Relationship Counselling

There is no “right” way to “do” therapy.

Relationship counselling provides a space to explore what is happening within a relationship, understand the patterns that have developed, and find ways of relating that work for the people involved.

At The Kidd Clinic, our approach is neuroaffirming, respectful and individualised. There is no single “right” way to communicate, relate or participate in therapy. We take the time to understand the people, relationships and circumstances in front of us, and work collaboratively with every person to provide tailored support.

You do not need to be at breaking point to seek relationship counselling. Sessions can also provide an opportunity to strengthen communication, understand one another more deeply, navigate differences and develop ways of managing future challenges together.

A Neuro-Affirming Approach

We recognise that neurodivergence may influence how people communicate, process emotions, experience sensory input and respond to conflict, and how that may show up in romantic and intimate dynamics.

Neurodivergence can influence how people communicate, process emotions, experience sensory input, understand social interactions and respond to conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • recurring conflict or arguments

    • difficulties communicating or feeling understood

    • changes or transitions within a relationship

    • difficulties with trust, connection or intimacy

    • different needs, expectations or boundaries

    • navigating relationship agreements

    • challenges associated with neurodivergence within relationships

    • emotional regulation and co-regulation

    • misunderstandings or patterns that keep repeating

    • navigating polyamorous, open or other consensually non-monogamous relationships

    • wanting to strengthen an already healthy relationship

  • Yes, all of the services at The Kidd Clinic are designed to be inclusive. This includes a focus on neuroaffirming practice, and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

  • Our relationship counselling can support people in a range of relationship structures, including:

    • Monogamous relationships

    • Polyamorous relationships

    • Open relationships

    • and other forms of consensually non-monogamous relationships

    We also recognise that relationships can include people who may not fit neatly into traditional relationship categories. This might include metamours, chosen family and other important people within a person's relationship or support system.

  • Relationship therapy is a collaborative process. Your psychologist will work with you to understand what is happening within your relationship and identify patterns, needs and goals that may be helpful to explore.

    You may be encouraged to:

    • reflect on your own experiences, needs and contributions to relationship dynamics

    • explore how each person's individual profile influences the relationship

    • practise new ways of communicating

    • identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck

    • develop strategies for managing conflict and emotional intensity

    • try communication exercises or other activities between sessions

    • build greater understanding of each other's needs

    Change takes time. Unlearning familiar patterns and developing new ways of relating requires patience, practice and a willingness to keep trying.

  • Relationship counselling can involve strong emotions and difficult conversations. We ask everyone to participate in a way that supports the emotional and physical safety of everyone involved.

    This means avoiding threats, intimidation, personal attacks, yelling at another participant or deliberately preventing someone from speaking.

    Your psychologist may pause a conversation, redirect the discussion or end a session if they believe the interaction has become unsafe or unproductive. They may also support you with emotional regulation strategies based on the information you provide.

  • Our relationship counselling follows a "no secrets" approach, informed by the Gottman Method. This means that information relevant to the relationship work is not kept secret between an individual participant and the psychologist. Transparency between participants and the psychologist is intended to help create trust and a safe therapeutic environment.

    Your psychologist will explain how confidentiality works at the beginning of your relationship counselling and answer any questions you have before you begin.

  • Relationship counselling is separate from individual psychological therapy.

    To help maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest, your relationship psychologist will not also act as your individual treating psychologist. This separation helps the psychologist remain focused on the relationship work rather than taking on multiple therapeutic roles.

    If individual support would be helpful, your psychologist can discuss options with you, which may include referral to another clinician.

  • Sometimes one person decides they no longer want to continue with relationship counselling.

    If this happens, your psychologist will discuss the options available with the people who remain. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve closing the combined work or discussing referrals for individual therapy.

    Relationship counselling does not automatically become individual therapy for the remaining participant/s. Any individual psychological treatment would be a separate arrangement requiring its own consent.

  • Our psychologists do not provide Family Court reports, forensic assessments or expert witness services as part of relationship counselling. Clinical records may be subject to lawful requests or court orders, including subpoenas.

    If concerns about family violence, coercive control, child safety or other safety issues arise, your psychologist will discuss these with you and respond according to their professional, ethical and legal obligations. Mandatory reporting requirements may apply in some circumstances.

    If you are looking for mediation or legal services, relationship counselling may not be the appropriate service for your needs.

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