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Marriage Counsellors & Couples Therapists in Melbourne, Australia

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Marriage Counsellors & Couples Therapists in Melbourne


Aishwarya Bahuguna

Ms Aishwarya Bahuguna

Psychologist

Singapore River, Singapore
Counseling, Individual Therapy +3
English, Hindi/Urdu
Anxiety, Mood Disorder +6
Online & In-person

A certified REBT therapist from AEI, New York (USA). I tailor interventions for your unique needs and goals. All kinds of thoughts and feelings are welcome in this space.

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Mehak Ahmed

Ms Mehak Ahmed

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

London, London
Psychodynamic Therapy
English, Hindi/Urdu
Abuse, Anger +8
Online & In-person

As a trauma-informed therapist, I specialise in anxiety, depression, relationships, emotional exhaustion and burnout, stress, and self-esteem issues. I create a warm, safe and nonjudgmental space for your authentic self where we can look at your pain with love, care and compassion.

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Reza Nejad

Dr Reza Nejad

Licensed Clinical Psychologists

Adelaide, Adelaide
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Divorce Counseling +9
English, Farsi
Anger, Anxiety +8
Online & In-person

I am a registered psychologist who provides evidence-based, compassionate care to individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I tailor therapy to each client’s needs, fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful change.

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Neil Maizels

Mr Neil Maizels

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

Kew east, Melbourne
Counseling, Psychoanalysis +4
English
Identity Issues, Relationship Issues
Online & In-person

Relationship issues, emotional struggles -child, parenting, adolescent, adult - creative block, midlife issues, life satisfaction, depression, loss, identity.

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Anna McKie

Ms Anna McKie

Psychotherapist

Williamstown, Melbourne
Counseling, Trauma Counseling +7
English
Abuse, Anxiety +7
Online & In-person

I am an experienced psychotherapist providing a safe and confidential environment facilitating recovery from trauma, transformational change and personal growth.

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Laura Silva

Ms Laura Silva, Depth Psychotherapy, Jungian, Heart Centered Therapies

Integrative Psychotherapist

n/a, Seattle
Dream Analysis, Free Consultation +8
English
Anxiety, Codependency +7
Online & In-person

I help individuals who feel overwhelmed, lost, or in a major life transition—especially those who sense that something deeper is trying to emerge. My work supports people who are facing painful patterns, inner conflict, or parts of themselves they’ve avoided or outgrown. This is often called shadow work: the process of understanding and integrating the aspects of ourselves we’ve pushed away. I also guide clients through experiences sometimes described as a dark night of the soul—periods when old identities fall apart, meaning dissolves, and life feels disorienting or empty. These experiences can be frightening, but they are also profound invitations into authenticity and inner transformation. My approach blends Jungian, somatic, and soul‑centered psychotherapy to help clients find stability, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. I offer a grounded, compassionate space for those navigating deep inner change and seeking a guide who understands the psychological and spiritual dimensions of their experience.

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Sue Dawson

Mrs Sue Dawson

Psychotherapist

Eltham, Melbourne
Advocacy, Coaching +8
English
Abuse, Life Transitions +8
Online & In-person

I believe we all have an innate ability; to heal, to experience new ways of being, to become more of who we truly are. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, Counsellor, and EFT couples therapist, I can help you with a gentle and caring approach to mental, emotional and physical health and well being.

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Emma Schubert

Emma Schubert

Licensed Clinical Psychologists

Richmond, Melbourne
Psych & Diagnostic Assessment, Child / Adolescent Therapy +1
Anxiety, ADHD / Attention +8
Online & In-person

Emma is dedicated to understanding you, your world and your current challenges. Through curiosity, empathy and a nudge here and there, she will adopt from various psychological frameworks to support you in reaching your goals. Emma is a neurodiversity affirming practitioner, and lends from various psychological methods

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Deborah Cameron

Mrs Deborah Cameron

Psychotherapist (Registered)

Brighton, Melbourne
Clinical Supervision, Individual Therapy
English
Anxiety, Autism (ASD) +2
Online & In-person

Deborah adopts a collaborative approach using a broad range of modalities. She supports adults and children with ASD, ADHD, bipolar, and other debilitating issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. In a non-judgemental environment with space that allows silence and reflection. Talk therapy helps.

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Christina Tuke Flanders

Dr Christina Tuke Flanders, BSc

Psychologist

Carlton North, Melbourne
Art Therapy, Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment +8
English
Anxiety, Relationship Issues +7
In-person only

I am a seasoned Educational & Developmental Psychologist dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the human experience. My practice is grounded in the belief that true resilience comes from deeply understanding the root causes of our struggles, rather than simply managing symptoms. In my therapeutic work, I offer more than just a listening ear. I utilise innovative psychodynamic techniques—including Art Therapy, Projective Techniques, and Small Figures Therapy—alongside Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). This blend of creative and evidence-based modalities allows us to access and process deep-seated emotions, trauma, and anxiety that words alone may not reach. I work collaboratively with adults and adolescents (16+) to foster self-awareness and healing. Beyond therapy, I bring a unique dual perspective to my diagnostic work, drawing on over two decades of experience as both a psychologist and a teacher. I specialise in comprehensive educational and developmental assessments for ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders. My approach is holistic and thorough; I provide a "wrap-around" service that involves liaising with schools, paediatricians, and psychiatrists to ensure the diagnosis translates into practical, effective support. Whether through deep-diving therapy or rigorous assessment, my goal is to create a compassionate space where you can embrace your inner strengths and move forward with renewed confidence.

