medicare, you must be referred by your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan for individual therapy. Speak to your GP about your eligibility to claim these Medicare benefits.
For more information on Mental Health Treatment Plans, click here.
Private Health
We do accept private health. Unfortunately, we are unable to let you know how much your private health will cover. We recommend checking your coverage and eligibility with your private health fund to confirm if rebates apply to psychological services.
Cancellation Policy
When appointments are booked, the psychologist holds the whole hour especially for you. Therefore we require 24 hours notice with the following cancellation policy in place. This allows us to offer the allocated time to another person who may be on a waiting list for that appointment.
$300 fee for cancellation with less than 24 hours notice.
Full fee for an appointment that has been missed with no notice (non-attendance).
We understand that sometimes you may not be able to attend an appointment because of sudden illness or an unexpected personal emergency. If this happens to you, please contact us as soon as possible to explain the situation. You may call or email us at any time, even after hours, as we do have an answering service that allows you to leave a message and monitor our emails daily on business days.
The APS recommended cancellation fees are:
- 0-24 hours notice: Full fee
- 24-48 hours notice: 50% of fee
- 48 hours – 7 days notice: 25% of fee
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if couples therapy is right for us?
Couples therapy can help at any stage of a relationship, whether you’re facing ongoing conflict, feeling disconnected, navigating a major life change, or simply wanting to strengthen your bond. Many couples attend proactively, not just during crisis.
Do you offer individual therapy alongside couples therapy?
Yes. Many people find individual therapy helpful for personal growth, emotional regulation, or processing experiences that impact the relationship. You’re welcome to access both.
Individual therapy may be necessary if one or both partners are dealing with a mental health concern. Couples therapy does not treat individual mental health conerns, but rather it works on the couple.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can see a psychologist without a referral.
Where is the clinic located?
Mind Lift Psychology is located in Spring Hill, Brisbane, close to the CBD and easily accessible by public transport. You’ll find us at Level 5, 131 Leichhardt Street.
Do you work after hours?
Yes. Our team offers sessions outside standard work hours. This includes appointments after 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
