Our fees are as below:

Couples Sessions – Full fees:
$230–$240 per 50-minute session (varies by practitioner), plus a one-off Relationship Assessment Survey (Gottman Connect, USD $39)

Pre-marriage Sessions – Full fees:
$230–$240 per 50-minute session (varies by practitioner), plus a one-off Relationship Assessment Survey (Prepare/Enrich, AUD $46)

Individual Counselling – Full fees:
$170–$240 per 50-minute session (varies by practitioner)

Individual Psychology – Full fees:
$240 per 50-minute session
(Medicare rebates available with a current Mental Health Care Plan)

Couples Sessions (2 hours):
$460–$480 per 110-minute session (varies by practitioner), plus the one-off Relationship Assessment Survey (as above)

Fast-Track Pre-Marriage:
$920–$960, plus the one-off Relationship Assessment Survey (Prepare/Enrich, AUD $46)
(4-hour session)

Marathon Sessions:
Fees start at $5,250 (with a Registered Counsellor) or $5,650 (with our Senior Psychologist) + accommodation, plus the one-off Relationship Assessment Survey (Gottman Connect, USD $39)

After Hours & Saturday Surcharge:
A surcharge of $20 applies to weekday sessions at or after 5:30pm, and Saturdays

Most couples need about six to 12 sessions, depending on what you are working on. Some situations take longer.

You can start with one session, but booking a few ahead helps you keep regular times, as availability fills up.

Due to high demand, we recommend booking 5 sessions if you would like regular appointments. You do not need to make payment at the time of booking, and can always cancel with enough notice without a late cancellation fee (see Terms and Conditions).

Medicare rebate is available for Individual Psychology with a plan from your GP (rebate is $92.90, out-of-pocket of $107.10).

Medicare rebate is not available for Individual Counselling - the overall cost similar to psychology out-of-pocket.

Couples Therapy, whether provided by a counsellor or a psychologist, is not able to be rebated by Medicare - a Medicare rebate will not apply for any couples service anywhere in Brisbane, (or throughout Australia - as this is decided by Medicare).

Your Private Health provider is the best place to seek this information, as it depends both on your exact policy type and the Health Fund themselves.

We prefer one week’s notice ahead of your scheduled appointment so that we can offer the time to others and allow them adequate time to respond.

You can rearrange you bookings up to 48 hours (2 business days) ahead with no penalty. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice (2 business days) attract a fee of 50% of the session cost. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice (1 business day) incur a fee of 100% of the session cost. Non-attendance also incurs a fee of 100% of the session cost.

Further details appear here: https://www.lighthouserelationships.com.au/terms-of-service)

You need to be well to attend any face to face appointments for the health and safety of your practitioner and other clients who attend Lighthouse Relationships. If you are unwell and still want to meet, we can organise a video session over Zoom. Alternatively, you may wish to cancel your session - there is no late cancellation fee for sickness; just call or email to let us know.

Our number is (07) 3477 9077, or you can email your practitioner directly (their email address appears on the confirmation email for your session).

Please note that waiving cancellation fees in case of sickness is a policy extended in good faith. Where late cancellations due to illness become a recurring pattern, we reserve the right to review its application on a case-by-case basis.

We love kids (most of us are parents ourselves!) Unfortunately, babies and children are not able to come into a session - including having your child in the same room with you during a Telehealth / Zoom session.

This is in line with best practice for therapy and minimising risk of harm. The research indicates that children (including babies) of all ages can sense and are influenced by distress in a parent. Given that therapy can be a place where distress is being processed and worked through, this potential harm poses a risk to the child.

We also need to let you know you are not able to leave your child in our waiting area, as we don’t supervise this space or provide childcare.

Please plan for childcare, if necessary, well before the date of your session.

Unfortunately, we are unable to have the same practitioner facilitating your relationship counselling and individual counselling. This is in line with best practice and industry standards; if interested, we have provided reasons below.

Fortunately, we have multiple practitioners and also a good referral network with other Brisbane-based therapists and can often make referrals within Brisbane for your needs.

Reasons your relationship counsellor ought not also be your individual therapist:

Unbiased Approach and Effective Focus: Having separate therapists for individual and couples' therapy allows for an unbiased approach in addressing relationship issues and individual issues. Each therapist can more effectively focus solely on their respective clients’ needs without being influenced by information from the other sessions.

Confidentiality and Trust: Couples' therapy relies on open communication and trust between partners. If the same therapist is also handling individual sessions, it could lead to concerns about confidentiality and privacy. Couples may be hesitant to share personal issues if they believe their individual concerns might be shared with their partner during joint sessions.

This view on avoiding the complications and potential harms of multiple relationships is supported by the Australian Psychological Society as noted in their paper, “Ethical guidelines for managing professional boundaries and multiple relationships.”

When your partner doesn't want to participate in relationship counselling, it can be worthwhile gently exploring what their reasoning is. People have all sorts of reasons that they may avoid engaging, and have a respectful dialogue can be worthwhile.

