Rebuild Trust and Communication with Relationship Counselling

Rebuilding Connection, Trust, and Communication

Are you and your partner encountering difficulties in your relationship? Whether you’re experiencing frequent disagreements, emotional distance, or facing significant life changes, seeking professional support can be a powerful step forward. Couples counselling in Caulfield, Melbourne, offers a safe and confidential space where you can explore your concerns and work towards building a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

What Is Couples and Relationship Counselling?
Couples counselling—often referred to as relationship counselling—is a therapeutic process that allows couples to collaborate with a trained therapist to address the issues impacting their relationship. This form of therapy creates a structured environment designed to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance emotional intimacy.

Therapists utilise various evidence-based methods, such as the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), to assist couples in understanding their behavioral patterns. These approaches help partners articulate their needs while developing healthier ways to relate to one another.

Common Reasons Couples Seek Counselling.

Couples seek counselling for numerous reasons, including:
1. Communication Breakdown: Difficulty in expressing feelings or grasping each other's viewpoints.
2. Trust Issues: Challenges arising from infidelity or past betrayals.
3. Emotional Distance: A sense of disconnection or drifting apart over time.
4, Parenting Conflicts:  Disagreements regarding parenting styles or responsibilities.
5. Life Transitions: Adjusting to major changes such as marriage, parenthood, or retirement.
6. Sexual Intimacy Concerns: Addressing mismatched desires or intimacy challenges.

Regardless of the specific issue at hand, couples counselling in Caulfield, Melbourne, provides a nurturing environment for navigating these complex challenges together.

Hello, I am Mary Galanis

As an accredited Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, I am deeply committed to guiding you through life's challenges with a blend of practicality and compassion. I recognize that issues such as relationship struggles, dating anxiety, or breakups can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed. My goal is to empower you by providing effective tools and strategies that facilitate healing and promote forward movement in your life.

I focus on delivering tangible results through personalized treatment plans that incorporate a variety of proven methods, including Hypnosis, EMDR for trauma, Psychotherapy, and Somatic Healing. Throughout our work together, your holistic well-being will remain at the forefront of our efforts.

Strategic Psychotherapy is widely acknowledged by medical professionals as an effective approach for tackling relationship issues and the emotional distress that often accompanies them. Together, we will work diligently to restore your confidence, rebuild trust, and cultivate healthier relationships.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my two adult daughters and enjoy practicing yoga alongside my two cats. I believe in the importance of continuous growth—both personally and professionally—as I strive to help you become the best version of yourself.

Together, we will create a tailored treatment plan suited to your unique journey toward enhanced wellness. 

Here’s to better and better.

Couples Counselling & Relationship BreakUps using Strategic Psychotherapy

The Benefits of Relationship Counselling in Caulfield, Melbourne

Couples counselling  it focuses on fostering growth in understanding, trust, and connection. In a supportive environment guided by a professional therapist, couples can experience meaningful progress that enhances both their relationship and individual emotional intelligence.

1. Enhanced Communication Skills
One of the initial areas of improvement is learning how to communicate clearly and respectfully. Many couples face challenges with misunderstandings or feel unheard. 

In counseling, you will learn to:

- Listen actively without interruption. 

- Express your needs without placing blame or criticism. 

- Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively during conflicts.

2. Emotional Awareness and Vulnerability
Couples counseling encourages each partner to become more aware of their emotions and how these feelings influence behavior. 

With the therapist's guidance, partners can begin to:
- Identify their emotional triggers. 

- Share vulnerable feelings in a safe space. 

- Foster emotional intimacy and empathy towards one another. 

3. Breaking Negative Patterns
Every relationship develops its own patterns—such as one partner withdrawing during conflict while the other pursues. These cycles can breed frustration and distance. 

In counseling, couples learn to:

- Recognise and understand unhelpful patterns.  

- Substitute them with healthier behaviors.  

- Respond constructively during challenging moments. 

4. Rebuilding Trust and Safety
If trust has been compromised due to betrayal or infidelity, couples counseling offers a structured approach for repair. 

This growth may include:
- Honest conversations facilitated by an impartial therapist.  

- Accountability and mutual understanding.  

- Gradually re-establishing emotional safety over time. 

5. Shared Goals and Vision
In the hustle of daily life, couples sometimes lose sight of shared goals or personal dreams. 

Counseling helps partners:
- Clarify their individual values as well as joint aspirations.  

- Realign their vision for the future together.   

- Support each other's personal growth. 

 

6. Strengthened Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship—but it doesn’t have to be destructive. 

Counseling equips couples to:
- Manage disagreements respectfully.  

- Maintain composure under pressure.  

- Solve problems collaboratively rather than oppositely. 

7. Increased Intimacy and Connection 
With improved communication, heightened trust, and deeper emotional awareness, many couples discover enhancements in both physical and emotional intimacy. 

