
Relationship Counselling
Disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding.
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How can it help?
The Gottman Method is a renowned approach to couples therapy and relationship counselling developed by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Gottman. This method is based on decades of extensive research into the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful relationships. It provides practical tools and strategies to help couples build and maintain healthy, lasting connections.
Welcome and Discover Excellence in Our Relationship Therapy Services
Connecting Mental Health has set the gold standard for couples psychologist services in Sydney for over a decade. Founded by Jono Derkenne, a seasoned Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, we embody passion, expertise, and dedication to bridging the gaps in Australia's mental health sphere. We don't just offer services; we provide solutions, championing a seamless junction of clients and therapists and illuminating the diverse therapy approaches available.
A Comprehensive Approach: Professional Couples Counselling in Sydney
Every relationship has its unique challenges. At Connecting Mental Health, we offer tailored couples counselling in Sydney, guiding partners through their relational journey ensuring love and understanding remain paramount.
The Trustworthy Choice: Why Choose Our Couples Counselling Services in Sydney
Evidence-Backed Methods: In the vast landscape of couples counselling in Sydney, our services stand tall, backed by scientific research and proven methodologies.
Reputation Matters: Connecting Mental Health is not just another name in Sydney's relationship therapy scene. We pride ourselves on a stellar reputation earned through years of dedication and success stories.
Sydney-Centric Approach: Understanding the unique relationship challenges faced by Sydneysiders, we've fine-tuned our services to resonate with the local ethos, ensuring that our counselling is both relevant and effective.
Guided by Seasoned Hands: Experienced Couples Therapists in Sydney
Under our roof, we house some of the finest experts in couples therapy in Sydney. Each therapist brings knowledge, ensuring your relationship is nurtured and strengthened.
Strengthening Bonds: Marriage Counselling and Therapy in Sydney
Marriage is a beautiful journey, yet it can present its trials. Our marriage counselling services in Sydney are designed to help couples navigate these trials, ensuring a lasting and loving bond.
The Path to Marital Contentment: Benefits of Marriage Counselling in Sydney
Future-Forward Investment: Opting for marriage counselling in Sydney with Connecting Mental Health isn't just about addressing the present and crafting a brighter, harmonious future.
Deepened Understanding: Our tailored approach in marriage counselling in Sydney fosters mutual understanding, ensuring that couples can see, hear, and deeply understand one another's perspectives.
Rekindling Love: Sydney's fast-paced life can sometimes blur what's truly important. Our counselling methods prioritise rekindling that essential spark of love and intimacy between partners.
Ensuring Mutual Respect: A cornerstone of any lasting relationship, respect is paramount. Our counselling services in Sydney are meticulously designed to reinforce the foundations of mutual respect and appreciation.
Choose Connecting Mental Health for a revitalised marriage journey where understanding, love, and mutual respect take centre stage.
Nurturing Marital Ties: Experienced Marriage Therapists in Sydney
Our therapists specialise in marriage therapy in Sydney, equipped with the skills and compassion to guide couples through marital challenges.
Strengthening Every Connection: Relationship Counselling Services
From the bustling streets of Sydney to the tranquil corners of regional New South Wales, our relationship counselling services cater to every Australian heart, seeking connection and clarity.
Pathway to Harmony: Effective Relationship Therapy in Sydney
At Connecting Mental Health, we've cultivated a space where effective relationship counselling in Sydney thrives, ensuring every relationship blossoms.
Your Relationship Allies: Skilled Psychologists for Couples in Sydney
Our couples psychologists in Sydney are more than just therapists; they're relationship architects, designing solid foundations for every loving partnership.
The Journey Towards Harmonious Ties: Your Path to Relationship Healing
Relationships are intricate, and every so often, they require a healing touch. Our relationship counselling in Sydney offers that healing touch, ensuring every relationship thrives.
How Our Therapy Services CanHelp Elevate Your Relationship Journey
Every relationship has a rhythm, a unique melody that defines its essence. At Connecting Mental Health, we understand that this rhythm can sometimes get disrupted, leading to discord. Through our couples counselling in Sydney, we strive to realign this melody, ensuring every relationship sings harmoniously.
Individualised Approach: No two relationships are the same, so we never adopt a one-size-fits-all strategy. Our vast array of therapies, from ACT to Bowen Family Therapy, ensures we have the perfect solution for every unique relationship challenge.
Rebuilding Connections: Through our relationships counselling Sydney services, we delve deep to rebuild lost connections, ensuring couples can reforge bonds stronger than ever.
