Who is Couples Therapy for? All your questions about Couples Counselling, Marriage Counselling, or Relationship Therapy ANSWERED [Part 1]

Couples therapy is often thought of as something only couples in crisis need, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Who is Couples Therapy for?

In reality, therapy can be a powerful tool for any couple—whether you're facing specific challenges or simply want to strengthen your connection. Whether you're navigating communication struggles, dealing with past hurts, or preparing for a new chapter in your relationship, couples therapy can provide the support and guidance needed to build a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.

At Kaki Psychology, we work with individuals and couples at all stages of their relationship journey. From those who are engaged and preparing for marriage to those who have been together for years and want to deepen their bond, therapy can provide the tools to move forward with confidence, clarity, and mutual understanding.

Remember, couples therapy isn’t just for when things feel broken—it's for anyone who wants to improve their relationship.

How would Couples Therapy help?

• Increase Communication Effectiveness
  If you feel like you're constantly misunderstanding each other, therapy can help you find better ways to express your needs and listen deeply.

• Conflict Resolution
  Disagreements are natural, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Learn effective tools to navigate tough conversations without damaging your connection.

• Long-term Relationship or Marriage Growth
  Strong relationships require ongoing effort. I’ll help you build a foundation that thrives through shared goals, trust, and mutual respect.

• Engaged Couples Preparing for Marriage
  Planning your life together? My pre-marriage therapy will give you the tools to start your marriage with clarity, communication, and a deeper understanding of each other.

• Improving Attachment Styles
  Whether you struggle with anxious attachment or avoidance, we can explore ways to create a more secure emotional bond.

• Healing from Relationship Injuries
  If past relationships or childhood wounds are affecting your current relationship, therapy can help you heal, grow, and show up as your best self for your partner.

• Personal Growth for You and Your Partner
  Are you both on a journey of self-improvement? Couples therapy can help you grow together, with deeper connection and understanding.

• Navigating Difficult Life Transitions

  Life is unpredictable. You may start family planning, have difficulties with conception, experience an employment setback, become estranged with a family member, have sudden caretaking duties for an ill family member. These stressful life events can put a strain on your relationship and require you to adapt and negotiate needs and responsibilities. Couples Therapy can help with those difficult conversations.

Why Choose Couples Therapy with Dr. Natasha Tung at Kaki Psychology?

I believe in a personalised approach to couples therapy. Unlike generic advice you might hear on podcasts or read in books, I work with you and your partner to address your unique challenges based on your specific context and history. While I draw on the wisdom of experts like The Gottmans, Emotion Focussed Therapy (Sue Johnson), Esther Perel and Brené Brown, my therapy focuses on your real-life issues, helping you move forward with clarity and actionable tools. Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:

• Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  As an Asian female psychologist who have spent over a decade in Australia, I bring a culturally informed perspective to therapy, ensuring that the nuances of family dynamics, intergenerational expectations, immigrant mentality, tension between opposing values, and cultural identity are thoughtfully integrated.

• Empathy and Understanding
  My approach is relationship-focused, empathetic, and empowering. I believe in meeting you where you are and guiding you through the process in a supportive, non-judgmental way. I believe that labels are only as helpful to the extent in which they allow for communication and moving forward. Otherwise, I avoid pathologising and encourage empathy and experiential understanding of one another.

• Tools for Long-Term Success
  I don’t just offer short-term fixes—I provide you with the skills and tools that can sustain your relationship over time. We’ll address communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and attachment, helping you strengthen your connection in meaningful ways.

• Commitment to Your Growth
  I work with individuals and couples who are dedicated to their personal growth. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bond, heal from past wounds, or deepen your intimacy, I’m here to help you take the next step.

What You Can Expect in Therapy

Couples therapy with me is all about creating a safe space for growth and understanding. Here’s a breakdown of what our sessions might look like:

1. Initial Consultation
   During our first session, we’ll discuss the current dynamics of your relationship, identify key areas of concern, and outline your goals for therapy. This is a space for both partners to express themselves openly.

