Couples & Relationship Counselling

At the Cairnmillar clinic we have highly experienced psychologists and counsellors who are passionate about working with couples and utilise evidence-based techniques to facilitate positive change and clarity moving forward in relationships.

Couples and relationship counselling can assist in improving communication patterns, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, managing and communicating expectations, working towards agreed upon goals for a different and more positive relationship.

Areas of presentation that our clinicians can assist with can include, but are not limited to:

  • Communication difficulties
  • Intimacy and sexuality
  • Relationship conflict
  • Health concerns
  • Financial or career stress and pressures
  • Conflict about children or extended family
  • Unfulfilled emotional needs
  • Insecurity, trust or jealousy issues
  • Arguments or disagreements

FAQs

Yes. All Cairnmillar clinics and clinicians are LGBTQIA+ affirming and have experience working with those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Appointments run for a standard 50-minute session.

If required for the initial consultation, a longer 90min session can be requested by the clinician or clients based on their presenting circumstances.

Yes, please visit our Individual Counselling page.

An individual can book a couples and relationship counselling appointment on behalf of them and their partner, however both individuals attending the sessions will be required to complete and sign our client registration and consent forms, to ensure both parties are wishing to participate.

Please note that third-party or family members are unable to book on behalf of someone else. Bookings need to be made with one or both individuals who will be attending sessions.

Yes, our registered clinicians are able to see clients in-person or via telehealth. 

For sessions conducted via telehealth, it is not a requirement for both parties to attend the session from the same location.

Please see our Fees & Rebates page here.

Please note that Medicare rebates are not accessible for couples and relationship counselling appointments, even if one or more individuals have a valid GP referral and mental health treatment plan.

Some private health insurers will cover couples and relationships counselling. Please speak directly with your provider to establish whether you are eligible for a rebate on these services.

Clinicians

dee

Dee Goodman

Dee is an experienced social work counselor, couple counselor and family therapist with a varied background and a passion for working with children, adults, couples, and families.

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Dr James Donnelly

Dr James Donnelly

Dr Donnelly earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Human Development with extensive training in psychotherapy, developmental disabilities, dementia and neuropsychology at Vanderbilt University.

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Terence Bartholomew

Dr Terence Bartholomew

Terry works with adults, couples or older adolescents, and works with people experiencing relationships/work/psycho-legal difficulties and transitions, family challenges, depression, trauma, identity struggles, men’s issues, self-harm, and substance use/addiction.

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Michelle Doolan

Michelle Doolan

Michelle is a Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Family Therapist who works with children, adults, couples, and families.  Michelle tailors her approach and supports clients to connect with their strengths as they work towards their goals.

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Request an appointment

Once an appointment request is submitted, a clinical admin team member will contact you to commence our triage process.

Crisis Numbers

Emergency Services 000 24 hours/7 days a week. Call this number in emergency situations when immediate police, fire or ambulance assistance is required.
Lifeline 13 11 14 Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to listen, without judgement to any person in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing crisis or longs to be heard.
SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251 SuicideLine Victoria is a 24/7 telehealth provider that offers free professional phone and online counselling for people living in Victoria.
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 24 hours/7 days a week. MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime..
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 5 pm–9 am/7 days. Victims/survivors of past and recent sexual assault.
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 24/7 Telephone counselling service for people aged between 5 and 25.
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 24 hours/7 days a week. Call, online chat and online forums.
Safe Steps 1800 015 188 Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre. Providing specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.