Couples Therapy
There are little things..
small shifts in our perception, in our words and in our actions that can make a big difference to the quality of our relationships.
Understanding and shifting our old, unhelpful patterns and beliefs, can also greatly enhance our relationship.
"Relationships aren't one big thing, they're a million little things, every day, for a lifetime"
~ The Gottman Institute
Relationships can be hard… whether you’re single, dating or attached. We feel like we should be able to figure out our relationship and intimacy issues on our own. The reality is most of us didn’t learn how to build healthy and harmonious relationships when we were younger. We often didn’t witness healthy relationships growing up, and films and media may have left us with unrealistic or unhelpful romantic expectations. We can find ourselves stuck in these same painful and frustrating relationship cycles. Reaching out for support can change this.
When one or both of you are neurodivergent
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term which encompasses a variety of conditions and neurotypes. These can include:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Sensory Processing Disorder
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Dyslexia
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Dyscalculia
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OCD
- PTSD and many more..
Neurodivergence can often add a layer of complexity and challenge to our relationships. Traditional couples counselling can be helpful but it might not address the unique issues faced by neurodivergent couples. Ullasa therapist, Cath Harper, has lived experience as a neurodivergent women, as well as training and experience in supporting neurodivergent relationships.
Book your first session
Make a booking by visiting
https://calendly.com/ullasatherapy
Sessions are available in person at Warranwood or online via zoom.
Initial consultations are $250 for a 90 minute session and
ongoing sessions are $170 for 60 minutes.
Is it the right time for us to start couples therapy ?
We can jump into couples therapy with the hopes that our distress will be instantly soothed and our partner magically fixed. But couples therapy can take time and work to start to see the benefits.
It can be incredibly rewarding and life changing, but it takes courage and commitment.
If you want to get the most out of couples therapy, the most value for your money and time. There are a few things to carefully consider before starting couples therapy.
Is working on our relationship our number one priority ?
If you are renovating your home or making a big career change, you may not have the capacity to step into this deeper work at the moment. Only you and your partner know your own capacity and energy levels.
Will we be able to commit to making time for couples work?
In the beginning it is important to make time for regular sessions(often fortnightly), as well as time to practice the exercises suggested. This allows you to get the most out of the therapy.
In general, couples who make appointments sporadically in the beginning (weeks or months apart) or don't have time to commit to practice outside of sessions get little value out of couples work.
Are my expectations for couples therapy realistic?
Couples sometimes come for sessions with the goal of changing their partner. An example of this is where someone wants children and their partner does not. We can spend a few sessions exploring each person's deeper values and dreams around this area but couples therapy is unlikely to change issues of core incompatibility.
Are we in an almost constant state of conflict and/or distress?
This can be the time when we most want to reach out for couples therapy. However, you may get more out of couples therapy once you have both began seeing an individual therapist first. I have seen high conflict couples make progress with couples therapy, but this has only been when they are both receiving regular individual therapy at the same time.
Photograph of first couple with thanks to Unsplash artist Tabitha Turner & photograph of second couple is with thanks to Unsplash artist Nina Hill.
All other photography on this page is by Catharine Harper.