Relationship Therapy & Couples Counselling in Geelong

In Geelong’s CBD, Barbara Grace (MA, MEd, Grad Dip CEAT), offers ‘Couples Intensive’ sessions that help couples see beyond the anger, emotional withdrawal and loneliness to rebuild loving relationships. Couples are discovering how to break negative patterns that can creep into any relationship and learn how to replace them with successful (and proven) strategies. Internationally respected as a change-maker, Barbara Grace offers a masterful guide towards relational fulfillment.

“I didn’t know what to expect. It’s never easy admitting you need help. But with Barbara’s approach - I knew from the first session that we were in professional and capable hands.” Dan & Michelle - Ocean Grove

When Love Feels Cold

“To love” is a skill that is cultivated, not merely a state of enthusiasm. It is dynamic and active. Imbued with intention and responsibility. And it is a verb.” Esther Perel

You never expected to be here. No one does. You started your relationship with love, desire and hope. At some stage most relationships need extra support. It’s a sign of strength and commitment to get the right help so you can move past ‘bumps’ you’re experiencing.

If you’re seeing yourself:

• Bottling things up and feeling stress invading your body and home life

• Second-guessing what your partner’s thinking instead of enjoying open and straightforward conversations

• Compartmentalising your feelings so you’re barricaded behind a wall to protect yourself

• Holding back from real intimacy for fear of being let down

• Comparing your relationship to others …

Then you’re in the right place.

At the moment you may feel you have no more to give. You may feel flat. Or as if you're carrying a burden you can't put down - especially if there’s been infidelity or substance abuse in the relationship.

“Thanks for your hard work and thoroughness. Your ability to dive deep and uncover some underlying feelings has provided me with an ah ha moment. It’s really taken the pressure off.” (client)

Emotions can feel out of control - tears one minute, anger the next. Emotions are complex and rarely respond to ‘logic’ when your relationship is under threat.

Worse still is watching friends enjoy happiness, fulfillment and connection as you sit on the side lines feeling envious, regretful or even judging yourself as ‘not good enough’.

It doesn't have to be this way.

Your relationship is an investment, you've poured your heart and soul into it, so exploring how you could have a relationship that rekindles the love you originally had will be time well spent.

You may want to explore options without your partner initially, or you may choose to work on your relationship together. Either way you’ll receive a safe and supportive environment that respects your privacy.

When we work together, you'll notice that I use a modern approach. One that locates patterns and reveals insights as to how you’re relating. Instead of laying blame so the other person 'gets fixed' - you'll see yourself talking about your best hopes for your relationship and your deeply felt emotions in a way that helps you both discover a stronger connection.

"Thank you for all you have done, you have made me a better person, dad and husband. Your influence can’t be overlooked. Thank you.” MG

Download 10 FREE Tools to Avoid Relationship Struggles

The approach we'll use is research-based and extremely effective. Regardless of whether your relationship is experiencing infidelity, betrayal, substance abuse, alcoholism or has lost its spark because you no longer communicate in positive and loving ways - I’m confident you'll come away from our time together with a renewed perspective.

A stressful relationship affects everyone around you.

Let's face it, when your relationship is under stress - your whole life feels out of balance. And everyone around you senses it. Your family may feel an anxiousness about you. Your friends hear it in your voice. But most of all you know that every waking moment you're worried about where it may end. And when this level of stress begins amplifying the problems, emotions can skyrocket out of control.

“Thank you for all the enlightenment and awareness you have given me. I’m so grateful to have found you.” R.

This isn’t the life you signed up for. Let me help you navigate these troubled waters and see if you can re-awaken a renewed sense of love, joy and connection.

To start, all you need do is make an appointment. These appointments are for 2 hours - and offer a rich and deep-dive into your relationship - essentially they are ‘couple intensives’.

I’m based in Geelong’s CBD. Appointments are organised through my online calendar. If you prefer, we can also meet online via Zoom.

Address: My office is at 337 Ryrie Street Geelong (2hr free parking is usually available right near the office).

Organise your appointment by using the online booking system below, or by sending me an email: barbara@schoolofmodernpsychology.com if you need further information

Our work together will involve:

• Stabilising emotions

• Reflecting on mindset and beliefs

• Building empathy and renewed connection

• Reflecting on attachment styles and how they may be impacting the relationship

• Learning new communication skills that express feelings and thoughts without blaming and triggering the other

• Understanding each person’s values and needs

• Unpacking the relational 'dance' that has led to where a couple is presently,

• Rebuilding intimacy, and

• Discovering how to process emotions and communicate these using a 'soft startup' rather than parenting your partner with the 'logic' of one's position, which often brings out a defensive stance in the partner.

Pricing:

To give you the best chance of achieving a positive outcome, I run ‘couple intensive’ sessions, which are approximately 2hrs in length (sometimes longer). I’ve found that 1hr sessions aren’t long enough to achieve the depth and insight needed - apart from building new skills.

Currently my rate is $350 for a 2hr ‘couples intensive’ appointment.

To book an appointment, simply choose a day/time that works for you. You’ll be asked for a $50 deposit to secure this appointment.

If your appointment needs to be rescheduled this is easily arranged with 24hrs notice.

For most couples, we meet monthly as there is much to work on in between sessions.

Between sessions, you apply what you’ve been learning in the room, and are supported by an extensive suite of online resources including videos and further exercises.

If, at this time in your life, you’d just like to have the tools and learn the skills independently, I have a very limited offer to purchase these independently of working with me. Find out more here.

To do this, couples who see me also receive access to an online Relationship Building Course to complement the work we do in the office.

This course is normally valued at $497 - however - when you work with me, you receive it as complimentary.

What I’ve found is that couples (who apply what they learn in the room and complement it with the online resources) only need to see me personally for between 3 and 5 sessions.

This means that for less than a weekend to the Gold Coast you’ll have revived your relationship and hopefully future-proofed any issues that may arise.

All you need to do is take the next step and book your appointment. The most convenient way to do this is by using the online calendar.

If you’d like more information, simply email me at barbara@schoolofmodernpsychology.com

Qualifications:

• MA, MEd, Grad Dip CEAT

• Drs Gottman (Levels 1 and 2)

• Terry Real - Relational Life Therapy (Levels 1,2,3)

• PACT with Dr Stan Tatkin (Levels 1 and 2)

• Ellen Bader - Developmental Couples Therapy

• Martha Kraup - Sex therapy

• Hypnosis (Master Practitioner & Trainer)

• Trauma Practitioner with Judith Richards (TRTP)

  Please note: my services are not covered by Medicare, GP Mental Health Plans or by private health insurers.