Navigating Relationship Milestones: Whether it's a new relationship or one that's stood the test of time, we offer guidance through every milestone, ensuring couples can easily navigate smooth and turbulent waters.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Apart from therapy, we believe in empowering couples with knowledge. Through our couples counselling Sydney services, we educate partners on various therapeutic approaches, ensuring they make informed decisions.
Booking Your Relationship Counselling Session: Your First Step to Harmony
Navigating the path to relationship wellness should be hassle-free. That's why, at Connecting Mental Health, we've streamlined our process to ensure ease, simplicity, and excellence, especially for our valued Sydneysiders.
Online Introductory Assessment: Before diving into therapy, our online assessment provides a structured platform to understand your unique relationship challenges, ensuring we tailor our approach right from the start.
Flexible Session Options:
60-Minute Telehealth Session: For those who prefer the convenience of a virtual meet-up, our Telehealth sessions ensure you get the guidance you need, no matter where you are.
60-Minute In-Person Session: For a more traditional touch, meet our Sydney therapists face-to-face and experience the benefits of in-person interactions.
Expertise in Family Dynamics: Beyond couples, we offer Family Therapy, ensuring the entire family finds harmony and understanding.
So, if you're ready to take the first step on a transformative journey that promises growth, understanding, and harmony, book your session with us today. Our dedicated Sydney therapists await, ready to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Us for Couples and Marriage Counselling
Have questions? Need guidance? We're here for you. Contact our dedicated team to explore how we can make your relationship even more beautiful.
A Step Towards Love & Understanding
Trusted Expertise Awaits
Taking the first step towards healing is often the hardest, but with Connecting Mental Health, you're not alone. Our reputation, built on trust and expertise, assures that your journey is in capable hands.
Australia-Wide Access
Distance shouldn't deter quality care. Our expansive network ensures that even if you're in rural or regional areas, top-notch counselling is within reach.
Diverse Therapeutic Approaches
Every relationship is unique, and so should be its therapy. From Relationship Counselling to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, our diverse range ensures a fit for every need.
Initiate Your Healing Journey Today
If you're in Sydney and beyond yearning for change, it's time to connect with us. Let's embark on a transformative journey together. Your relationship deserves the best, and at Connecting Mental Health, that's precisely what we offer.

What to expect?
Key Principles of the Gottman Method
The Four Horsemen: One of the central concepts in the Gottman Method is the identification and management of destructive communication patterns known as the Four Horsemen. These are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. Recognising these patterns and learning to address them is crucual for improving communication within a relationship.
The Magic Ratio: The Gottmans have identified the crucial 5:1 ratio for maintaining a healthy relationship. This means that for every negative interaction of conflict, there should be at least five positive interations or expressions of appreciation, affection, and support. Maintaining this ratio helps balance the emotional climate in the relationship and fosters connection.
Love Maps: Refer to understanfing your partner's inner world, including their dreams, fears, and preferences. Building and maintaining a detailed Love Map is vitalfor deepening intimacy and connection. Couples are encouraged ro regularly update and share their Love Maps with each other.
The Fondness and Admiration System: A successful relationship involves nurturing admiration and fondness for each other. Couples are advised to actively express appreciation, gratitude, and affection to reinforce their positive feelings. This creates a buffer against relationship challenges.
Turning Towards Instead of Away: I daily interactions, partners are presnted with opportunities to connect or turn away from each other. The Gottman Method emphasises the importance of turning towards your partner, even in seemling small moments. This means actively engaging in conversations, showing interest, and responding positively to bids for connection.
Nurturing Friendship: The foundation of any strong relationship is friendship. Couples are encouraged to engage in shared activities, maintain common interests, and create rituals of connection to foster their friendship and emotional connection.
Conflict Management: Conflicts are inevitable in any relationship, but it's how they are managed that matters. The Gottman Method teaches couples effective conflict resolution strategies, including active listening, expressing needs and feelings, and avoiding the Four Horseman.
Repair Attempts: Are efforts to de-escaluate a conflict or disagreement. They can be simple gestures, like offering a sincere apology or using humour to diffuse tension. Recognising and responding to repair attempts can prevent conflicts from spiralling out of control.
Accepting Influence: A successful relationship involves a willingness to accept and integrate your partner's influence. this means considering their opinions and perspectives, even when making decisions. A balance of power and influence is essential for a healthy partnership.
Creating Shared Meaning: Partners are encouraged to explore and define their shared values, goals, and aspirations. this process helps couples build a sense of purpose and unity in their relationship, enhancing their emotional connection.
Watch How to Destress With Your Partner the Right Way: The Gottman Method Relationship Advice (5mins)