Frequently Asked Questions

​What issues do you help couples with?

We provide evidence-based support for a comprehensive range of relationship dynamics. This includes help with communication breakdowns, emotional distance, conflict management, trust or betrayal recovery, and navigating intimacy or connection struggles. Furthermore, we offer dedicated pre-marital counselling for couples looking to build a strong foundation before marriage, as well as guidance through major life transitions.

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Do you work with same-sex couples and diverse relationships?

Yes. Our practice is fully inclusive and affirming of all couples, including same-sex and LGBTQ+ relationships. While all couples face similar core dynamics—such as managing conflict, building trust, and processing life transitions—we understand and explicitly navigate the unique societal, family, or minority stress factors that can impact queer relationships.

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Is it too late for counselling if we are already considering separation or divorce?

No. Many couples seek therapy when they feel they have hit a crisis point. The Gottman Method is specifically engineered to address deep-seated gridlock and chronic conflict. Even if you are unsure whether the relationship can be saved, the assessment phase provides a structured, clear roadmap that helps both of you make decisions about your future with clarity and mutual respect.

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What happens if we decide to separate during the counselling process?

Success in couples therapy isn't always defined by staying together at all costs. Sometimes, a thorough assessment helps a couple realise that separation is the healthiest path forward. If you choose to end the relationship, therapy transitions into helping you navigate that separation constructively, with clarity, mutual respect, and minimal conflict—which is particularly vital if you are co-parenting children.

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Will you take sides or tell us who is 'right' during a conflict?

No. Dr Karin maintains strict clinical neutrality and a balanced approach. In couples counselling, the individual partners are not the "patient"—the relationship itself is the client. Our focus is never on assigning blame or deciding who won an argument, but rather on identifying the unhelpful behavioural cycles you both get caught in and equipping you with the tools to break them.

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Can couples counselling make things feel more difficult initially?

It is common for relationship tension to temporarily fluctuate as long-standing or sensitive issues are brought to the surface during the early stages of therapy. Unpacking old communication habits can initially feel uncomfortable. However, the Gottman framework aims to help you understand these cycles rather than simply venting about them. Dr Karin provides a structured environment focused on teaching practical de-escalation tools that couples can work on implementing to help manage conflict constructively.

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When is couples counselling not recommended?

Joint therapy is clinically contraindicated and not recommended during active physical aggression or coercive control until individual changes eliminate violence, when there are major ongoing secrets or active infidelity, or when there is a lack of combined commitment from both partners.

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What is the expected time commitment for therapy?

Creating meaningful, long-term behavioural change requires commitment, typically starting with an initial 3 to 6-month timeframe with weekly or fortnightly sessions, and a collaborative progress review after 10 sessions.

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Do we both need to attend every single counselling session?

Except for your private individual intake sessions during the initial 4-to-5 hour assessment phase, all standard ongoing counselling sessions are conducted jointly with both partners present. Therapy is most effective when we observe and work on your communication habits and relationship dynamics together in real-time.

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What happens if my partner is hesitant or refuses to attend?

If your partner is hesitant about ongoing therapy, you can book a Standalone Relationship Health Assessment for a low-pressure, scientific overview of your relationship's strengths and challenges without an immediate long-term commitment.

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​What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Your appointment time is explicitly reserved for you, and automated reminders are sent out three days before your session. You can seamlessly cancel or reschedule your session via the link in your Halaxy confirmation email up to 48 hours prior to your time. Cancellations or changes made with less than 48 hours' notice will incur the full session fee.

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​Are your services confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is paramount, and your sessions are completely confidential outside the therapy room. However, for couples counselling to be effective, it relies on a foundation of openness. To maintain a balanced and transparent space for both of you, we don't hold major secrets between partners. If something clinically significant to the relationship comes up during a private intake, the goal will always be to help you safely bring that insight back into your shared work.

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​Are there any exceptions to confidentiality?

Yes. In accordance with Australian professional and legal standards, confidentiality may be broken only under the following specific circumstances:

• Safety Concerns: If there is a significant risk of imminent harm to yourself or to another person.

• Legal Requirements: If files or information are subpoenaed by a court of law.

• Child Safety: If there is an obligation to report matters relating to child protection issues.

Wherever possible, Dr Karin will always discuss these parameters with you openly before taking any action.

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Do you use AI tools or automated assistants to record our sessions or write notes?

No. To protect your absolute privacy and the sanctity of your sessions, our practice strictly prohibits the use of third-party AI transcription tools, automated recording assistants, or electronic note-taking bots. Every relationship history, session note, and treatment observation is documented manually and securely by Dr Karin. Your private conversations are never processed, fed into, or stored by automated external technology.

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Can we record our couples counselling sessions?

No. To ensure a safe, completely uninhibited space where both partners feel free to express themselves honestly, recording of any session—whether video, audio, or screenshot—is strictly prohibited. This restriction applies equally to face-to-face appointments and online Zoom consultations. However, clients are highly encouraged to write down brief to-do notes or action items during our time together to help you focus on your between-session homework tasks. Capturing or reproducing any part of the therapeutic process via external recording without explicit, mutual written consent undermines the foundation of trust required for effective repair and violates our professional intake agreement.

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What are the technical requirements for online sessions?

Online sessions via Zoom require a stable internet connection, a private and quiet space free from being overheard, and a device with working audio and video capabilities.

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Do you offer court reports, mediation, or separation certificates?

No. Our practice is strictly focused on relationship wellness, repair, and therapy. We do not provide family dispute resolution, legal mediation, court-admissible reports, divorce documentation, or marriage counselling certificates required for couples married less than two years. Furthermore, Dr Karin does not participate in legal proceedings, provide clinical assessments for court use, or act as an expert witness. If you require legal documentation, mediation, or court certificates, you will need to engage an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) or dedicated forensic/legal service.

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Can we bring our children to the session?

No, our sessions are strictly for adults aged 18 and over to maintain a focused and safe environment, and children or minors cannot attend or be left unattended in the waiting area.

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