Find a Mental Health Professional for Relationships & Connection

About Relationships & Connection support

Relationship difficulties are among the most common reasons Australians seek counselling. This category includes support for couples and individuals dealing with attachment issues, infidelity, intimacy concerns, general relationship difficulties, and separation or divorce. Whether you are in a long-term partnership navigating conflict, trying to rebuild trust after betrayal, or working through the emotional aftermath of separation, skilled support is available. Relationship counselling is not only for couples in crisis. Many people see a therapist individually to better understand their patterns in relationships, build secure attachment, or recover their sense of self after a difficult breakup. Couples therapy can help partners communicate more effectively, repair connection, and make informed decisions about the future of their relationship. Common therapeutic approaches include the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Imago Therapy, and CBT-based couples work. Sessions can be held in person or via telehealth, and some practitioners offer evening and weekend appointments to suit working couples. Medicare does not cover couples or joint sessions. It also does not cover sessions with counsellors or therapists who are not AHPRA-registered. Individual sessions with a registered psychologist, accredited mental health social worker, or mental health occupational therapist may attract a Medicare rebate under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, where the focus is the individual's own mental health. Some private health funds provide rebates for couples counselling: check your extras policy for details. Search our directory to find a relationship counsellor or psychologist who suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a couples counsellor or relationship therapist in Australia?

You can search this directory by filtering for the relationships category and your location or telehealth preference. Look for practitioners with specific training in couples therapy, such as Gottman Method certification or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training. It is also worth reading practitioner profiles to get a sense of their approach before making contact.

What does relationship counselling involve?

Relationship counselling is a structured process where a trained therapist helps couples or individuals explore communication patterns, resolve conflict, and strengthen connection. Sessions typically run 50 to 60 minutes and may be in-person or via telehealth. You do not need a referral and can book directly with a counsellor on Mental Health Directory.

Does Medicare cover couples counselling in Australia?

Medicare rebates apply to individual mental health sessions, not couples counselling directly. However, each partner can access individual sessions under their own Mental Health Care Plan, which can complement couples therapy. Some practitioners offer reduced rates and you can filter by bulk billing on Mental Health Directory.

What can I expect from relationship counselling?

In the first session or two, your therapist will typically ask about your relationship history, current concerns, and what you are hoping to achieve. Sessions usually run for 50 to 60 minutes and may involve both partners together or sometimes individually. Many couples find that therapy helps them communicate more effectively and feel more connected, though outcomes and timelines vary depending on individual circumstances and the nature of the concerns.

How many sessions of relationship counselling will I need?

It varies. Many couples see meaningful progress in 6 to 12 sessions. Short-term issues like communication difficulties may resolve faster, while longer-standing patterns or trust breaches typically take more time. Your counsellor will discuss goals and a rough timeline in the first session.

Can relationship counselling help if only one partner is willing to attend?

Yes. Individual therapy focused on relationship patterns can still create significant change, even when a partner will not attend. A counsellor can help you understand your own responses, set boundaries, and communicate more effectively, which often positively affects the relationship dynamic.