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    Dr Kerri Thomas | Clinical Psychologist

    Evidence-based telehealth counselling for adults and couples across Australia

    • Online appointments available Australia-wide
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    • About
      • How I work
    • Individual Counselling
    • Relationship counselling
      • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
    • Book Now
      • Book Individual Counselling
      • Book Gottman Method Relationship Assessment
      • Book Couples Session (Current Clients)
    • FAQ’s
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    Relationship counselling

    Couple sitting together outdoors, appearing emotionally distant, representing relationship counselling support

    Evidence-based relationship support to help couples reconnect and move forward

    Even strong relationships can become strained over time. Communication may break down, conflict can feel repetitive, or emotional connection may fade.

    Relationship counselling offers a structured, supportive space to understand what is happening between you and your partner, and to develop healthier ways of relating, communicating, and responding to challenges.

    I provide online relationship counselling for couples across Australia via secure telehealth, supporting a wide range of relationship concerns using the research-based Gottman Method.

    Relationship counselling may be helpful if you are:

    • Experiencing frequent or escalating conflict
    • Feeling disconnected, distant, or misunderstood
    • Struggling with trust, resentment, or emotional safety
    • Stuck in recurring patterns you can’t seem to shift
    • Uncertain about the future of your relationship

    Seeking support does not mean your relationship has failed. Many couples engage in relationship counselling as a proactive step toward clarity, reconnection, and meaningful change.

    1 in 2 marriages will end in divorce in Australia.

    Source: Better Health Channel, Victorian Government

    My Approach to Relationship Counselling

    The Gottman Method

    My work with couples is informed by the Gottman Method, a research-based approach developed from decades of study into what helps relationships succeed or struggle.

    The Gottman Method focuses on:

    • Improving communication and conflict management
    • Strengthening emotional connection and friendship
    • Understanding unhelpful interaction patterns
    • Building trust, respect, and shared meaning

    This approach provides practical tools while also addressing the deeper emotional dynamics that influence relationships.

    The Gottman Method is widely regarded as one of the most researched and structured approaches to couples therapy available.

    How Relationship Counselling Begins

    A structured couples assessment process

    All relationship counselling begins with a structured Gottman Method Relationship Assessment Day. This process provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship before ongoing therapy commences.

    Rather than starting with open-ended sessions, the assessment allows us to clearly identify strengths, areas of concern, and the patterns that tend to repeat in the relationship. This ensures that any ongoing work is focused, intentional, and effective from the outset.

    What the assessment involves

    The assessment process is informed by the Gottman Method and includes:

    • Completion of the Gottman Relationship Checkup questionnaire
    • Two joint sessions with both partners
    • One individual session with each partner

    The assessment is conducted over one full day and involves approximately six hours of structured sessions, with a scheduled break partway through the day.

    Why this approach is used

    Beginning relationship counselling with a structured assessment allows for a clear, shared understanding of what is happening in the relationship.

    This process helps:

    • Identify core strengths and stress points
    • Clarify unhelpful interaction patterns
    • Establish clear therapeutic priorities
    • Ensure that ongoing therapy is targeted and purposeful

    By taking the time to assess the relationship thoroughly at the outset, couples therapy can proceed with greater clarity, direction, and effectiveness.

    Telehealth Relationship Counselling

    All relationship counselling sessions and assessments are delivered via secure telehealth and are available to couples across Australia.

    Telehealth allows couples to access professional support in a flexible and confidential way, without the need for travel, and can be particularly helpful when partners have busy schedules or live in different locations.

    Couple forming a heart shape with their hands, representing connection and relationships

    If you would like to begin relationship counselling, you can book a Gottman Method Relationship Assessment online. If you have questions about the process, you may find helpful information on the FAQs page.

    Want to book relationship counselling?

    Book an appointment

    About

    As a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience, I provide evidence-based telehealth counselling for adults and couples across Australia.

    Make a booking

    Individual Counselling
    Book Gottman Method Relationship Assessment
    Book a Telehealth Appointment

     

    Need Help?

    Answers to common questions can be found on the FAQs page

    Ready to begin? Telehealth appointments are available across Australia and can be booked online at a time that suits you.

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