What is couples counselling?
Couples commonly hide their relationship problems and are afraid to admit that anything is wrong. Couples counselling (which can also be referred to as marriage guidance) is a form of therapy that looks to recognise conflict, improve communication and resolve issues within an intimate relationship.
What to expect in a couples counselling session
My name is Cassandra and I am a fully qualified Counsellor & Relationship Therapist, and I have ample experience counselling couples and individuals.
Couples usually contact me when they are at crisis point in their relationship. Although it can be challenging in the first few sessions for couples, it is a privledge to hear about their issues and struggles. I provide a comfortable environment for counselling sessions so couples can communicate with each other in a respectful manner with my help and guidance. It is truly rewarding to witness them resolve their issues and smile at one another again.
My accreditation’s
- Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)
- Advanced Certificate in Family & Relationship Counselling
- Advocate for White Ribbon Australia
- Member of the Anxiety & Depression Association of Victoria (ADAVIC)
- Founder of Women Assist Counselling for Women
- Registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), which is a national peak body for counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia
My approach to couples counselling sessions
I see you both at the first session so I can hear your story together. After that you will both attend a one-on-one session with me, before we return to couples sessions. Occasionally it might be beneficial to have an individual session during the therapy, but if I see one of you for an individual check-in, I like to balance that out by seeing the other individually also. It is very important that neither of you feels that I am more aligned with one partner than the other.
Couples & Individual Partner Counselling
Why do couples seek counselling?
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Improving rapport on an individual level, so I can understand more completely both the depth and origin of this partner’s emotions and viewpoint.
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To gain a complete picture of what is happening from each partner’s perspective.
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To hear a summary without activating the other partner’s defensiveness.
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Uncover vulnerability in a more protected environment.
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Pursue more complete information about secrets or hidden issues like substance abuse.
My aim – is to provide a counselling experience which will help to ground individuals and couples so they can have a fulfilling relationship with each other.
My focus – is to help couples heal their relationship, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths in a neutral safe space, listening to concerns, and providing the appropriate therapeutic guidance.
My promise to couples – is to be there for you both every step of your journey. My goal is to help you both grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your relationship.
I am available by appointment only – I can consult from either Essendon Counselling Rooms or Reservoir Neighbourhood House for Couples Counselling sessions only
I kindly ask for 24 hours notice to be provided when cancelling or rescheduling appointments. This allows other clients the opportunity to fill your appointment time. If the required notice is not given, you may be charged a cancellation fee of up to 100% of your appointment cost.