2. Building Communication Skills
   I’ll help you develop healthier communication habits, allowing you to talk about difficult topics without escalating conflicts. You’ll learn to listen with empathy, share openly, and understand each other’s perspectives. My Role: I act as an observer and a facilitator of your communication with one another. My role isn’t to judge or to be the arbitrator of right and wrong. I don’t take sides. I’m here to support your conversation with each other. I don’t believe there’s one objective right way to do a relationship. Rather, there’s what may be more helpful or unhelpful in your specific relationship, and what uniquely works for both of you. The relationship and your dynamic are the priorities.

3. Addressing Emotional and Attachment Issues
   We’ll explore how past experiences, including previous relationships and childhood dynamics, may be affecting your relationship today. Together, we’ll work to heal emotional wounds and build a secure bond.

4. Conflict Resolution Strategies
   We’ll equip you with strategies to handle disagreements respectfully, helping you avoid patterns of escalation and finding solutions that work for both of you.

5. Long-Term Relationship Development
   I’ll help you set goals for your relationship, improving intimacy, building shared values, and strengthening your connection long after our sessions end.

Pre-Marriage Therapy

Preparing for marriage? Pre-marriage therapy can help you and your partner lay a solid foundation for your future together. Together, we’ll explore your individual values, goals, and expectations to ensure that your relationship is built on strong communication and shared understanding.

What if my partner is NOT READY for Couples Therapy?

It’s natural to want to fix things when you’re facing challenges in your relationship. If you’re already considering couples therapy, it’s a sign that you care deeply about improving your connection with your partner. But what happens if your partner isn’t on board with therapy yet? You’re not alone—this is a common concern, and the good news is that there are still things you can do to improve your relationship, even if your partner isn’t ready to take that step just yet.

Therapy for Personal Growth

Personal growth is essential for a healthy relationship. If you’re on a self-improvement journey, I’ll guide you on how to bring that growth into your partnership, allowing you both to evolve together in a healthy and supportive environment.

FAQs

How long do sessions last?
Couples therapy sessions last 50 mins but are structured and priced differently to Individual therapy.

In-person appointments are required for couples during initial sessions for a more effective treatment.

You’ll meet me

• First as a couple for our first assessment

• You will each complete a Gottman Assessment before your individual sessions

• Then meet me individually

• Lastly for a feedback session as a couple

You’ll then continue to meet me as a couple, with individual sessions as needed.

These sessions will start off more intensive, ideally weekly to fortnightly for a few months to effectively support you with your goals.

How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your goals and the challenges you face. Many couples start by committing to a few sessions and then reassess based on progress. Regular sessions are important to maintain momentum in working on your therapy goals and typically, 3-6 months is the minimum amount of time required for meaningful and sustained change.

Is couples therapy really necessary if we're not in crisis?
Absolutely! Therapy isn’t just for couples in crisis—it can be incredibly helpful for those who want to improve communication, deepen intimacy, or prepare for major life changes like marriage, family planning, and other significant life transitions.

Discover more about what to expect and the treatment approaches of Couples Therapy at Kaki Psychology.

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If you’re ready to strengthen your relationship and build a deeper, more meaningful connection with your partner, couples therapy at Kaki Psychology can help. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, resolve conflicts, or heal from past wounds, I’m here to guide you through the process with empathy, understanding, and proven strategies. Don’t wait for challenges to become overwhelming—take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling relationship today.

Contact Kaki Psychology, Prahran-based Clinical Psychology and Couples Therapy Clinic to book your session and start your journey towards a stronger, more connected partnership.

📍 Kaki Psychology, Prahran, Melbourne
✉️ Book a session today by completing the Contact Form
📞 Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call to discuss your Therapy Needs

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For more insights on building emotional skills, improving relationships, and managing life’s challenges, check out my video reels on Instagram (@kakipsychology). These bite-sized psychoeducation clips offer practical strategies to help you cultivate emotional awareness, improve communication, and navigate relationships with confidence. Follow along for more expert guidance!