Couples CounsellingStrengthen Your Relationship
Evidence-based couples counselling to improve communication, rebuild trust, deepen connection and navigate conflict. In Melbourne and online Australia-wide.
Evidence-Based Couples Counselling in Melbourne
At Contemporary Psychology we provide couples counselling for partners who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, deepen connection or navigate ongoing conflict. We work with couples at all stages of their relationship. We use the Gottman Method which is one of the most research-supported approaches to couples therapy available. Our role is to provide a safe, neutral and structured space where both partners can be heard.
What to Expect
Our couples counselling process has three clear stages designed to give your psychologist a complete view of the relationship system as a whole.
Your Counselling Journey
Joint Intake Session
90 minutesA joint session where we explore your relationship history, current concerns and shared goals. This includes understanding your strengths as a couple and the patterns contributing to your challenges.
Individual Consultations
Two separate sessionsEach partner meets with the psychologist for a private session. These give you space to discuss your perspective, your emotional experience and any personal concerns shaping the relationship dynamic.
Collaborative Therapy Plan
Tailored to your needsAfter the intake process we outline the approach that will best support your goals. The number of sessions varies depending on your needs, from short-term communication skills work to longer-term trust rebuilding.
Who This Service Is For
Many couples seek support when they notice signs such as:
- Growing distance or repeated arguments
- Difficulty expressing needs or feeling heard
- Emotional or physical intimacy concerns
- Recovering from a breach of trust or betrayal
- Feeling disconnected from your partner
- Navigating major life transitions together
Flexible Consultation Options
We Work With Couples at All Stages
Some attend because they feel stuck in recurring patterns. Others want support during major life transitions. Many attend proactively because they want to strengthen a healthy relationship. Whatever brings you here, our approach is tailored to your specific relationship needs.
What We Help Couples Develop
We focus on building skills that support both immediate improvement and long-term relationship strength.
Improving Communication
Learn to express needs clearly and listen actively to understand your partner
Understanding Triggers
Recognise emotional triggers and develop empathy for each other's experiences
Rebuilding Trust
Work through breaches of trust with structured repair processes
Healthier Conflict Patterns
Develop skills to navigate disagreements without escalation
Key Objectives in Couples Counselling
Outcomes You Can Expect
Our aim is to give you skills that you continue to use outside therapy so that your relationship feels stronger, more resilient and more connected.
Feeling more connected with your partner
Greater confidence in communicating needs
Navigating conflict without escalation
Feeling understood in ways that may have been missing
Restored safety, honesty and stability after trust damage
Skills you continue to use outside of therapy
Rebuilding After Trust Has Been Damaged
When trust has been damaged we guide couples through a structured repair process that helps rebuild safety, honesty and stability. We also work with couples who are recovering from a breach of trust, including betrayal or secrecy.
Who you'll work with
Couples counselling at Contemporary Psychology is delivered by an AHPRA-registered psychologist with specific training in evidence-based couples therapy.
Lucy Adlard
Psychologist
Lucy has further training in the Gottman Method (Level 2) and has a particular interest in supporting clients through relationship and attachment concerns, as well as working with couples. She is known for her warm, grounded, and direct style, helping couples move toward meaningful change both in and outside of sessions.
View full profile →Transparent fees
Couples counselling sessions are billed at our standard session rate. All sessions are 50 minutes.
Session fees
| Clinician | Before 4pm | After 4pm |
|---|---|---|
Lucy Adlard Psychologist | $260.30 | $270.45 |
After 4pm rates apply to appointments starting at or after 4:00pm.
Medicare rebates do not apply to couples counselling. Mental Health Care Plans cover individual therapy only. Private health insurance extras may provide a partial rebate. We recommend checking with your fund directly.
No GP referral needed. You can self-refer directly for couples counselling. No Mental Health Care Plan is required to book.
We provide a receipt after each session for you to claim any eligible private health rebate directly with your fund.
For full details on all fees, rebates, and payment terms, see our pricing page.
View full pricing & rebates →Book a couples counselling session
Submit an enquiry and our admin team will be in touch to confirm your booking and answer any questions.
Phone
03 9081 4270Location
G06-G07/22 St Kilda Road
St Kilda VIC 3182
Appointments
In-person at St Kilda clinic
Online Australia-wide
Your privacy matters
- Confidential consultations
- Secure data handling
- Australian Privacy Principles