Services

Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy and Coaching

Personal relationships are full of ups and downs. It takes so many skills to resolve tensions and conflict and maintain a happy and healthy relationship. These are skills that most of us don’t learn growing up. Little niggles can get bigger and bigger over time, eroding trust and closeness. It is very common for couples not to be able to resolve their issues themselves. They keep trying the same way to change and keep getting the same results. Even the strongest relationships need help at difficult times. That is where couples therapy comes in. Couples therapy can help you resolve issues, learn new communication skills, and tackle difficult issues in a safe, impartial way with a third person who is not invested in either partner and has qualifications and experience in couples therapy.

Couple’s therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps two people who are involved in a romantic relationship strengthen and mend their relationship. A psychotherapist assists the couple to gain an insight into their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction. Couples therapy gives couples the tools to communicate better, negotiate differences, problem solve and even argue in a healthier way. Couple’s therapy is beneficial for any kind of relationship, as it has the ability to resolve a current problem, prevent an exacerbation of problems or simply provide a “check-up” for a happy couple that is experiencing a period of transition or increased stress. Couples therapy is a specialised form of counselling. It is generally provided by registered (licensed) Psychologists and Social Workers who have undertaken a course in couples therapy in addition to their general qualifications.

There are two main reasons people come to couples therapy – 1. to improve their relationship, and 2. to end as well as possible. Many couples need therapy when considering separation, one of the biggest and most difficult decisions of your life. During therapy we may explore a variety of issues together, including improving communication skills, conflict resolution, improving self and other awareness,  closeness and intimacy issues, and examining compatibility issues such as different goals, parenting styles, different ways of managing money. We may explore issues that affect the relationship, such as business problems, affairs, loss of loved ones, financial issues, addictions, illness, family disputes, and so on. If both people are open to therapy, significant improvement can happen within a short period of time.

As your therapist, I act partly as an umpire, part coach, part guide. Sessions are typically once a week or fortnight to start, then gradually become less frequent as the couple relies less on the therapist to improve. My sessions have some structure and some flexibility. There are no set topics or set homework tasks, rather I vary my approach according to every circumstance. T

Prepare-Enrich Online Couples Assessment

This assessment is for couples who may not need therapy, but who want a valid method of assessing their relationship. It is also useful for couples in therapy as a diagnostic tool that pinpoints strengths in the relationships and issues that require discussion. The Prepare-Enrich Couples Assessment is an easy online way to assess your relationship that is private and confidential. It is relevant for dating, engaged, married and mature couples.

It is not a test, but a structured way for couples to give feedback to each other to help them improve their relationship. It assesses ten core areas of the relationship, and also measures four interconnected dynamics – assertiveness, self confidence, avoidance and partner dominance. You receive a report that is customised and personally relevant to your relationship. The assessment stimulates conversation about the deep aspects of your relationship. You receive a workbook with exercises to help you learn and improve relationship skills you can apply immediately. These may include active listening, conflict resolution, stress management, and goal setting. All you need is a computer and internet connection.

Fees & Pricing

Couples Counselling

The fee for couples for one hour is $267. Private health insurance rebates may apply. I do not work within a specific faith, religious or spiritual tradition. If you want to make an appointment click the button on this page, or if you have more questions for me simply email me on info@petercharleston.com.

Prepare-Enrich Online Couples Assessment

Once registered you receive a code with login information and away you go. It typically takes between 35-45 minutes to complete the assessment. When finished you will receive an email of your report. This assessment costs $250 AUS per couple. If you are interested in this assessment, but have some questions for me, just email info@petercharleston.com. If you would like to purchase this assessment, please fill in the order form below:

Couples Assessment Plus Pre-Marriage Consultations

If you would like to take the couples assessment and work through some of its findings in a tailored ‘pre-marriage course’ then I can arrange this for you. Let me know if you are interested by filling in the contact form on this page. The cost is $267 AUS for the assessment and $267 AUS per session thereafter.

To enquire further, click here for more info.
Find out more

Couples Therapy