For relationship counselling to be effective, there does need to be a willingness to at least come along to meet the therapist for the first session.

If you are unsuccessful for the moment in inviting your partner to couples therapy, you can still engage in therapy on your own. It may seem strange to see a couples therapist on your own, but engaging in individual therapy with a therapist who understands the dynamics of how couples work can help you change the way you relate to your relationship.

There are several situations where the relationship counselling is not suitable.

Domestic Violence

Safety is important. If there is domestic violence, safety becomes the first concern. If you are in this situation, contact 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 and seek advice on safety - ways to stop the violence or remove yourself from danger.

If there is historic domestic violence (happened in the past, but all parties currently feeling safe), it is still possible to engage in couples therapy, but be sure to discuss with your couples therapist so they can help assess and make recommendations.

Problematic use of Alcohol or other Drugs

An unacknowledged drug or alcohol problem can have the effect of derailing progress in couples therapy if it continues to be ignored or denied. Current drug or alcohol problems do not prevent you beginning couples therapy, however, during early session - the assessment phase - your couples therapist will ask about this area as part of taking a comprehensive individual history of each person. Your therapist will be in a position to make recommendations after this assessment process. One possible outcome of assessment is that couples therapy can go ahead alongside specialised individual treatment of the substance problem.

Ongoing Affair

Affair Recovery is an evidence-based process that we offer at Lighthouse Relationships. However, therapy is not recommended in situations where a partner is in an ongoing affair with another person.

This can be discussed in early couples therapy sessions, and will be assessed as part of the relationship history your therapist will be taking.

We apologise that Lighthouse Relationships is not an emergency service.

Life in Danger - If you or someone else are in life threatening danger, call triple zero (000) immediately.

Other Emergencies

Lifeline phone 13 11 14 or see website / webchat

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or see website

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 

Parentline 1300 30 1300 

Kids Helpline (age 5 to 25 years) Call 1800 55 1800 or see website / webchat

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 

1800 Respect - 1800 737 732 

SANE Australia 1800 18 7263 

PANDA (perinatal anxiety and depression) 1300 726 306 

Griefline 1300 845 745

As mentioned, Lighthouse Relationships is not an emergency service. We operate by providing treatment during booked sessions, and our clinicians are not able to provide support outside of bookings or in emergency situations. We are unable to commit to responding to emails, messages or phone calls in which there is an expectation of emergency support.

We are able, during appointments, to discuss a safety plan if this is relevant for you. This plan may include contacting some of the above numbers when an emergency arises.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy is an approach that includes a detailed assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates evidence-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory.

The aims of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to develop quality verbal communication, develop healthy conflict styles, increase intimacy, respect, and affection and build empathy.

Yes! We provide relationship counselling face to face in Brisbane from our office in Clayfield, Brisbane; as well as online via Zoom.

All our practitioners are warm, empathetic, and trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, a style of therapy which is the gold standard amongst the various types of couples counselling / relationship therapies available.

Both counsellors and psychologists are professionals who provide mental health support and therapy, but there are differences in their education, training, and scope of practice.

Psychologists' education and training allow them to diagnose and treat a broader range of mental health conditions.

Counsellors, on the other hand, often have a more focused scope of practice and may not diagnose mental health disorders

When it comes to relationship counselling, our counsellors and psychologists have identical training (in Gottman Method Couples Therapy).

Lighthouse Relationships provides all session times in Brisbane time (I.e. Australian Eastern Standard Time).

Please note that Brisbane - along with all of Queensland - does not observe Daylight Savings time as it is in the southern states of Australia.

The short answer is ‘no’, as Medicare only rebates individual psychology sessions, and not couples therapy, whether the couples therapy is with a psychologist or counsellor.

Keep in mind that if your aim is to seek marriage or relationship counselling, it's preferable to work with a professional who specialises in this area, and one with whom you feel a level of trust or connection within the first session.

Look for relationship counsellors with specific training in a research-based method of couples therapy, (such as Gottman Method Couples Therapy, or Emotion-focussed Couples Therapy). Those with specialised training of this kind are more adept at handling couples' dynamics and specific challenges related to relationships.

Ultimately, the key to a successful experience lies in finding the right relationship counsellor. Their expertise and specialisation will be instrumental in providing valuable support and guidance to navigate through the relationship issues you may be facing.

Research shows that most couples who attend therapy, up to 80%, report meaningful improvements in their relationship (Carr, 2025; Roddy et al., 2020). Every relationship is different, but couples therapy is a well-researched option, not a gamble.

Talking about long-avoided issues can feel uncomfortable at first, and that's a normal part of the process. Your therapist helps keep those conversations safe and constructive.

References: Carr, A. (2025). Couple therapy and systemic interventions for adult-focused problems: The evidence base. Journal of Family Therapy, 47(1), e12481. Read the review. Roddy, M. K., Walsh, L. M., Rothman, K., Hatch, S. G., & Doss, B. D. (2020). Meta-analysis of couple therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 88(7), 583-596. Read the abstract.

