Booking

In most cases, I recommend starting together. This helps the counselling space feel unbiased and neutral from the outset — which matters more than many people realise. When a couple begins together, both partners can see (and feel) that the room belongs to both of them. If one person meets with me first, it can unintentionally create a sense that the therapist already “knows the story” or has formed a view. Even when that isn’t the case, it can lead to understandable worries such as, “Have you already made up your mind?” or “Will I have to defend myself?” That perception can make it harder to relax, speak openly, and stay engaged in the process. Neutrality creates safety. When each partner trusts the space is fair, they’re more likely to:

• share honestly without fear of being blamed or judged 
• listen more openly, rather than preparing a rebuttal 
• stay emotionally regulated enough to think clearly
• take responsibility for their part, without feeling “ganged up on”
• work as a team against the problem, rather than against each other  

My role isn’t to take sides. It’s to understand each of your experiences, identify the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and help you develop respectful, effective communication strategies. Starting together helps us establish a shared foundation so you can both feel heard, supported, and confident that the process is balanced as we work towards a stronger future for your relationship. 

 You can still begin on your own. Individual sessions can help you clarify what you want, strengthen communication skills, and consider your next steps.

If you later decide to transition into couple sessions, it’s important to know that I work from a transparency-based approach. This means any information from prior individual sessions that is relevant to the couple work needs to be shared with your partner, so the counselling space remains fair, open, and neutral for both of you.

Safety comes first. Relationship counselling isn’t appropriate when there is coercion, fear, or ongoing violence. I can help with safe referrals and individual support options. 

We’ll talk about what brings you in, what each of you hopes will change, and I will collect a detailed relationship history.  This helps me to begin mapping the patterns in the relationship and our course of action. You’ll leave with clarity and a first step. 

You’ll only share what feels appropriate. We go at a pace that feels safe, with care for boundaries and dignity. 

It’s common. Sessions are a place to slow things down and practise safer communication with support and structure.

 Yes, home practice is an important part of continuing your progress outside the therapy room. Any “homework” is tailored to your goals, paced appropriately, and designed to fit realistically around your work, family, and other commitments.

Tasks may be individual (for reflection, self-awareness, or regulation skills) or together (for communication tools, connection exercises, or new ways of navigating conflict). The aim is always practical: small, meaningful steps that support change in day-to-day life, not a second job.

Sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes. 120 min sessions can be arranged but should be discussed and book directly through me.  

It varies. Some couples want a few sessions for specific tools; others prefer deeper work over time. We’ll review progress regularly. 

Many couples start fortnightly or weekly, then space sessions out as things improve.

Yes, relationship counselling is for all couples. 

 Yes. While I specialise in couples counselling, I also support other important relationships. The focus is similar, improving understanding, strengthening communication, and building self-awareness. We’ll look at the patterns that keep you stuck, explore each person’s perspective, and develop practical strategies for healthier boundaries, calmer conflict, and a more connected relationship moving forward. 

This work does not extend into family therapy, focusing only on individual relationships. For family therapy, I recommend seeking support from a specialised family therapist. 

Fees vary on appointment types and times. 

Face-to-face and telehealth have the same fee schedule. 

Day hours- 9am to 5pm

Individual 50min- $100 Couple 60min- $170

After hours-  5pm to 8pm

Individual 50 min- $115 Couple 60min- $190

You can change or cancel appointments by sending an email to cultivationcounselling@cultivationcounselling.com.

Changes or cancellations made with more than 48 hours’ notice incur no fee. This allows enough time for me to offer the appointment to another client and helps keep the practice running smoothly and financially sustainable.

For changes or cancellations made within 48 hours, a 50% cancellation fee applies. Non-attendance is charged at the full session fee.

Where possible, you’re welcome to switch to telehealth instead of cancelling.

  Yes, many couples work through betrayal in counselling. We focus on stabilising emotions, understanding what happened, rebuilding trust (if desired), and creating clear agreements.

 Counselling can still help. Counselling can support couples who feel unsure about whether to stay together or separate. It provides a structured, balanced space to explore whether the relationship has the capacity to change, what each of you needs moving forward, and what options are realistic.

Please note, this work does not include legal advice about separation, and it is not family therapy. If needed, I can recommend appropriate services for those supports.