“Melissa is incredibly generous, kind and patient, she made us feel very supported in helping our relationship. I thank you for all the work you put in to giving us the tools to be the best partners to each other that we can.”
Brett & Lauren, 2019 – couple in therapy with Melissa
Couples Counselling & Psychotherapy
How I Work
Melissa is best known for her compassion, non-judgmental style and her capacity to see the root problem quickly. Melissa’s approach to couples counselling is to get to the heart of the problem so she can help you resolve the underlying issues in the ‘here and now’. For best results, Melissa recommends the first scheduled appointment be two hours long for the initial session. Thereafter to be for two to three hours and then eventually step down to one hour. In the long term, this often means couples spend less time overall in couples counselling. Melissa’s main model to help couples is the PACT approach - Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy. For many couples only 2 to 8 sessions are necessary to reach expected goals. Couples only pay for the time used in each session.
PACT was developed out of exciting, cutting-edge research in three areas - neuroscience, attachment theory and biology of human arousal. Melissa believes that understanding the unconscious process between couples is central to change in creating love and connection. Unconscious dynamics that are set down strongly due to how the brain works, how we are shaped in relationships and early relational trauma or attachments is what Melissa uses to understand relationships. This model works with the core issues created by a couple together unconsciously leading them towards secure functioning.
What can I expect when we first meet with Melissa?
Your sessions will include:
· Addressing your primary concerns
· Talking with your partner while Melissa observes and comments
· Interviews to identify attachment styles
· Learning and practicing effective communication techniques
· Exercises to help you feel safe and secure with your partner
At the initial consultation Melissa will create a plan built for you that outlines the level and type of support you will need based on the crisis level in your relationship, and will explain how she will assist you in steering your relationship to a safe and secure place. Melissa’s primary aim is to help you create a relationship that you can manage yourself emotionally well on a daily basis, no matter the issues that may arise. Also, if you relationship issues are sexual in nature PACT couples therapy is psychobiological which is also specific to sex and sexuality.
COST:
$300.00 per 60 minutes
Appointment Cancellations
Please understand that appointment times are limited. If you must cancel your appointment, we respectfully request 48 hours notice. Payment of $300 (for the first 1 hour of your session) will be taken on confirmation of your booking. This payment is non-refundable.