How to find a good relationship counsellor near Doncaster VIC and Melbourne's east

Choosing a relationship counsellor is personal. This practical checklist covers what to look for, questions to ask before booking and how to tell after a session or two whether it's the right fit.

Who is the best couples counsellor in Melbourne's eastern suburbs?

Honestly, there isn't a single "best". There are many skilled counsellors and therapists across Melbourne's east, and what matters is fit: their experience with the issues you're facing, how they work, and whether both of you feel comfortable with them. A counsellor who is ideal for one couple may not suit another. Be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed results.

A checklist for choosing a relationship counsellor

Use this list when you look at websites or talk to practices:

• Couples experience. Working with two people at once is a specific skill. Ask how much of their work is with couples.
• Clear about their background. They should be able to tell you their training and profession, and you can check anything that matters to you.
• Neutral, not taking sides. A good relationship counsellor is on the side of the relationship.
• Inclusive. If you're a same-sex, transgender, de facto, separated or co-parenting couple, check they welcome couples like you.
• Transparent fees and policies. You should be able to see fees, deposits and cancellation terms before you commit.
• Safety awareness. They should ask about safety and explain when joint sessions aren't appropriate.
• Practical fit. Location, parking, public transport, session times and online options.
• Booking is easy. Being able to book online or speak to someone without a long wait helps when you're ready to start.

Questions to ask before you book

A short phone call or a look at the FAQ can answer most of these:

• What does a first session involve?
• Do you see couples together, separately, or both?
• Can we do some sessions online?
• Do we need a referral?
• How often do couples usually come, and how do we review progress?
• What happens if one of us doesn't want to continue?

Questions to ask a marriage counsellor before you start

Whether you call it marriage counselling or couples counselling, it's reasonable to ask a few direct questions before your first session. Couples therapist qualifications vary in Australia, so asking about training and registration is a normal part of choosing well:

• What are your qualifications, and are you registered with a professional body such as the Australian Counselling Association?
• How much of your work is with couples, and with concerns like ours?
• What approach do you use, and how does it fit couples like us?
• How long are sessions, and where can we see the current fees before we book?
• Do you offer online sessions if we can't always come in?
• How does confidentiality work when you see us together and separately?
• What happens if one of us isn't ready to come yet?

Elena Basova, for example, holds a Master of Counselling from Monash University and is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association. Current fees are shown when you book online.

How to tell if it's a good fit after a session or two

You won't feel fixed after the first session, but you should notice some signs that the fit is right:

• You both had time to speak and felt listened to.
• The counsellor slowed things down when it got heated.
• You left with a clearer picture, even if things still feel hard.
• Neither of you felt blamed or ganged up on.

If one of you doesn't feel at ease, say so. A good counsellor will welcome that feedback, and it's fine to try someone else if it still doesn't feel right.

A small exercise before you search

Sit down together for ten minutes and each finish these sentences: "I'd like counselling to help us with..." and "I'd feel comfortable with a counsellor who...". Comparing answers helps you choose, and it gives you a ready answer when the counsellor asks what brings you in. If you're not sure counselling is needed yet, see signs your relationship needs counselling.

Relationship counselling in Doncaster at Midstream Counselling

Midstream Counselling is one option in Melbourne's east. Elena Basova is a relationship counsellor who has supported couples and individuals since 2022, including dating, engaged, married, de facto, separated, co-parenting, same-sex and transgender couples. Read more about Elena.

Sessions take place at 450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108, about 20 minutes from the CBD, with easy access to the Eastern Freeway (M3) and buses along Doncaster Road. Sessions are also available online by secure video anywhere in Australia. No GP referral is needed, current fees are shown when you book online, and a $50 deposit secures your first booking. You can also call 03 9003 2595 or use the contact page.

Marriage counselling in Melbourne's east

Whether you call it couples counselling or marriage counselling, Melbourne east couples receive the same support here. Married couples are welcome alongside couples of every kind, and our guide to marriage counselling in Doncaster covers the details.

Couples therapist in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne: nearby suburbs

Looking for a couples therapist in the eastern suburbs? Melbourne couples come to the Doncaster practice from across the eastern and north-eastern suburbs, including:

• Doncaster and Doncaster East
• Templestowe and Templestowe Lower
• Bulleen
• Balwyn and Balwyn North
• Kew
• Box Hill and Mont Albert
• Donvale and Warrandyte
• Blackburn and Nunawading
• Camberwell
• Ivanhoe and Heidelberg

For directions, see getting to the practice, or read about what couples counselling involves.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a good relationship counsellor near Doncaster VIC?

Look for someone experienced with couples, clear about fees and how sessions work, and convenient to reach or available online. After a session or two, check that you both feel heard and safe, and feel free to try someone else if not.

Is there relationship counselling near Templestowe?

Yes. Midstream Counselling at 450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC, is a short drive from Templestowe and Templestowe Lower, and online sessions are available if travel is difficult.

Do I need a referral to see a relationship counsellor in Melbourne?

No. You can book a relationship counsellor directly without a GP referral or mental health care plan. Medicare generally doesn't cover counselling, but some private health funds offer rebates, so check with your fund.

What if my partner doesn't want to choose a counsellor with me?

You can start on your own. Individual sessions can help you work out what you want, and partners often feel more comfortable joining once someone they trust has been first.

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