Couples therapy is a form of counselling that helps partners improve their relationship by addressing communication issues, conflict, and emotional disconnection. A trained psychologist guides the couple through structured conversations and exercises to better understand each other’s needs and patterns. The goal is to strengthen the relationship, resolve ongoing problems, and build healthier ways of relating.

Mind Health Care is pleased to offer couples therapy with Alicia McIntyre.

About Alicia

Alicia is a registered counselling psychologist with specialist training in individual, couple, and family therapy. She brings a warm, empathic, and collaborative approach to her work, offering a safe and confidential space where individuals and couples feel heard, respected, and supported.

Passionate about helping people from all backgrounds and stages of life, Alicia works with a wide range of relational challenges—from everyday communication struggles to more complex patterns of disconnection, betrayal, or family stress.

Therapeutic Approach

In her work with couples, Alicia draws from a range of evidence-based models, tailored to suit each couple’s unique needs:

  • Imago Relationship Therapy – to explore and heal emotional wounds that surface in intimate partnerships.
  • Systemic Family Therapy – to examine interactional patterns, roles, and influences from family systems.
  • The Gottman Method – to strengthen friendship, manage conflict constructively, and build emotional intimacy.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns contributing to relationship distress.
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) – to enhance communication, emotional attunement, and relational support.

Together, these approaches help couples deepen their connection, break unhelpful cycles, and rebuild trust and shared meaning.

Common Issues in Couple Therapy

Being at a Crossroad

Many couples come to therapy feeling uncertain about the future of their relationship—wondering whether to move forward together, take a pause, or consider separation. Being at this crossroad can feel overwhelming, emotionally charged, and filled with mixed signals or unmet hopes.
Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these questions openly and honestly. Together, we look at the patterns that have brought you to this place, the strengths that may still exist, and the possibilities for change.
Whether the goal becomes rebuilding connection or making decisions about parting with care and clarity, therapy supports both partners in understanding themselves and each other more deeply during this pivotal time.

Communication Breakdown

You may feel unheard or struggle to express your needs clearly. Often, one partner withdraws while the other pursues, leading to recurring cycles of miscommunication and frustration. Therapy helps couples reconnect through improved emotional and verbal expression.

Conflict and Recurring Arguments

Do you find yourselves stuck in the same unresolved arguments? Frequent conflict can wear down connection and leave both partners emotionally exhausted. Therapy provides tools to manage disagreements in healthier, more productive ways.

Infidelity and Trust Issues

Whether emotional or physical, affairs can deeply impact trust. In today’s digital world, betrayal may also occur online or through social media. Therapy helps couples work through the pain of infidelity, rebuild trust, and restore intimacy.

Emotional Disconnection

Couples may feel like they’re living as roommates—disconnected, distant, and lacking intimacy. Life transitions, such as the arrival of a baby or the departure of adult children, can lead to feelings of isolation. Therapy helps partners reconnect and rebalance their emotional bond.

Sexual Concerns

Differences in libido, performance anxiety, past sexual trauma, or a lack of physical intimacy can affect a relationship’s closeness. Therapy creates a respectful space to explore these topics and improve both sexual and emotional connection.

Financial Conflict

Disagreements over spending, saving, financial goals, or hidden debts can create tension and erode trust. Therapy helps couples establish transparency and negotiate financial decisions in a way that honours both partners’ values and needs.

Parenting and Family Dynamics

Disputes over parenting styles, blended family roles, or extended family involvement can challenge even strong partnerships. Whether managing step-parenting tensions or disagreements around a rebellious teen, therapy supports couples in developing unified, effective parenting strategies.

Life Transitions and Stress

Major changes—such as illness, job loss, moving, aging parents, retirement, or becoming parents—can disrupt relationship balance. These transitions may reveal underlying differences or emotional distance. Therapy supports couples in navigating change, reconnecting, and adapting together.

Power and Control Issues

When one partner dominates decision-making or when coercion, manipulation, or gaslighting emerges, the relationship may feel unsafe or unbalanced. Therapy offers a confidential and non-judgmental space to examine these dynamics. With care and sensitivity, Alicia works to assess and address any emotional, verbal, or physical abuse that may be present helping both partners move toward healthier, more respectful ways of relating.

Differences in Values and Lifestyles

Couples may experience tension related to political, cultural, spiritual, or lifestyle differences. Unequal contributions to household labour or sacrifices within the relationship can also lead to resentment. Therapy provides space to explore these issues with honesty and respect, helping couples find common ground or navigate differences with compassion.

Fees

First session 1.5 hours: $300.00

Subsequent sessions 1.25 hours: $280.00

Unfortunately, there are no Medicare rebates available for couples therapy.