Dianne worked as a senior counsellor and supervisor at Relationships Australia (RA) for 20 years. While at RA she coordinated the Relationship Education program. Dianne developed and conducted a number of courses on the following topics:

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• Assertion

• Communication

• Conflict resolution

• Anger management

• Pre-marriage

• Self confidence

• Separation and divorce

• Survivor’s of sexual abuse

• Sexuality

 

In her private practice she draws on a wealth of experience and skills in her relationship counselling. She endeavours to be as neutral as possible and provide an environment for couples to discuss their issues openly and safely. She is able to get to the heart of the matter quickly and explore possible solutions or options. Strategies will be given to manage emotions and reactiveness in a respectful way.

 

The focus of the first session will be to gain an overview and understanding of the issues that bring an individual or couple in for counselling and to see if the client feels comfortable with the counsellor. Expectations will be discussed and setting goals for the counselling to work on the issues. Some practical strategies will be given. 

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There are many reasons to seek relationship counselling such as ongoing conflict, communication breakdown, intimacy and sexual concerns, loss of emotional connection, family issues and betrayal. Sometimes individual sessions are suggested to address specific issues that are impacting on the relationship. A counsellor will often see things from another perspective, providing helpful insights. There will be a focus on self-responsibility in addressing issues and couples will be guided in how to maintain positive changes.

 

Relationships are like children, they require care and attention every day.

When a couple does decide to separate, options are explored to do this amicably, respectfully and to look at what is in the best interests of the children. Follow up sessions are offered to deal with the grief of the separation and how to move forward.