MidstreamMarriage counselling in Doncaster VIC: what it is, when to go and what to expect
A practical guide to marriage counselling in Doncaster VIC and Melbourne's eastern suburbs: the signs it is time, what sessions are like, cost and Medicare, and how to start.
What is marriage counselling?
Marriage counselling (also called marriage therapy or couples counselling) gives both partners a calm, neutral space to talk about what isn't working, with someone who is on the side of the relationship rather than either person. The counsellor helps you slow conversations down, notice the patterns that keep repeating and practise new ways of listening, responding and repairing after conflict.
It isn't about deciding who is right. It is about understanding what is happening between you, so you can choose what happens next with clarity.
When should you go to marriage counselling?
Research from the Gottman Institute suggests couples wait an average of about six years after problems start before seeking help. Coming earlier usually makes the work easier. Common reasons couples reach out:
- The same argument keeps coming back and never gets resolved.
- You feel more like flatmates than partners, or affection has faded.
- Trust has been broken by an affair or by secrecy around money, phones or friendships.
- A big life change has knocked you off course: a new baby, a move, illness, redundancy, grief or the kids leaving home.
- One of you is thinking about separating and you want to be sure, or to separate respectfully.
- You are about to marry and want strong foundations (pre-marriage counselling).
What happens in a session?
The first session is a conversation. We talk about what brings you in, what each of you hopes will change and what you've already tried. Later sessions focus on the patterns between you: how conflict starts and escalates, what each partner needs underneath the argument, and practical tools for communicating, repairing and reconnecting. Sessions are calm, structured and paced so both partners feel heard. Some sessions may include time with each partner individually.
Does marriage counselling work?
Marriage counselling tends to help most when both partners take part and come before problems become entrenched. It can't promise a particular outcome, but many couples notice a difference within the first four to six sessions: fewer escalating arguments, more understanding and clearer decisions about the future, together or apart.
Marriage counselling vs couples therapy
In Australia the terms are used almost interchangeably. "Marriage counselling" is simply couples counselling for married partners. The same approach suits de facto, engaged, separated, same-sex and transgender couples.
How much does marriage counselling cost?
Fees depend on the type and length of session; current options and prices are shown when you book online. A $50 deposit secures your first appointment. Medicare generally doesn't cover marriage or couples counselling, and some private health funds offer rebates for counselling under extras cover, so it's worth checking with your fund.
Marriage counselling after an affair
Trust repair after infidelity is one of the most common reasons couples come in. The first step is steadying the crisis so that decisions aren't made in shock. From there, we work on understanding what happened and deciding together whether, and how, to rebuild.
Marriage counselling in Doncaster and Melbourne's eastern suburbs
The practice is at 450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108, with easy access to the Eastern Freeway (M3) and buses along Doncaster Road. Couples come to us from across Melbourne's east and north-east, including:
- Doncaster and Doncaster East
- Templestowe and Templestowe Lower
- Bulleen and Balwyn North
- Balwyn and Kew
- Box Hill and Box Hill North
- Mont Albert and Surrey Hills
- Donvale and Park Orchards
- Warrandyte and Wonga Park
- Blackburn and Nunawading
- Camberwell and Canterbury
- Ivanhoe and Heidelberg
- Ringwood and Mitcham
Read more about getting to the practice.
Online marriage counselling across Australia
If travelling is hard, online sessions run by secure video, so you can attend from home anywhere in Australia, or join from different places if one of you is away. Read more about couples and marriage counselling in Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a referral for marriage counselling?
No. You can book marriage counselling directly, without a GP referral or a mental health care plan.
Is marriage counselling covered by Medicare?
Generally no. Medicare rebates under a mental health care plan apply to psychologists and some other registered providers, and they don't usually cover marriage or couples counselling. Some private health funds offer rebates for counselling, so check with your fund.
How many marriage counselling sessions will we need?
It varies. Some couples come for a few sessions to work through one issue; others prefer ongoing support over several months. Many notice a difference within the first four to six sessions.
What if my husband or wife won't come?
You can start on your own. Individual sessions can help you understand the relationship and decide what you want, and many partners join later once they see it is a safe, non-judgemental space.
Where is marriage counselling available near me in Melbourne's east?
Midstream Counselling is at 450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC, close to Templestowe, Bulleen, Balwyn, Box Hill and Kew, and about 20 minutes from the CBD. Sessions are also available online across Australia.