Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
From a CBT perspective, couples often come to this work when they find themselves stuck in repeating patterns — the same arguments, the same misunderstandings, or a growing sense of distance. Together, we slow things down and make sense of what’s happening underneath the surface. We look at how each partner’s past experiences, core beliefs, and protective patterns shape the way they think, feel, and respond to each other — especially in moments of conflict.
Rather than blaming or taking sides, the focus is on understanding the cycle you’re both caught in. We explore the automatic thoughts, emotional reactions, and behaviours that escalate disconnection, as well as the unspoken needs sitting underneath them. At a pace that feels safe for both of you, we begin to gently shift these patterns — helping you respond to each other with more awareness, flexibility, and care. Over time, this creates space for clearer communication, reduced reactivity, and a stronger, more secure connection.
What is CBT
In CBT, my role is that of an expert, a guide and a mentor who assists you to become aware of faulty thought patterns, negative interpretations, and the behavioural patterns that are reinforcing your distorted thinking. I will assist you in learning how to identify distorted cognitions and then help you to decide on suitable changes to resolve the problem. However, this is a collaborative process – throughout CBT I will be respectful of your wishes and work on the issues that you identify as important to you.
CBT is a very popular style of therapy which offers a straightforward approach to treatment that has both face and empirical validity, as well as flexible and broad treatment modalities that encompass many useful interventions (Simmons & Griffiths, 2014).
Our use of CBT will emphasise goal setting, accountability, and results in a respectful and collaborative fashion that will require you to take responsibility for yourself. Although improved behaviours and thinking are our targets, treatment also seeks to improve emotional health and can be applied to a wide range of situations and problems.
How can Couples Therapy Help Me?
Couples counselling creates space not only for the difficult moments, but also for the ones that remind you why you chose each other in the first place. Many couples arrive feeling stuck in the same cycles — arguments that go nowhere, distance that grows quietly, or a sense of walking on eggshells. But alongside this, there are often still moments of care, humour, or connection that have just become harder to reach.
In our work together, we gently slow things down and explore both. We look at the patterns that pull you apart — the reactions, assumptions, and protective responses that escalate conflict — while also making room for the parts of your relationship that still feel warm, safe, or meaningful. This isn’t about ignoring what’s hard, but about understanding it more deeply, without losing sight of what still exists between you.
At times, this process can feel confronting. You may begin to recognise your own role in the cycle, or see how old patterns are shaping the way you respond to each other now. But alongside that, there are also moments of softening — where you hear each other differently, feel understood, or reconnect in ways that have been missing.
Over time, couples counselling helps you move out of automatic reactions and into more conscious, intentional ways of relating. The goal isn’t a perfect relationship, but one where you can navigate both the hard and the good moments with more awareness, care, and a stronger sense of being on the same side.
Book An Appointment
Choosing the right counsellor is an important process and I understand that it is not always easy to begin looking for help and support. You are welcome to book a free 15 minute telephone consultation to help give you the chance to see if you feel comfortable with me and the way that I work, and to discuss how counselling may benefit you.
You can ask any questions you have and together we can decide whether mine is the best counselling and therapy service for you. There is no obligation or commitment needed to attend any further sessions.
FAQs
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Standard Therapeutic Sessions (CBT, Strategic Psychotherapy etc) are priced at:
Free ‘one off’ introductory 15-minute discovery call. Thereafter:
$60 for a 25-minute online / telephone session
$100 for a 50-minute online / telephone session
$140 for a 50-minute in-Clinic session
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The length of Therapy varies greatly. Several factors can influence what length of Therapy will suit you best. These include:
The type of Therapy being sought i.e. life goal therapy versus Complex trauma
The length of time you have been having difficulties i.e. bullying at work versus a lifetime of abuse
The degree of change you want to achieve i.e. subtle changes versus life changes
Your level of self-confidence, and;
How well the type of Therapy used matches your personal learning style
The best results are typically obtained by those people who are committed to the therapy process. Ultimately, you will know when you no longer need Therapy because you will have achieved the changes you want. Throughout the Therapeutic process you are always in control and your free choice and free will is essential to this process. You can choose at any time to discontinue therapy, have a pause and take a breath, or change up or down the frequency of our sessions.
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All my services start with an initial 15 minute introductory ‘one-off’ consultation (note: this is not a Therapy Session). This meeting is an opportunity to feel comfortable within our Therapeutic relationship as well as exploring what has brought you to me and for you then to decide whether to start attending regular Therapeutic sessions.
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You can set appointments during the hours of 8:30 am to 7:30 pm Mon - Fri online through the booking link or via phone on 0473 157 100.
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Sessions are for 50 minutes, starting on the hour, and are usually re-booked at a frequency of once a week/fortnight. I will discuss the number of sessions with you during the initial consultation. Starting regular sessions is a commitment to prioritising the session time, as consistent attendance is important for the therapeutic process to be most beneficial to you. Please note I may also provide you with out of session homework to be completed between sessions.
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Unfortunately, Psychotherapists, Hypnotherapists and Counsellors are not eligible for Medicare rebates, so we don’t take Mental Health Care Plans from your GP.
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No referral is needed from your GP to receive therapy from me
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For your sessions with me the following Health Insurance Funding is available:
Standard Therapeutic Sessions (CBT, Strategic Psychotherapy, etc.):
is funded through Medibank only. You will need to check with your insurer the provisions of your policy for funding of Strategic Psychotherapy and Therapy as Medical Cover changes depending on your policy.
Modern Hypnotherapy Sessions:
May be funded through Medibank Private, NRMA Health Insurances, Grand United Health, CUA Health Fund, CBHS Health Fund, Navy Health Fund, Phoenix Health Fund, and Queensland Country Health. You will need to check with your insurer the provisions of your policy for funding of therapy as Medical Cover changes depending on your policy.
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As the Therapist, I commit to regular scheduled appointments with my clients as I understand the importance of regularity and continuity of sessions. As such I hold diary time for my clients on a regular and committed basis. So missed appointments or cancelled sessions are chargeable, - unless you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.