Specialising in Couples Counselling in Melbourne
Rebuild closeness, navigate life transitions, and rediscover your bond with evidence-based Gottman Method couples counselling. Available in-person at our Carlton North clinic on weekends, or online on Mondays. We proudly welcome and support couples of all orientations and backgrounds.
Meet Dr Karin
Taking the first step toward couples counselling can feel daunting, but you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. My therapeutic style is warm, transparent, and direct, ensuring both parties feel equally heard, supported, and safe.
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PhD, MA, BA (Psychology), DipCouns
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Completed Level 3 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Approved Gottman Checkup Provider & Referral Network Member
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ACA Registered Level 2 Member, AAMHP Registered Supervisor
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Verified by Psychology Today
Dr Karin du Plessis
PhD (Psychology) MA (Psychology)
BA (Psychology) DipCouns
MACA, Registered Supervisor Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners (AAMHP)
Navigating Conflict, Disconnection, or Life’s Major Transitions
It is incredibly common for couples to hit patches where they struggle to communicate, lose their emotional spark, or feel overwhelmed by a change in life stages. You might find yourselves:
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Trapped in constant conflict, repeating the same arguments without ever finding peace.
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Walking on eggshells and avoiding the core conversations that matter most.
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Feeling lonely and disconnected, living more like detached roommates than romantic partners.
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Struggling to adapt to a new chapter, leaving you feeling out of sync with each other.
Whether you are navigating a major crisis or simply want to ensure your partnership is traveling the best it possibly can, Relationships Squared provides a structured, safe, and completely non-judgmental space to heal.
Common Relationship Challenges We Work With
Relationships are dynamic, and challenges show up differently at every stage. We provide specialised, evidence-based support across a wide range of common couples issues:
Intimacy & Connection
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Helping you break through emotional distance, revive physical affection, and restore deep warmth and fun to your partnership.
Life-Stage Transitions
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Supporting couples navigating the unique pressures of specific milestones—such as reconnecting after having children or realigning goals and meaning when moving towards retirement.
Infidelity Recovery
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Providing careful, structured, and compassionate guidance to process the trauma of broken trust, construct safety, and rebuild an honest foundation.
Pre-Marital Counselling
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Equipping couples with practical, lifelong communication tools and conflict-resolution frameworks before taking the next big step together.
“I can see our future together now and we are so grateful that Karin helped us navigate through the times, from where I thought this was it, to where we are now. She was hugely instrumental in helping us save and grow our relationship.”
“I really liked her warmth, non-judgmental approach and sense of humour. Dr Karin created a safe space that allowed us to open up and talk about how we were feeling, and also offered us candid feedback and celebrated the small wins with us.”
“She brought openness and clarity of purpose. I also liked how Dr Karin advocates for the health of the relationship and shows how this takes work from both parties.”
How We Stand Out: Your 3-Step Path to Clarity
Many couples avoid therapy because they are terrified of being judged or forced into a "blame game." Our approach is entirely fair, balanced, and equal for both partners. We advocate fiercely for the health of your relationship, focusing on practical frameworks rather than pointing fingers.
Getting started is entirely stress-free:
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Step 1: The Free 15-Minute Enquiry Call
A confidential, risk-free phone chat to discuss your unique situation, ask questions, and ensure we are the right fit before you spend a single dollar. -
Step 2: The Systematic Assessment
We deep-dive objectively into your relationship dynamics using the Gottman Questionnaire (note additional fee ~$60) mapping out specific areas of breakdown, highlighting strengths and identifying clear paths toward growth. -
Step 3: Tailored Counselling Sessions
In-clinic or online sessions focused entirely on breaking defensive cycles, learning practical habits, and rebuilding a secure future.
Transparent Fees, Clear Value
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Initial 15-Minute Consultation Call: $0 (Free)
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Standard Couples Counselling Session: $245 per 50-minute session
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What is Included: Personalised sessions with an experienced specialist couples counsellor, using evidence-based Gottman Method frameworks, and practical, actionable materials to support your progress between appointments.
Take the First Step Toward Rebuilding Your Future
Ready to get your relationship squared?
Schedule your free 15-minute introductory phone call today to move your partnership from conflict to connection.
You can book your discovery chat instantly online via our Calendly calendar. On our free 15-minute call, we will briefly discuss what you hope to get out of couples counselling, check my availability against your schedule, and ensure we are a good therapeutic fit. There is no obligation to book a full session.
Ready for a Full Appointment? If you prefer to skip the introductory call and book your first full 50-minute counselling session immediately, you can access our clinical calendar directly through Halaxy