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Marika Cominos

Ms Marika Cominos, M.Couns

Licensed Professional Counselor

Kingsville, Melbourne
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Coaching +8
English
Anxiety, Behaviour or Conduct Issues +8
Online & In-person

Marika is a warm, vibrant and intuitive Holistic Counsellor & Somatic Bodywork therapist with 18 years experience working directly with clients. She is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and uses clinically proven therapeutic interventions, and when needed a trauma informed somatic approach to navigate clients issues and desired outcomes. Across all of her work as a therapist, the deep care and well-being of people is the consistent underlying thread. She brings a steady presence and clear focus to her clients and enjoys providing a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the patterns, behaviours and mindsets that affects health and wellbeing. Bookings are available Monday to Saturday in person, online and by phone. "When we are ready for change the support of a Counsellor can ignite the wisdom and answers that are already within you."

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Bonnie Sturrock

Dr Bonnie Sturrock

Clinical Psychologist

Richmond, Melbourne
Psych & Diagnostic Assessment, Clinical Supervision +8
English
Online & In-person

A scientist-practitioner who has over 20-years of experience working and/or studying in the area of mental health

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Find Marriage & Couples Counselling in Melbourne, Australia

Revitalise Your Relationship

Marriage and long-term partnerships face unique challenges that can strain even the strongest bonds. Whether its communication breakdowns, recovering from infidelity, struggling with intimacy, disagreeing about parenting, or simply feeling disconnected, marriage counselling in Melbourne offers a proven path to reconnection and growth.

Research shows that couple therapy is effective: couples who attend therapy show large improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, and emotional intimacy, and these gains are maintained over time.1 In fact, 70% of couples who complete Emotionally Focused Therapy are symptom-free at the end of treatment.2

Whether you're in crisis or just want to strengthen your relationship, finding the right marriage counsellor can help you rebuild trust, improve communication, and create the partnership you both want.

Use the Filters

Think of the filters like building a sentence: "I'm looking for a [therapist type] who specializes in [couples issues] using [approach] in [location]."

Consider profiles mentioning your primary concern:

  • Communication problems, Infidelity recovery, Sexual intimacy, Parenting conflicts, Considering separation, Pre-marital counselling, Blended family issues

Learn about the therapists approach (if you have a preference):

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT)

Consider practical factors:

  • Location (in-person in Melbourne or online anywhere in Australia), Insurance acceptance, Fee range, Availability, Language preferences

Tip: Many couples find online therapy more convenient for scheduling, especially with work and childcare responsibilities. Use the "Online Therapy" filter to expand your options beyond Melbourne.

FAQ

Does marriage counselling actually work?

Yes. Research consistently shows that marriage and couples therapy is highly effective for improving relationship satisfaction, communication, and emotional intimacy.

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 58 studies involving over 2,000 couples found that couple therapy has a large effect on relationship satisfaction (effect size 1.12), with gains maintained over both short and long-term follow-up.1 This is a substantial improvement—couples who attend therapy show significantly greater gains than those on waitlists who don't improve on their own.

Even more encouraging: 70% of couples who complete Emotionally Focused Therapy are symptom-free at the end of treatment.2 This means the majority of couples who commit to the process experience meaningful relief from relationship distress.

What improves:

  • Communication: Both self-reported and observed communication patterns
  • Emotional intimacy: Feeling closer and more connected to your partner
  • Partner behaviors: How you treat each other day-to-day
  • Relationship satisfaction: Overall happiness and fulfillment in the relationship

Who benefits most:

Interestingly, couples experiencing more distress at the start of therapy tend to show larger gains.1 This means even if your relationship feels very difficult right now, therapy can help.

Evidence-based approaches include:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Gottman Method
  • Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT)

All of these approaches have strong research support and proven effectiveness.4

The bottom line: Marriage counselling works. The research is clear, the effect sizes are large, and the gains last. If you're willing to commit to the process, there's strong evidence that therapy can help you build the relationship you both want.

Why choose an independent marriage counsellor?

Independent marriage counsellors in Melbourne work for you and your relationship—not corporate platforms or investor interests. This matters because:

  • Tailored approach: Your therapist can adapt their methods, session length, and frequency to what works for your relationship—not what a corporate policy dictates.
  • True privacy: Your relationship concerns aren't sold to third parties or used for corporate analytics. Independent therapists are bound by professional ethics, not business models.
  • Continuity of care: Your therapist isn't reassigned or replaced to meet productivity targets. You work with the same person throughout your journey.
  • Flexible pacing: Some couples need intensive weekly sessions; others benefit from bi-weekly or monthly check-ins. Independent therapists can adapt to your needs.
  • No commission pressure: Because we don't take commissions on sessions, therapists have no financial incentive to extend or shorten treatment. They follow clinical judgment.