Yes. Couples therapy has more than 40 years of research behind it, and reviews consistently confirm it is effective for relationship distress. On average, a person who has couples therapy is better off at the end than 70 to 80% of people who don't, an improvement rate that matches or exceeds the most effective treatments for individual mental health conditions (Lebow & Snyder, 2022).

Couples in therapy show large improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication and emotional closeness, and these gains are generally maintained after therapy ends. Couples on waiting lists, by comparison, don't improve on their own (Roddy et al., 2020). For relationship distress, couples therapy is also more effective than individual therapy (Carr, 2025).

Every couple at Lighthouse works with a trained clinician using the Gottman Method, an approach built directly on this research.

References: Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process, 61(4), 1359-1385. Read the article. Roddy, M. K., et al. (2020). Meta-analysis of couple therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 88(7), 583-596. Read the abstract. Carr, A. (2025). Couple therapy and systemic interventions for adult-focused problems: The evidence base. Journal of Family Therapy, 47(1), e12481. Read the review.

Several approaches are well established by research, including Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and behavioural couple therapies, and well-researched approaches have broadly similar results (Lebow & Snyder, 2022).

At Lighthouse, every counsellor uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy. It is built on more than 40 years of research by Drs John and Julie Gottman into what helps relationships last, and it led the way in bringing that science into the therapy room (Lebow & Snyder, 2022). It starts with a thorough assessment of your relationship, then gives you practical, research-based tools you can use at home.

Reference: Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process, 61(4), 1359-1385. Read the article.

Unfortunately, one of the most common ‘downsides’ of relationship counselling is that couples often initiate the process when their relationship is already in a critical state.

It is important to note that relationship counselling needs to work in tandem with both members of a partnership being willing to engage and to expend effort in order to benefit.

Long-standing issues that have been left unresolved for an extended period cannot be expected to be completely resolved within a short duration of counselling, especially when the relationship is on the verge of separation.

However, it is never too late, if both people are willing to contribute to a successful outcome. Successful relationship counselling typically requires commitment, time, and consistent effort from both partners.

A positive aspect to highlight is that couples counseling itself is an exceptionally valuable tool that can greatly enhance your relationship with your partner.

Through the process, you can experience improvements in communication, gain a deeper understanding of each other, and strengthen the bond between you both.

At Lighthouse Relationships Psychology and Counselling - Brisbane, our hope is to provide couples with the chance to cultivate a robust, secure, trusting, and happy relationship that stands the test of time. We are dedicated to guiding and supporting couples on their journey towards a lasting and fulfilling partnership.

For all practical purposes, the terms ‘couples therapy’, ‘couples counselling’, and ‘relationship counselling’ are identical and are frequently used interchangeably.

For all practical purposes, the terms 'couples therapy', 'couples counselling', and 'relationship counselling' are virtually synonymous and are often used interchangeably in the field of therapeutic support for couples. While slight variations in wording may exist, they all refer to the same process of professional intervention aimed at assisting couples in addressing their relationship challenges and enhancing their emotional connection.

Whether it's called couples therapy, couples counselling, or relationship counselling, the central focus remains on helping partners navigate through their difficulties, improve communication, and foster a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. The primary goal across these terms is to provide a safe and supportive space where couples can explore their concerns, gain insights into their dynamics, and work together towards positive and lasting changes.

So, regardless of which term is used, the underlying purpose is to empower couples with the tools and guidance they need to build a stronger and more harmonious partnership.

Lighthouse Relationships Psychology and Counselling - Brisbane aims to offer couples the opportunity to build a strong, safe, trusting and happy relationship to last the test of time.

Our rooms are located upstairs and are accessed by stairs - unfortunately we do not have a lift. We recognise this won't suit everyone, and we don't want it to be a barrier to receiving support.

If stairs are difficult for you, we warmly offer telehealth appointments via Zoom. Many of our clients find video sessions just as comfortable and effective as meeting in person, with the added convenience of connecting from home. Whether it's for an individual session or couples work, we're happy to arrange this for you.

If you have any questions about access or would prefer telehealth, please get in touch - we'd be glad to help you find the option that works best.

For most couples, no. Research finds that couples in therapy show large improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication and emotional closeness, while couples who wait without help generally don't improve on their own (Roddy et al., 2020). Talking about long-avoided issues can feel uncomfortable at first. That's a normal part of the process, not a sign it's failing, and your therapist helps keep those conversations safe and constructive. You don't need to wait until things are really bad: ongoing relationship distress affects both partners' health and children's wellbeing too (Lebow and Snyder, 2022). Read more in our article Can couples therapy make things worse? What the research says.

References: Roddy, M. K., et al. (2020). Meta-analysis of couple therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 88(7), 583-596. Read the abstract. Lebow, J., & Snyder, D. K. (2022). Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process, 61(4), 1359-1385. Read the article.