They begin to:
- Share affection more openly.  

- Feel emotionally safe and supported.  

- Rekindle closeness and desire.

Couples counselling offers healing and promotes growth—both individually and together. By navigating challenges within a safe, supportive environment, couples can rebuild connections, strengthen their bonds, and acquire essential tools for a long-lasting, fulfilling relationship.

 

How Couples Counselling Works in Caulfield, Melbourne?

Couples counselling in Caulfield typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Assessment
During the first session, the therapist gathers information about the couple's concerns, relationship history, and therapy goals. This assessment helps tailor the therapeutic approach to meet their unique needs.

2. Identifying Patterns
Therapists assist couples in recognizing recurring behaviors and communication styles that may contribute to their challenges. Understanding these patterns is crucial for achieving lasting change.

3. Skill Development
Couples learn practical skills aimed at enhancing communication, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts effectively. These tools empower partners to tackle challenges with greater confidence.

4. Goal Setting and Boundaries
In collaboration with the therapist, couples establish realistic and attainable goals for their relationship. These objectives provide direction and motivation throughout the counseling journey.

5. Ongoing Support
Therapists offer continuous support, guidance, and feedback as couples navigate challenges while celebrating their progress toward achieving their goals.

Success Stories

My husband and I needed help. Our relationship had been failing for quite a few years. Mary helped with communication and conflict. We needed all the help available. Mary is very patient and understanding.

Kim

Mary helped me with my marriage breakdown. She helped me recognise I was in charge of the choices I made in life. Very grateful.

Sarah F

FAQs

1What are relationship issues?

Relationships can encompass a variety of challenges, such as marital problems, breakups, and managing conflicts between partners. Effective communication and conflict resolution are key issues in relationships. It is important to acknowledge that individuals have their own set of values which may not always align with those of their partners.

2How relationship counselling helps?

When faced with challenges such as dating anxiety, marital issues, sexual anxiety, and relationship breakdowns, Strategic Psychotherapy identifies the triggers and behaviours within a relationship. By understanding the triggers and starting to resolve persistent issues, therapy can help individuals effectively overcome challenges in the long term.

Many individuals don’t understand their behavioural patterns and can’t see the root of the issue within the relationship. Strategic Psychotherapy provides individuals with a means to express their emotions and enhances their capacity to address their challenges. This form of therapy is effective in facilitating lasting transformation.

Moreover, it has a therapeutic effect, contributing significantly to the improvement of self-confidence, emotional well-being, and optimism. It proves to be highly beneficial in the realm of relationships by offering prompt assistance and addressing a wide range of issues.

Whether dealing with situational or personal conflicts, or even uncovering hidden anxieties and traumas, hypnotherapy offers a solution-oriented method to efficiently resolve specific concerns. An example of relationship counselling is couples counselling, which enhances therapy by fostering open communication and understanding between partners.

3How effective is Strategic Psychotherapy for relationships?

Whether you’re in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or any other relationship, it’s important to distinguish between normal and healthy conflict versus an unhealthy, damaging one. The constant presence of arguments driven by malice, anger, and little to no compassion is a sure sign of unresolved and unhealthy conflict.

Such conflict can lead to frequent disagreements, often lacking any intent to find solutions, and may cause both parties to vilify one another. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider relationship counselling.

When you're looking for concrete, far-reaching impact—more than what your average relationship coach in Melbourne can offer—Strategic Psychotherapy can help establish healthy dialogue, yielding positive long-term outcomes in conflict resolution and problem-solving.

This therapeutic approach eliminates barriers to healing, uncovers hidden tensions, and resolves underlying resentments that contribute to recurring arguments. Hypnotherapy addresses the subconscious patterns that fuel both external and internal conflicts in relationships, leading to lasting behavioural change.

It empowers individuals to manage difficult emotions constructively, build confidence, and clearly communicate their needs—essential elements in any relationship. If you’re ready to give your relationship a fresh start, Strategic Psychotherapy can help restore connection, improve communication, and support long-term resolution and emotional well-being.

4How safe is therapy ?
Strategic Psychotherapy is very safe and comfortable.. During therapy a safe space is created where you feel calm and at ease.
5What does a typical session look like ?

Sessions last for 90 minutes, providing ample time to work with couples in a safe, supportive environment that encourages openness and honesty.

Beginning of each session: We typically start by discussing recent events and identifying the key issues that need attention. This helps us gain a clear understanding of what’s happening in the relationship and where to focus our efforts during the session.

Throughout our time together, we’ll explore the necessary actions and boundaries that should be established between this and the next session to ensure continued growth and progress. Each session is tailored to support your relationship journey, fostering constructive communication and long-term positive change.

6How many sessions are usually needed for effective couples counselling ?

