Are you and your partner always arguing about the same things? Do minor disagreements regularly become full-blown fights despite your best attempts to communicate? Is your relationship otherwise “perfect” if only you could solve that one particular issue?
As a qualified Relationship Counsellor and Sexual Health Therapist, I understand how challenging it can be when you and your partner are facing communication issues, emotional disconnection, or ongoing conflict. At Alinda Small BPsychSc., MScMedSH, I offer expert couples counselling to help romantic partners in Sydney, NSW, rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional connection. My background in psychology, health sciences, and sexual health combined with advanced clinical training from The Gottman Institute and Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy (RLT), allows me to provide couples with practical tools that will serve them in our sessions and beyond.
My Couples Counselling Background
I was fortunate to train and study The Gottman Couples Therapy Model in New York. This therapy method draws from the ground-breaking research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman on the impact of negativity on relationships. Treatment using this method delves into key components of what we call The Sound Relationship House, fostering understanding and skills crucial for maintaining a healthy foundation. Gottman therapy involves:
- Building rapport with the therapist to discuss personal histories and treatment goals.
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the relationship, including discussing contentious topics.
- Learning evidence-based strategies for nurturing a thriving relationship.
- Cultivating trust and admiration in the relationship.
- Practicing communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
- Receiving guidance from the therapist on effective interaction.
- Equipping couples with tools for ongoing relationship maintenance beyond therapy.
I use a combination of therapeutic approaches, including my advanced training in The Gottman Method and Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy, to help couples reconnect and grow together. These methods allow me to teach couples how to manage conflict, nurture empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s needs. I also have worked extensively with same-sex couples—all modalities I use can be adapted for heteronormative, same-sex, and alternate relationships, and I can see you in a private telehealth environment if you prefer that to in-person sessions.
How Relationship Counselling Can Help
Sydney couples often find themselves trapped in negative communication patterns or conflicts that strain the relationship. Through couples counselling, I work with you to:
- Improve your communication skills
- Reduce conflict and tension
- Heal after infidelity
- Build deeper emotional connections
- Strengthen trust and intimacy
My training enables me to provide practical, research-backed strategies that can help you and your partner communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts in a healthy way. In fact, I’ve helped many couples address their relationship challenges over the years. Whatever difficulties you and your partner are experiencing, I’m here to guide you through the process of healing and rebuilding your relationship on a stronger foundation.
Contact Me for Couples Counselling in Sydney, NSW
By identifying destructive patterns like criticism and contempt and shutting them down, couples therapy will allow you and your partner to create a more constructive environment for one another. If you’re ready to address the challenges in your relationship and build a deeper connection, take the first step with in-person or online couples counselling at Alinda Small BPsychSc., MScMedSH in Sydney. Get in touch today to begin your journey to a stronger, more fulfilling relationship!