welcome to
cloud 9 couples!
I know for many, couples therapy is a step out of their comfort zone, so you should be commended!
first session
The first session is focused on understanding. Understanding what is important to each of you, understanding what is the underlying psychological reasons of why each of you do what you do. I don’t take sides, instead focusing on what needs to be done so each can get most of your core relationship needs met.
I try to help couples progress as fast as they can realistically do so. Don’t worry, with some effort and extra knowledge, you’ll be fine!
payment
My preferred method is PayID, basically an instant bank transfer that pretty much every bank supports. You may pay before or at the session. My PayID is my mobile 0434969900. Very easy to set up. A 60 min session is $150, and a 90 min session is $190.
That’s most of the logistics stuff. If you’d like a couple of principles that I use in a therapy session, read below.
Kind regards,
in session
Many clients come looking for a therapist to tell their partner they are wrong. Unfortunately, this is not a great approach. If your partner feels offended and disengages, you are back to square one.
Instead of right versus wrong, I take a functional versus dysfunctional perspective. Do what works.
“What is the best we can make of this” often gives better results than you might think. Understanding your core relationship needs, and getting them fulfilled as much as possible is the goal.
Try not to recreate arguments in session. I’m not really bothered by arguing, but when you get flooded (when you get so emotionally defensive it overrides what makes sense) it delays progress. Don’t worry, I will get to hearing your perspective!
Sometimes I’ll meet with you individually, often sessions are as a couple.
Pacing. Typically the early sessions are closer together, increasing the gap between them as times goes by and things improve. My goals for you is self-sufficiency, but I’ll be there to support you until then.
