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Recognising and Treating
Relationship Issues

Relationship issues can manifest in various forms and affect couples, family members, and friends. Recognizing the symptoms of relationship issues and taking proactive steps to address them can significantly improve the quality of your relationships. Whether through self-help strategies or professional intervention, working on relationship issues can lead to healthier, more fulfilling connections with others. Some conflict in relationships is inevitable, but there are ways to handle conflict so that it can be constructive.

Conflicts can indicate that some change is needed to keep their relationship healthy and alive. It can be an opportunity to grow and develop. Avoiding conflict meansavoiding important issues which would be better faced and worked out. Having an external person provides couples with a more objective and complex understanding of the underlying causes of conflicts. Learning how to communicate more openly and effectively will be helpful in opening new avenues and possibilities for both partners. Alessandra is trained in Gottman Method (she does not offer Marathon sessions).

Emotional Symptoms:

Frequent Arguments: Constantly fighting or having the same arguments repeatedly.

Resentment: Building resentment over unresolved issues or perceived slights.

Lack of Intimacy: Decrease in physical or emotional closeness.

Communication Breakdown: Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings or avoiding conversations altogether.

Emotional Distance: Feeling disconnected or detached from the other person.

Jealousy and Insecurity: Persistent feelings of jealousy or insecurity about the relationship.

Contempt: Exhibiting disdain or disrespect towards the other person.

Behavioural Symptoms:

Avoidance: Avoiding spending time together or engaging in shared activities.

Withholding Affection: Deliberately withholding love, support, or affection.

Infidelity: Cheating or engaging in secretive behaviour.

Controlling Behaviour: One partner trying to control or dominate the other.

Lack of Cooperation: Refusing to compromise or work together on issues.

Blaming: Frequently blaming the other person for problems without taking responsibility.

Withdrawal: Withdrawing emotionally or physically from the relationship.

Physical Symptoms:

Stress-Related Health Issues: Experiencing health problems like headaches, stomach issues, or sleep disturbances due to relationship stress.

Changes in Appearance: Significant changes in appearance, which might indicate emotional distress.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Medicare Plan?
Medicare does not offer a rebate for couple therapy. Alternatively, certain Private Health Insurances do offer rebates. You will need to enquire directly with your Private Health insurance to see if they offer this.
What is the cost?
The cost of a session is $395 for 90 minutes session.
How many sessions do I need?
Couple therapy is about momentum. It is recommended to have weekly sessions for a period of 3 months. Then follow up after 6 months. Recommendation will be made based on your personal situation.
What is Gottman therapy?
Gottman Therapy is a research-based method developed by Julie and John Gottman. Gottman therapy uses the Sound Relationship House as a metaphor for a secure relationship. The House comprises two weight-bearing and seven floors. The therapist guides the couple through these successive floors to help them achieve a successful, fulfilling relationship. Gottman therapy also identifies factors considered to contribute to relationship difficulties. Gottman therapy focuses on helping couples to develop the skills and understanding they need to manage their perpetual problems. Specific relationship issues that may be addressed include frequent arguments, poor communication, emotionally distanced couples and problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting.
What can I expect from Gottman Therapy?
The therapy generally involves between six and twelve sessions (3 months) although this can vary depending on the interaction patterns and challenges of each couple. The therapy begins with a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship. This comprises a joint session between the couple and the therapist, followed by individual sessions between the therapist and each partner. Each partner will be asked to fill in a questionnaire and undertaken as ‘homework.’ The therapist draws on this initial assessment to provide feedback to the couple and together develop a treatment plan. Once the treatment plan is agreed upon, the couple attend regular sessions for therapeutic interventions and exercises.
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