Couples counselling is a process where both partners work together with a trained counsellor to better understand and navigate the challenges in your relationship. It is a confidential space where both of you can express yourselves openly, explore the underlying dynamics in your relationship, and work toward stronger connection.

In my work with couples, I draw primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which uncovers negative cycles and works with the layers of emotions that lie underneath. Rather than assigning blame to either sides, we will slow down, take a step back and understand the patterns that have been keeping you stuck. Together, we will explore new ways of relating to one another.

Couple counselling is intended for any form of committed couple - married, engaged, dating, or long-term partners. Common reasons for attending counselling may include communication breakdown, recurring conflict, loss of connection, trust issues, or challenges navigating life transitions.

With that said, some couples come simply because something feels off and they can't fix it on their own. You don't need to be on the brink of breakup or divorce to benefit. Coming in to counselling sooner often leads to quicker and better outcomes.

In the first few sessions, we’ll get to know each other and understand what’s bringing you in. This often includes meeting as a couple as well as having some individual sessions with each of you, so I can hear both shared and personal perspectives.

Throughout our work, we’ll be focusing on the relationship patterns and cycles happening between you. Rather than just talking about the content of your disagreements, we’ll slow down to understand what’s really happening underneath, especially the emotions and longings that underlie these cycles. As you both learn to share these more openly with each other and respond in new ways, you can build a more secure and lasting connection.

I generally see couples for 6–10 sessions, although this may be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of the case.

The 3-session package (RM800) would be a good way to get started on this process, giving us some time to start understanding the patterns in the relationship and see some initial changes.

Each session is RM300 (75 minutes), with the option of RM800 for a 3-session package. Sessions are available in-person at Petaling Jaya (recommended) or online.

First of all, I want to acknowledge that this is a very common scenario. I have spoken to many partners who are faced with this situation.

My honest response: I won't pressure your partner, and neither should you - counselling doesn't work well with coercion. I've written a blogpost specifically on this topic where I share about what you can do if your partner is unwilling.

The short answer is - it depends. Many factors come into play, including how long the difficulties have remain unresolved, the complexity of the dynamics, and how willing both partners are to engage in the counselling process. The counsellor-client fit also plays an important role, which is why I recommend clients to start with a consultation first before committing to counselling.

What counselling can do is help you both understand what's really happening, work through the patterns and emotions that have kept you stuck, and create real opportunities for connection. Couples who are willing to open up and be engaged in the process are more likely to find their way back to each other.

Couples counselling is designed to help couples who want to rebuild and reconnect. It works best when both of you are committed to working on the relationship.

If one or both of you are seriously considering divorce or have significant doubts about staying in the relationship, discernment counselling may be a better fit to find clarity about what each of you want before going for couples counselling.

If you're not sure, we can discuss what's the right option for your situation in a consultation. While I do not offer discernment counselling, I can provide you with some referral options.