Relationship Counselling
Relationships can be the source of considerable joy, safety and pleasure. At times, they can also become stressful and fraught with conflict. Cassandra Burford and Dr Christopher Zurawic have a passion and interest in supporting relationship harmony. They have done extensive training in The Gottman Method, a research-based approach to relationship and couples counselling. The focus of this method is to disarm verbal conflicting information, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship. This method is LGBTQI+ friendly.
What to expect from relationship counselling
Relationship counselling will typically start with a comprehensive assessment. This gives the therapist the opportunity to understand each individual couple and the relationship context. Then, together, the therapist and couple will decide on the frequency and duration of the sessions. Thereafter, the intervention will typically focus on three areas: friendship, shared meaning and conflict management.
Couples who can benefit from relationship counselling include those who:
- frequently argue and find themselves in conflict
- have developed poor communication patterns
- have become emotionally distant and on the verge of separation
- are having specific difficulties in the area of sexual intimacy, finances, parenting & infidelity.
General Relationship Counselling
Relationships are often complex as we negotiate numerous roles and responsibilities. Counselling can therefore be useful for families, work colleagues, and friends in the instance that we become stuck. It can also be helpful in times of adjustment and change. This can include parents adjusting to their adolescent teens, or during times of family separation. Speak to our friendly team about the possibilities of counselling for your relationships.
Fee Structure
Relationship Counselling in Australia is not funded by Medicare. Sessions are therefore funded privately, unless covered as part of your private health insurance or other third parties. Before therapy begins, the assessment phase is critical and requires a commitment from the couple. The therapist will need to see the couple together and each party individually for 60 minutes each. This can be done in a day, or over a series of days. Questionnaires will also need to be completed by each partner. Our fee structure is:
| Phase 1 ( Initial Assessment) | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Interview With The Couple. This Includes The Completion Of A Detailed Relationship Questionnaire | 90 min | $300 |
| Interview With Partner 1 | 60 min | $230 |
| Interview With Partner 2 | 60 min | $230 |
| Feedback Session With the Couple | 60 min | $230 |
| Ongoing Couple Sessions | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| With The Couple | 50-60 min | $230 |