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"Our lives revolve around relationships - with ourselves, others, and everything we encounter in the world around us.
The more you act in line with your values, the better will be the quality of those relationships and therefore the more enjoyable and rewarding your life will be."
~ Dr Russ Harris"
Every relationship has the potential for growth and happiness, and deserves the chance to thrive.
Are you struggling with relationship challenges? Do you find it difficult to communicate effectively with your partner or overcome conflicts? I believe that every relationship deserves a chance to thrive. My relationship counselling services are designed to help you and your partner build a strong foundation, enhance communication, and rekindle the spark in your relationship.
My Approach
At Port Macquarie Counselling, I take a compassionate and evidence-based approach to relationship counselling. As an experienced therapist in The Gottman Method, I understand that each relationship is unique, and so I tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs. Whether you are dating, engaged, married, or experiencing challenges with family members, I am here to help.
Sessions I Offer
Couples Counselling: Our couples counselling sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for you and your partner to explore your feelings and thoughts. Together, we will identify patterns, address communication issues, and develop healthier ways to connect emotionally.
Pre-Marital Counselling: Thinking about tying the knot? This is the ideal time to gain the skills that you need to have to build a successful marriage. Before marriage is the time to think about some important questions, and give your marriage the best chance of succeeding.
Individual Counselling: Sometimes, personal issues can impact relationships. After your initial relationship session, I recommend an individual counselling session for each partner.
"If one of your relationship goals is to be kinder, you might set an intention
to speak in a gentle tone of voice today even when you feel impatient or annoyed.
That intention is a specific, measurable goal." Dr. Cheryl Fraser
Therapy takes time.
Healing and growth in relationships don't happen overnight. Many couples come to therapy hoping for quick solutions, but lasting change takes time, patience, and consistent effort. Relationship patterns often form over years, and it takes more than a single session to understand and shift them.
In therapy, we work together to explore what's really happening beneath the surface - not just the arguments or frustrations, but the emotions, needs, and stories that drive them. This process unfolds gradually as trust builds and both partners begin to communicate more openly and honestly.
Just like physical therapy helps muscles relearn healthy movement, relationship therapy helps couples practice new ways of connecting. Small changes build over time, and each step forward contributes to a stronger, more resilient bond.
Relationship sessions may assist you to create successful, heart centred, fun connections.
We need skills for successful relationships. We need to learn how to listen and respond. We need to learn how to calm ourselves when things are getting heated. These are all skills that we can learn, and very few of us know.
"In order to work on your relationship, there has to be a strong desire to do so and the ability to be open to new ideas and new behaviours." - Irina Firstein
"Communication is to relationship, what breathing is to living." - Virginnia Satir
When you think about it, how many of us learned relationship communication in school? Did we ever really learn how to listen? How to truly connect with each other?
Most people are missing out on the essential tools that they need to have, because they never learned them in the first place.
"In order to work on your relationship, there has to be a strong desire to do so
and the ability to be open to new ideas and new behaviours." - Irina Firstein
The Process
I use the Gottman Institute's program and also weave in other modalities if the couple's needs suggest them. It takes time to learn new skills and make changes in relationship. In addition to relationship counselling, I include coaching and skills training in our sessions. After the sessions I send you through handouts, and reading suggestions and video links to help you at home.
The First Three Sessions
I ask couples to commit to a series of 3 sessions as an initial process.
The First Session
You will need a laptop or computer that has a camera, and a space where you can both sit in front of the camera easily. I use Google Meet and email through a link prior to your session, all you need to do is text me when you are ready to begin, then click on the link to join in.
The couple attending counselling need to be in the same room for the session, and it's best to have a private room where you won't be disturbed, and, there are to be no children present in the same area.
This is an intake session where you both attend, you can discuss what is happening in your relationship, and what led you to relationship counselling. In this session I often start to share skills that can help you straight away.
Second Session: Two Individual Sessions.
I then ask people to have an individual session each. I ask for there to be a 'no secret' policy so if you share something in a session with me, it needs to be able to be shared with your partner.
There is an in-depth questionnaire from The Gottman Institute to fill out for each of the people attending. I ask you to fill out the questionnaire and return it prior to your individual sessions.
Third Session
We start with asking how you're doing and there is a space for sharing. Next, I'll summarise the assessment, and there will be time to share feedback about your insights after filling in the questionnaire. We'll start to practice some exercises designed to help you with communication, and I'll share with you some of The Gottman's Information on The Sound Relationship House. You'll also learn how to move from Defensiveness, Criticism, Contempt and Stone Walling to a healthy way of interacting, to improve fun, play, romance, passion, friendship, emotional connection, adventure and intimacy.
Follow Up Sessions
In Follow Up sessions, you'll get to practice what we've touched on. I will weave into your sessions specific exercises from The Gottman's that can address some of the areas from your questionnaire to help you strengthen your areas that may be weak, and encourage you in areas where you are strong.
"When we know that our partner cares about us and what we are going through,
it becomes easier to show that caring in return. Focus on that part of you
that cares for the other and give them the chance to care for you." - Dr. Don Cole
Get Started on Your Journey Today
Take the first step towards rebuilding and strengthening your relationship. Schedule a consultation with Kareen today. You can phone or text me on 0408 792 747. I offer online counselling sessions to accommodate your busy schedule.
Every relationship has the potential for growth and happiness. At Port Macquarie Counselling, I am dedicated to helping you and your partner find the path to lasting love. Let's embark on this journey together.
 Please Note: Relationship sessions are contra-indicated when: 
There is an ongoing affair - disclosed or secret or, if there is domestic violence happening.
Affair and Betrayal: If you are seeking help for your relationship after finding out about an affair - click here.
Emotional Affair:
If you are seeking help for your relationship after finding out about an affair - click here.
Seven Ways to Improve your Relationship - Article By John Gottman - this link will take you to my blog - click here
Port Macquarie Counselling and Coaching - help along life's journey.
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