Services / Relationships and family
Couples and marriage counselling
Work on the relationship itself, rather than on who is at fault. Together, or on your own.
What couples counselling is
Most couples do not arrive because of one big event. They arrive because the same argument has been running for two years, or because the two of them have slowly become polite strangers who manage a household together.
Couples counselling is a structured conversation with someone whose job is to notice the pattern the two of you are stuck inside. Not to referee, and not to decide who is right. The work is on what happens between you: what triggers it, what each of you does next, and what would have to change for it to go differently.
You do not need to be married, and you do not need to be in crisis. Some couples come because something is genuinely broken. Others come because they can feel it drifting and would rather deal with it now than in five years.
What it helps with
- Arguments that keep repeating, about the same thing
- Communication that breaks down as soon as it matters
- Rebuilding trust after an affair or a betrayal
- Feeling more like housemates than partners
- Money, work and parenting pressure spilling into the relationship
- Intimacy and emotional closeness
- Resentment that has built up over years
- Deciding whether to stay together
Common questions
Do both partners need to attend?
No. Plenty of people start on their own, either because their partner is not ready or because they want to work out what they want first. Coming alone still changes the relationship, because it changes how you respond in it. If your partner joins later, that is welcome and common.
What topics are covered?
Whatever is actually going on. Most commonly: arguments that keep repeating, communication that breaks down under pressure, rebuilding trust after a betrayal, feeling more like housemates than partners, money and parenting stress, intimacy, and deciding whether to stay together. You set the agenda, not a worksheet.
Will the counsellor take sides?
No. The work is on the relationship and the patterns inside it, not on deciding who is right. Both people should leave feeling heard. If one of you consistently does not, say so in the session, because that is useful information rather than a complaint.
Can we do couples counselling online?
Yes. Sessions run by secure video anywhere in Australia, and many couples find it easier than coordinating two schedules to be in the same room. You can be in the same room on one screen, or join separately from different locations. In-person sessions are available in Bankstown if you would rather sit down together.
What if we are trying to decide whether to separate?
That is a legitimate reason to come. Counselling is not only for saving a relationship. Some couples use it to rebuild, some to understand what went wrong, and some to separate with less damage, which matters a great deal when there are children involved.
How long is a session, and what does it cost?
Sessions usually run for about an hour. Fees are shown when you book through the website, so you will know the cost before you confirm anything.
If we attend separately, is what I say kept from my partner?
Yes. What you say in an individual session is kept confidential from your partner unless you authorise it to be shared. You decide what gets brought into a joint session and what does not.
Is couples counselling right if there is violence or fear in the relationship?
No, and this is important. If there is violence, fear or intimidation in your relationship, a couples session is not the right place to start and we would ask you not to book one. Sitting in a joint session can leave the person at risk in a worse position afterwards.
If that is your situation, please call one of the numbers at the foot of this page first. 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 is the national family violence and sexual assault line and is open 24 hours. Then book an individual appointment, so we can work out the right support with you rather than a couples session that could make things harder.
Who you'd be working with
Shuv Homsi
Lead Therapist · ACA-Registered Clinical Supervisor
Shuv works with individuals, couples and families on relationship and marriage therapy, substance use and emotional wellbeing. His own journey through addiction and recovery shapes how he works: empathy and authenticity first, then practical strategies that hold up in real life.
You will be allocated to the therapist who best meets your needs once you have booked. You do not have to work out who you need to see before you have spoken to anybody.
Related
Not sure if this is the right place to start?
Book an appointment and say what is going on. You do not have to work out what you need, or who you need to see, before you book.
Before you book: the form asks for a few details, including an emergency contact. If you do not have a diagnosis, writing "none" is a perfectly good answer. And if you are booking for someone else, say so in the "relationship to client" field and we will work it out from there. If there is a particular therapist you would like to see, put their name in the "Additional Information" box and we will take it into account.
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Are you in crisis?
- In an emergency, call 000
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467