TherapyRoute connects you with independent practitioners who maintain full autonomy over their clinical work. You browse, compare, and contact therapists directly.

For more on how therapy works, read our guide on What is Therapy?.

What happens in marriage counselling sessions?

Marriage counselling provides a structured, safe space for both partners to address relationship concerns with the guidance of a trained professional.

First session:

In your initial session, the therapist will typically:

  • Ask each partner to share their perspective on the relationship and what brought you to therapy
  • Explore your relationship history, strengths, and current challenges
  • Identify patterns in how you communicate and handle conflict
  • Discuss your goals for therapy as a couple
  • Explain their therapeutic approach and how sessions will work

Most therapists will meet with both partners together for the first session, though some may also schedule brief individual sessions to understand each person's perspective privately.

Ongoing sessions:

Typical marriage counselling sessions (50-60 minutes) involve:

  • Check-in: How has the week been? Any significant events or conflicts?
  • Focused work: Exploring a specific issue, practicing communication skills, or processing emotions
  • Skill-building: Learning techniques like active listening, expressing needs, or managing conflict
  • Homework: Exercises or practices to try between sessions
  • Planning: Setting intentions for the coming week

What to expect:

  • Both partners are heard: A skilled therapist ensures both perspectives are valued and neither partner dominates the conversation.
  • Difficult emotions surface: It's normal to feel vulnerable, angry, sad, or frustrated during sessions. This is part of the healing process.
  • Progress isn't linear: Some sessions feel productive; others feel stuck. This is normal in couples work.
  • Active participation required: Therapy works best when both partners engage honestly and complete between-session exercises.

Session frequency:

Most couples start with weekly sessions, then move to bi-weekly as progress is made. The total duration varies based on your concerns and goals.

For more on what to expect in your first session, read What is Therapy?.

What issues can marriage counselling help with?

Marriage counselling addresses a wide range of relationship concerns. Research shows that couple therapy is effective for many different issues, from everyday communication struggles to complex challenges like infidelity or trauma.3

Common issues couples bring to therapy:

  • Communication breakdowns
  • Conflict patterns
  • Infidelity and trust
  • Sexual intimacy
  • Parenting disagreements
  • In-law and family tensions
  • Life transitions
  • Financial stress
  • Blended family challenges
  • Considering separation
  • Pre-marital preparation
  • Emotional distance
Infidelity and trust rebuilding

Recovering from infidelity is one of the most challenging issues couples face. Research shows that couples therapy can help rebuild trust when both partners are committed to the process.

Effective infidelity recovery therapy typically involves creating safety for the hurt partner, understanding what led to the affair, rebuilding intimacy gradually, and developing new boundaries. Recovery takes time—typically 12-18 months of consistent work. A therapist trained in infidelity recovery can guide you through this process with evidence-based strategies.

Communication and conflict patterns

Poor communication is the most common reason couples seek therapy. Research identifies specific patterns that predict relationship distress, such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. Couples therapy teaches you to recognize these patterns and replace them with healthier communication strategies like expressing needs without blame and active listening.

Sexual intimacy concerns

Sexual intimacy issues like mismatched desire or emotional disconnection are common and can be addressed effectively in couples therapy. A skilled therapist can help you communicate about sex more openly, understand the link between emotional and physical intimacy, and address underlying issues like stress or trauma.

Not sure if your issue fits? If you're uncertain whether marriage counselling can help with your specific concern, most therapists offer brief consultations. You can describe your situation and ask whether they have experience with similar issues.

For guidance on choosing the right therapist, read How to Choose a Therapist.

About TherapyRoute

Real choice. Authentic independent, clinician-led care.

TherapyRoute is a clinician-led directory that champions independent practitioners who answer to you and their professional ethics, not to investors or corporate interests. We don’t take commissions, sell your data, or assign therapists by algorithm. You browse, compare, and choose.

— Vincenzo (Enzo) Sinisi, Clinical Psychologist (HPCSA), Psychoanalyst (IPA/SAPA), Group Analyst (IGA)

References

[1] Roddy, M. K., et al. (2020). Meta-analysis of couple therapy... Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 88(7), 583-596. Source

[2] Spengler, P. M., et al. (2024). A comprehensive meta-analysis on the efficacy of Emotionally Focused Therapy. Psychotherapy Research, 34(1), 1-15. Source

[3] Wiebe, S. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2016). A review of the research in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Family Process, 55(3), 390-407. Source

[4] Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s... Family Process, 61(4), 1359-1385. Source

[5] Schofield, M. J., et al. (2012). Short and long-term effectiveness of couple counselling... BMC Public Health, 12, 735. Source

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TherapyRoute is not for emergencies and does not provide medical advice. All of our content is informational and cannot replace professional healthcare. In an emergency, contact a local emergency service. For immediate support, consider a local helpline.