Lifewater Counselling

Why Have Counselling?

As humans, we are wired for intimacy. So, being in a marriage or long term relationship is supposed to be life giving. That said, a relationship with a 'significant other' comes with its challenges, and it's not unusual for couples to need external help at some point; whether from a friend, a relative, or a professional counsellor.

Counselling provides an intentional and safe space to explore behaviours, relationships, feelings, and thoughts. It's a place of growth for new perspectives and improved communication. It can also be a helpful and legitimate source of support during crisis.

Couples who come for counselling may do so for a myriad of reasons: A simple desire for more intimacy or 'connectedness'; feeling stuck in the same arguments or patterns of behaviour; sexual difficulties, broken trust, or a desire to stay together after infidelity. 

Initial Consultation

For new couples's Sandra offers two options:

1. Standard Consultation - A free half hour consultation, allowing you to unpack some of your story and ask any questions. At the end of this, Sandra will offer some thoughts on how she might be able to help, and collaboratively you will form a plan. 
    

2. Gottman Assessment Package (GAP) - This is a powerful tool, used to make a comprehensive assessment of your relational strengths and weaknesses, helping you to identify exactly where things are breaking down. It allows for a more strategic counselling plan, in order to target certain areas. 

The Gottman Assessment Package costs $550, which includes the following:

• 1.5 hour - An introductory couple's session - includes a homework package.

• 2 x 55 minute individual sessions (one for each person in the couple) - in order to go over your paperwork.

• Sandra's time processing the paperwork and developing a counselling plan.

• 1.5 hour - A second couple's session - reviewing paperwork and Sandra's recommendations for a counselling plan. Collaboratively agreeing on this moving forward. 

Couples Counselling Fees & Payments

Specific Needs

Sandra has worked with couples with a wide variety of circumstances. Some of these include:

• abuse • affairs • anger • anxiety • bereavement/loss • co-dependency • depression • questions of faith • divorce/seperation • intimacy issues • communication breakdowns • life transitions • parenting • panic attacks • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • relational/marital discord • self-esteem • shame 

Counselling Process & Techniques

Much of what goes during therapy involves unpacking your story. Your story is important: it speaks of who you both are and where you've come from; what you're finding difficult; and what you'd like to change as a result of counselling.  

According to your needs (individually and as a couple), Sandra may employ a mix of counselling approaches and techniques. If you're interested in discovering more about these, you can read about them on the Counselling Techniques page.

Gottman

As a Level 1 Gottman trained therapist, Sandra leans heavily on the Gottman research and tools for couple's counselling. If you are interested in learning more about this approach, you can take a look at Gottman.com

Personal Development & Homework

It's important to understand from the get-go that, although counselling will provide further insight into your relationship, the onus for your development lies with you as a individuals and as a couple. In line with this, Sandra may assign you homework between counselling sessions. This will allow you to capitalize on your growth outside of the counselling room and make the most of your therapy.