Couples Therapy & Relationship Counselling
Strengthen your relationship with professional support. Whether you're working through challenges or wanting to deepen your connection, couples therapy can help you build a stronger partnership.
Common Relationship Challenges
Couples come to therapy for many different reasons. You don't need to be in crisis — many couples seek support to strengthen an already good relationship or address issues before they escalate.
Communication Breakdown
Feeling unheard or misunderstood, struggling to express needs, or arguments that go in circles without resolution.
Trust Issues
Rebuilding after betrayal, managing jealousy, or working through past hurts that continue to affect your relationship.
Growing Apart
Feeling disconnected, leading parallel lives, or losing the closeness that brought you together.
Major Life Transitions
Navigating parenthood, career changes, relocation, health challenges, or other significant life events together.
Intimacy Concerns
Physical or emotional distance, mismatched needs, or difficulty maintaining closeness over time.
Conflict Patterns
Recurring arguments, difficulty resolving disagreements, or feeling stuck in negative cycles.
Evidence-Based Approach
Our psychologists draw on evidence-based approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the most researched and effective models for couples therapy.
Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is grounded in attachment theory — the understanding that humans have an innate need for secure emotional bonds. When these bonds feel threatened, we often respond with patterns that can inadvertently push our partner away rather than draw them closer.
Research shows that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery through EFT, and approximately 90% show significant improvement. These outcomes have been replicated across diverse populations and relationship challenges.
While EFT provides a strong foundation, your psychologist will tailor their approach to your unique situation, drawing on their training and experience to best support your relationship goals.
Based in Newcastle, Available Throughout NSW
Life Psychology is based in Newcastle, serving couples throughout New South Wales and beyond via secure telehealth. Our psychologists understand the unique challenges facing couples in regional areas, from the Hunter Valley to the Central Coast, Western Sydney, and across NSW.
Our telehealth-first approach means you can access quality psychological support from anywhere — no need to navigate traffic, find parking, or coordinate complicated logistics. Whether you're in Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, or regional NSW, you can connect with our experienced psychologists via secure video from the comfort of your own home.
Telehealth has proven particularly valuable for couples therapy, offering flexibility for busy schedules and removing practical barriers that might otherwise prevent couples from seeking support. Many of our clients find that being in their own space actually helps them feel more relaxed and open during sessions.
What to Expect
- ✓A safe, non-judgmental space for both partners
- ✓Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- ✓Practical tools you can use in your relationship
- ✓Support in understanding each other's perspectives
- ✓Guidance tailored to your unique situation
- ✓Flexible telehealth sessions that fit your schedule
Your first session is about getting to know you and your relationship. Your psychologist will want to understand your history, your concerns, and what you're hoping to achieve.
Session frequency varies based on your situation and goals. Many couples start with weekly or fortnightly sessions, adjusting as they progress. Your psychologist will discuss what might work best for you.
Telehealth for Couples
📍 Same Location
Most couples join sessions together from home. Find a private space where you won't be interrupted, and position yourselves so you're both visible on camera. A laptop or tablet on a table works well.
📍 Different Locations
If needed, partners can join from separate locations — useful for work travel, separated couples, or when one partner isn't yet comfortable sharing space during sessions.
Technical Setup
- Stable internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
- Device with camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer)
- Private, quiet space where you can speak freely
- Headphones optional but can improve audio quality
We use secure, healthcare-compliant video platforms. You'll receive a link before your session — just click to join. If you're new to telehealth, we're happy to do a quick tech check beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does couples therapy take?
The duration varies depending on your unique situation and goals. Some couples find meaningful progress in 6-8 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your psychologist will discuss expectations and check in on progress regularly.
What if my partner won't come to couples therapy?
While couples therapy works best with both partners present, individual therapy can still help you develop skills, gain clarity about your relationship, and work on your own patterns. Sometimes one partner starting therapy encourages the other to join later.
Can couples therapy be done via telehealth?
Yes, couples therapy via telehealth is highly effective. Both partners can join from the same location or connect from different places if needed. Video sessions offer the same quality care with added convenience and flexibility.
How much does couples therapy cost with Medicare?
With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on psychology sessions. The rebate amount and out-of-pocket costs vary. Contact us for current pricing and to discuss your options.
When should couples consider therapy?
Couples seek therapy for many reasons: communication difficulties, trust issues, life transitions, feeling disconnected, or simply wanting to strengthen their relationship. There's no "right time" — if you're thinking about it, that's often a good sign you're ready.
Do both partners need to be in the same room for telehealth?
Not necessarily. While many couples prefer to sit together, partners can join from separate locations when needed — whether due to work schedules, travel, or personal preference. Your psychologist can advise on what works best for your situation.
Related Services
We also offer individual support for concerns that may be affecting your relationship.
Ready to Strengthen Your Relationship?
Taking the step to seek help is a sign of commitment to your relationship. Wherever you are in NSW, we're here to help.
Secure telehealth sessions available throughout NSW and beyond