Written by Louis Chalouhi, Counsellor (Master’s in Counselling), ACA Level 2 and PACFA member.
Last updated
Every relationship goes through hard seasons.
Couples counselling gives you both a calm, neutral space to slow the conversation down, hear each other properly and understand the patterns that keep repeating.
My role is to support the relationship, so each of you feels heard and respected in the room.
Whether you’re hoping to reconnect, rebuild trust or separate with care, we work towards what you both want.
Couples counselling may suit you if
- The same arguments keep coming back
- You feel more like housemates than partners
- Trust has been shaken by infidelity or a breach of honesty
- A big change, such as a new baby, a move or retirement, has shifted the relationship
- You’re deciding whether to stay together, or how to separate respectfully
Concerns I work with
- Couples counselling
- Marriage counselling
- Relationship difficulties
- Communication difficulties
- Conflict resolution
- Infidelity and trust issues
- Intimacy
- Separation and divorce
How couples sessions work
I use the Gottman Method from my Levels 1 and 2 training, alongside Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), CBT, ACT and Compassion-Focused Therapy.
Together we look at what happens between you, and practise new ways of responding to each other.
- A joint first sessionWe meet together so I can hear the story of your relationship and what each of you hopes for.
- Understand the patternsWe map the cycle that plays out in conflict and what each of you needs underneath it.
- Practise new ways of connectingYou build communication and repair skills in sessions and try them at home between appointments.
Goals of couples therapy
- Replace destructive conflict patterns with constructive dialogue
- Understand and respect each partner’s perspective
- Replace the Four Horsemen: criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling
- Move from gridlock to dialogue
- Develop communication and conflict-management skills
- Strengthen emotional connection, intimacy and shared meaning
Same-sex and LGBTQIA+ couples
Every couple is welcome here.
I offer an inclusive, affirming space for same-sex couples and LGBTQIA+ relationships.
In person or online
I see clients in person in Bella Vista, Liverpool and the Inner West, and online by Zoom or phone, anywhere in Australia or overseas.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 7pm, subject to availability, and the days at each room vary.
You can book directly, with no GP referral needed, and your first step is a free 15-minute call.
Read more about online counselling, or about fees, rebates and booking.
Common questions
What if my partner isn’t ready to come?
You’re welcome to start on your own.
Individual sessions can help you understand the relationship and your part in it, and your partner can join later if they choose.
Can we come before things get really hard?
Yes, and coming early is a great time to start.
Counselling can strengthen communication and closeness at any stage of a relationship.
Do you work with couples who are separating?
Yes.
If you’ve decided to separate, counselling can help you communicate respectfully, make decisions calmly and support any children through the change.
Can we have couples sessions online?
Yes.
Couples can meet with me by Zoom, together in one place or joining from different locations.
Support at any hour
Mind Therapy Room offers booked appointments, so for urgent support please use one of these services.
- Emergency000
- Lifeline, 24 hours, 7 days13 11 14
- 1800RESPECT (domestic, family and sexual violence)1800 737 732
- MensLine Australia1300 78 99 78