Intimate relationships are among the most important connections in our lives, providing emotional safety, support, and a strong sense of wellbeing. When relationships feel strained, disconnected, or stuck in conflict, relationship counselling offers a supportive space to slow down, understand patterns, and rebuild connection.
Couples therapy can support you at any stage of your relationship. Whether you are newly together and navigating early challenges, or in a long-term partnership experiencing conflict, communication breakdowns, or differences in needs, counselling helps you work through these experiences together and strengthen your bond.
Michelle’s relationship counselling draws on evidence-based approaches including Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Nonviolent Communication, and mindfulness-based relationship therapy.
Affair Recovery & Rebuilding Trust
Michelle specialises in affair recovery counselling and supporting couples after infidelity, betrayal, and loss of trust. She has completed extensive training in the Gottman Method for Affair Recovery and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, both of which focus on rebuilding safety, attachment, and emotional connection.
Relationship therapy can help couples:
- Process the impact of betrayal
- Rebuild trust and transparency
- Improve emotional safety
- Strengthen communication
- Reconnect physically and emotionally
Inclusive & Affirming Couples Therapy
Michelle supports people in diverse relationships, across sexual orientations, gender identities, neurotypes, and relationship structures. She works affirmatively with:
- LGBTQIA+ couples
- Blended families
- Neurodiverse partnerships
- Ethically non-monogamous relationships
- Couples from diverse cultural backgrounds
Her approach creates a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space to explore connection, difference, intimacy, and growth in ways that feel authentic to each partnership.
Common Reasons People Seek Relationship Counselling
Couples often seek marriage counselling or relationship therapy for support with:
- Resolving conflict and ongoing arguments
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Increasing intimacy and emotional connection
- Rebuilding trust after affairs or betrayal
- Creating shared values and life goals
- Strengthening friendship and love
- Preparing for marriage or a new baby
- Adjusting to life transitions
- Reconnecting after distance or disconnection
- Parenting stress and relationship strain
The Relationship Therapy Process
Relationship counselling is a structured, collaborative process. Michelle’s role is to create a safe space where both partners feel heard, while guiding you toward evidence-based tools to improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen your connection.
Step 1 – Joint Couples Session
You begin with a session together. This allows Michelle to understand your relationship history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through couples therapy.
Step 2 – Gottman Relationship Checkup
You will each complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup, a research-based assessment that provides insight into strengths and areas for growth.
The cost is $68 AUD per couple (one-time fee).
Step 3 – Individual Sessions
Each partner has an individual session. This provides space to share personal background, family history, and any individual concerns that may impact the relationship.
These first stages form the relationship assessment process.
Step 4 – Feedback & Goal Setting
You will then return together to review your Gottman report. Michelle provides feedback and works with you to create clear therapy goals and a structured plan to strengthen your relationship.
Step 5 – Ongoing Couples Therapy
Ongoing sessions occur fortnightly or monthly, depending on your needs. Sessions are available in 60-minute or 90-minute formats.
This is where the deeper work happens:
- Strengthening connection
- Learning communication skills
- Repairing hurts and misunderstandings
- Rebuilding trust
- Creating new relationship patterns
- Deepening emotional and physical intimacy
Over time, couples often experience less conflict, more understanding, and a stronger, more connected partnership.
