The couples therapy process initially involves a thorough assessment of what brings you to therapy, an oral history is taken, identifying your relationship strengths and problem areas, as well as individual bio-psycho-social assessments. Couples will be required to complete an individual online questionnaire each (in their own time, which can take up to an hour to complete), known as the 'Gottman Relationship Check-up' in order for a full assessment and report to be generated.
Once the assessment phase is completed, verbal feedback and a full report and treatment planning will take place, where Renee Slym will collaborate with couples on the areas of difficulty and a plan of how you might proceed. After the assessment phase, it varies by couple as to how many therapy sessions might be required. However, we would recommend allowing for up to 6 sessions.
Following is a breakdown of the schedule.
- SESSION 1: 90 minutes. Both individuals attend together for the initial assessment. Includes Gottman Relationship Check-up online questionnaire (subsequent report to be provided)
- SESSION 2: 50 minutes. One individual session and assessment for each partner.
- SESSION 3: 90 minutes. Both individuals attend a feedback session and treatment planning.
- Ongoing 90-minute therapy sessions as required.
During the assessment or feedback sessions, it may be recommended that couples do not progress with therapy (couples therapy may be contraindicated). Examples of circumstances where therapy is contraindicated include:
- if there is a history of or current characterological violence or coercive control within the relationship
- a current ongoing affair
- one member of the couple does not wish to work on strengthening the relationship or does not wish to pursue couples counselling
- one member of the couple or a close family member is currently engaged in individual therapy with me or has done so within the last two years
- the couple is involved in a polyamorous relationship (this requires a specialist relationship therapist)
- current family court or related legal proceedings are taking place
In some circumstances, it may be recommended that individual psychological assistance be sought prior to or instead of seeking couples therapy. This may include circumstances where:
- current problematic substance misuse or acute mental health issues are requiring more urgent individual psychological intervention
- one member of the couple does not wish to strengthen the relationship or to pursue couples counselling
Our standard intake form includes information about our confidentiality policy. Your confidentiality as a couple will be upheld in alignment with our confidentiality policy. It is important to note, however, that when working with couples, Renee's philosophy is that she does not keep secrets from individuals within a couple. This enables full transparency, non-bias and an opportunity to explore any issues as they arise upon a foundation of trust, openness and mutual respect.
Renee is a registered Clinical Psychologist who is trained to provide relationship counselling to LGBTQI+ and heterosexual couples. Information about her broader training and other areas of interest can be found in her bio. In her work with couples, she is trained and certified in utilising the Gottman Method. The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy founded by Clinical Psychologists Drs John and Julie Gottman. Their method is designed to help teach specific tools to strengthen relationships, to productively manage conflict and utilise dialogue in situations where couples become 'gridlocked' by perpetual issues. More information can be found on their website here: https://www.gottman.com.