The referral pathways guide
Read with intention
Meet the cliniciansGottman Method couples therapy.
A structured way for couples to look at how they talk, argue and reconnect, based on Drs John and Julie Gottman's work. Only clinicians trained in the method offer it.
Structured, and practical.
Your clinician explains each part as you go.
An assessment first
Your first sessions look at your story as a couple. You each fill in questionnaires and have one session on your own.
Handling conflict
Ways to raise a problem gently, calm down when an argument heats up, and repair things afterwards.
Friendship and closeness
Knowing each other's world, showing appreciation, and noticing when your partner reaches out.
Shared meaning
Talking about the goals, roles and everyday rituals that matter to you both.
Couples at many stages.
- Couples caught in the same argument
- Couples who feel distant, or more like housemates
- Couples working through an affair or a breach of trust
- Couples facing a big change, such as a new baby or a move
If someone in the relationship is afraid of the other, couples sessions may not be the right place to start. Tell us privately and we will talk about safer options.
How it usually runs.
Sessions are 50 minutes, in Parramatta or by telehealth.
- 1
Getting to know you both
A joint session, then one with each of you. Your clinician then suggests a plan.
Early sessions - 2
Practising in the room
You talk with each other while your clinician guides and slows things down.
The sessions that follow - 3
Between sessions
Short exercises to try at home, reviewed next time. You decide together how often to meet.
Ongoing
Who offers this approach.
Only clinicians trained in the Gottman Method offer it. The clinicians below list couples therapy (Gottman or EFT) on their profile; ask us which of them uses it.
Fees and other options.
Medicare does not pay a rebate for couples sessions. Some private health extras do. Our fees are set out before you book.
Before you book, answered.
Do we both need to come?
Does every clinician offer the Gottman Method?
How is it different from Emotionally Focused Therapy?
Can we have sessions by telehealth?
Can we claim Medicare?
Ready when you both are.
Tell us a little about where things are at, and that you would like the Gottman Method. We will tell you who can see you.