The number of sessions varies, but here are some common patterns:

  • Short-term work (around 6 sessions): Useful for specific issues like a recent conflict, parenting stress, or rebuilding communication.
  • Mid-range (6 to 12 sessions): Typical when working through deeper emotional distance, loss of trust, or long-standing challenges.
  • Longer-term: Needed when trauma, infidelity, or mental health concerns are affecting the relationship.

In Caulfield, the pace often depends on the couple’s readiness to engage and how long the issues have been present.

7Are online couples counselling sessions available in Caulfield?
Yes, online sessions are available. However, I prefer to work with couples face-to-face where possible, as it helps create a stronger therapeutic connection and better emotional presence in the room.
8What issues can couple counselling help address?

Couples counselling can support you through a variety of relationship challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck in recurring arguments or simply want to reconnect, it can help you and your partner work through:

  • Communication issues: If you're constantly misunderstood, feel unheard, or struggle to express your needs clearly.
  • Ongoing conflict: Repeating the same fights without resolution or dealing with anger and frustration.
  • Trust and infidelity: Rebuilding after emotional or physical affairs, setting boundaries, and understanding what led to the betrayal.
  • Emotional distance: When you feel more like roommates than partners, or there's a loss of closeness and affection.
  • Intimacy concerns: From mismatched libidos to feeling disconnected sexually or emotionally.
  • Parenting challenges: Differences in parenting styles, blended family dynamics, or the stress of becoming new parents.
  • Financial disagreements: Conflicts over budgeting, spending habits, or financial imbalance in the relationship.
  • Life transitions: Coping with major changes like moving, illness, career shifts, or retirement.
  • Pre-marital preparation: Clarifying goals, values, finances, and communication before marriage.
  • Separation or divorce: Navigating whether to stay together or part ways respectfully and thoughtfully.
9How does relationship counselling differ from general therapy?

While both approaches aim to support mental and emotional wellbeing, relationship counselling focuses on the partnership itself. Here's how they differ:

  • Focus: Couples counselling looks at how two people interact and communicate, while individual therapy focuses more on personal growth, mental health, or trauma.
  • Who attends: Relationship counselling usually includes both partners, though sometimes individual sessions are included. General therapy is typically one-on-one.
  • Goals: Couples work on improving communication, trust, and intimacy. Individual therapy focuses on personal issues like anxiety, depression, or unresolved past experiences.
  • Approaches used: Relationship counsellors may use Gottman or EFT methods, while general therapists might use CBT, ACT, or psychodynamic therapy.
In Caulfield, many therapists offer culturally responsive support, which can be especially helpful for Jewish, immigrant, or LGBTQIA+ couples.
10Is hypnotherapy used in relationship counselling sessions?

Hypnotherapy isn't a core technique in couples counselling, but it can be useful in certain individual cases to support the relationship overall.

It might help with:

  • Uncovering individual blocks like fear of vulnerability, unresolved trauma, or deep-seated trust issues
  • Improving self-regulation and empathy to enhance communication
  • Shifting behavioural patterns like avoidance, passive-aggression, or anxiety around intimacy

It’s important to note that hypnotherapy in this context is usually done in individual sessions as part of a broader therapeutic process.

11What can we expect during our first couples counselling session ?

The first session is about getting to know each other and setting the tone for your work together. You can expect:

  • An open, safe space to share what's been going on
  • Exploring the key concerns or patterns in the relationship
  • Setting shared goals for therapy
  • Clarifying the therapist’s role and how the sessions will run
  • Some early observations or insights from the therapist
  • Time to ask questions and decide on the next steps
12Can couples counselling help after infidelity?

Absolutely. Many couples find counselling a turning point after an affair, but it depends on both partners being willing to engage in the healing process.

  • It helps the betrayed partner process the pain, shock, and confusion.
  • It supports the unfaithful partner in exploring why the infidelity happened and how to rebuild trust.
  • Therapy guides both partners in communicating openly, setting boundaries, and understanding the deeper relationship issues.
  • It provides tools for forgiveness, accountability, and moving forward, whether you choose to stay together or not.
  • Working through infidelity takes time and commitment, but with the right support, many couples do find a way to rebuild their relationship.
13Is relationship counselling in confidential?
Yes, everything shared in relationship counselling is kept strictly confidential. Therapists are bound by professional ethics and Australian privacy laws to protect your information.
14What qualifications should we look for in a couples counsellor in Caulfield?

When choosing a couples therapist, look for someone who:

  • Has formal qualifications in counselling or psychotherapy
  • Is experienced in working with couples or relationships
  • Is registered with a recognised body, such as the International Strategic Psychotherapist Association (ISPA)

It’s also important that you both feel comfortable with the counsellor. A good fit can make all the difference in how effective the sessions are.

15How do i get in touch with you?

Simply send me a message using the enquiry/booking form or book a 30-minute free discovery call, and I’ll be in touch!

If you’d prefer a quick chat before booking a session, feel free to call me on 0411 11 4587.

I look forward to meeting you.