The short answer is yes.

Couples counselling is one of the more evidence-backed forms of psychological support available. The two most studied approaches, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, both show strong results in peer-reviewed research.

The more important finding is about timing. Research from the Gottman Institute suggests couples wait an average of six years from when problems first emerge to when they seek help. Patterns such as contempt, stonewalling and chronic criticism become significantly harder to shift the longer they go unaddressed.

More than 18,240 Australians have requested couples counselling and relationship therapy through Bark in recent years, reflecting how many people actively seek support.

Compare verified relationship counsellors on Bark and get free quotes. It takes a couple of minutes.

Outcomes aren't guaranteed. They depend on:

• The approach being used
• The counsellor's experience
• How far the relationship has deteriorated
• How willing both partners are to engage

What is the Gottman Method?

The Gottman Method is one of the most researched approaches to couples therapy in the world.

Developed by Dr John Gottman and Dr Julie Gottman, it draws on more than four decades of research into how couples communicate and what predicts separation.

The method identifies four communication patterns that reliably signal relationship breakdown:

• Criticism
• Contempt
• Defensiveness
• Stonewalling

Gottman research refers to these as The Four Horsemen.

A trained practitioner helps couples recognise where these patterns appear and develop more constructive responses.

Sessions are practical as well as reflective. Couples may:

• Review specific arguments
• Identify recurring triggers
• Practise different communication approaches

The Gottman Institute maintains a directory of certified practitioners.

Gottman Method-certified therapists typically charge $200 to $320 per session, reflecting the specialist training involved.

What other approaches do couples counsellors use?

Couples counsellors do not all work in the same way. While some focus mainly on communication skills, others look more closely at emotional patterns, attachment needs or the stories couples have built around their relationship. The right approach often depends on what the couple is struggling with, how long the issue has been going on and what they want to change.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy, commonly known as EFT, is the other major evidence-based approach. Developed by Dr Sue Johnson, EFT is grounded in attachment theory.

Where the Gottman Method focuses on communication patterns, EFT focuses on the emotional bond between partners.

The premise is that most relationship conflict reflects underlying attachment needs rather than poor communication techniques alone.

Sessions help couples:

• Identify the emotional cycle driving conflict
• Understand underlying needs and fears
• Rebuild a more secure emotional connection

Both EFT and the Gottman Method consistently outperform no intervention in research and require specialist training.

If evidence matters to you, ask prospective counsellors:

• What approach they use
• What specialist training they have completed

Other approaches

Other methods commonly used include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for couples
• Narrative Therapy
• The Developmental Model

While these approaches have less research behind them than EFT or Gottman, many practitioners use them successfully.

A good counsellor should explain their methodology clearly during the first session.

How many sessions of couples counselling do you need?

There’s no fixed number. Most counselling programs run between 8 and 20 sessions, depending on the issues being addressed and how deeply established the patterns are.

How many sessions couples typically need (by situation) 

Most couples notice some change within the first 4 to 6 sessions. That’s not necessarily the finish line, but it provides a useful indication of whether:

• The approach is working
• The counsellor is a good fit
• Both partners are engaging effectively

At the national average of $170 per session, a course of six to ten sessions costs approximately $1,020 to $1,700.

When is the right time to try couples counselling?

Earlier than most couples think. The most common mistake is treating counselling as a last resort.

Couples counselling tends to be most effective when communication has started to break down but before patterns become deeply entrenched.

Common triggers include:

• Recurring arguments that never fully resolve
• Growing emotional distance
• A breach of trust
• Major life transitions
• Conflict around significant decisions

None of these require a relationship to be on the verge of ending.

Couples who seek help while there is still goodwill between them generally make faster progress and need fewer sessions.

If any of those situations sound familiar, find a couples counsellor near you on Bark.

What happens in a couples counselling session?

The first session is usually an assessment. The counsellor will ask about:

• The history of the relationship
• The main points of tension
• What each partner wants from counselling

Some practitioners also meet each partner individually before beginning joint sessions.

During ongoing sessions

The format depends on the therapeutic approach.

Gottman-based work often involves:

• Reviewing specific arguments
• Identifying recurring communication patterns
• Practising alternative responses

EFT-based work tends to focus on:

• Emotional experiences beneath conflict
• Attachment needs
• Building emotional safety and connection

Many counsellors assign exercises between sessions, including:

• Structured conversations
• Daily check-ins
• Connection-building activities

The goal is to create new patterns outside the therapy room, not just insight within it.

How much does couples therapy cost in Australia?

The national average for a standard 60-minute session is $170 (exc. GST). Most private practitioners charge between $130 and $250 per session.

Couples counselling fees by practitioner level (2026)

All fees exclude GST.

Couples counselling costs by city (2026)

All fees exclude GST.

Telehealth pricing

Telehealth sessions generally cost $30 to $60 less than face-to-face appointments. Most telehealth sessions fall between $110 and $210, depending on practitioner experience.

For a full breakdown, see Bark's relationship counselling cost guide.

Does Medicare cover couples counselling?

No, joint couples sessions don’t qualify for Medicare rebates.

The Better Access Scheme provides rebates ranging from $92.90 to $137.05 per session, but only for individual appointments.

If one partner has a Mental Health Treatment Plan and attends individual therapy alongside couples counselling, those individual sessions may qualify for a rebate.

Private health insurance

Some extras policies contribute toward counselling costs. Typical benefits range from:

• $20 to $80 per session
• Annual caps between $300 and $800 per person

Check your policy before booking.

Lower-cost alternatives

Relationships Australia

• Sliding-scale fees
• Approximately $0 to $180 depending on income

Family Relationship Centres

• First 1.5 hours free

Centacare and CatholicCare

• Income-tested pricing
• Typically $0 to $100 per session

How do I find the right couples counsellor in Australia?

Credentials matter, but fit matters just as much.

Check accreditation

Look for counsellors accredited with:

• PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
• ACA (Australian Counselling Association)

Psychologists should be registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Confirm their approach

If EFT or the Gottman Method appeals to you, ask whether the practitioner has formal training in that method. Not every couples counsellor has specialist training in evidence-based approaches.

Assess the fit

Most counsellors offer an initial consultation. Use it.

Research consistently shows that the relationship between practitioner and client is one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes.

If either partner feels unable to open up after the first session, trying a different counsellor is reasonable.

Use verified reviews

Bark has 800+ relationship counselling professionals across Australia. Reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insight into:

• Communication style
• Professional approach
• Areas of expertise

Final thoughts

The research on couples counselling is clear enough. It works. It works better when couples seek help early. And the approach being used matters. The biggest variable within your control is timing. 

You can find a couples counsellor near you on Bark, compare verified professionals and request free quotes from practitioners in your area.