CARLENE PRENTICE

A counsellor with deep insights into relationships and separation.

I am a counsellor who works primarily with couples and with individuals going through relationship breakdown, separation, and the pressures that often accompany the family law system.

Before training as a counsellor, I worked for over 20 years as a family lawyer. During that time, I saw first-hand how relationship conflict unfolds when communication breaks down, and how quickly stress, fear, and reactivity can drive decisions with long-term consequences for individuals, families, and particularly children.

That experience has strongly shaped my work.

Having seen where unresolved conflict can lead, I am deeply motivated to support people earlier, while there is still space to slow things down, improve communication, and address difficulties before patterns become entrenched. My focus is on helping people understand what is happening in their relationship and work through challenges with greater clarity and steadiness.

Book With Carlene

Starting Counselling

You do not need to have everything worked out to start counselling.

Sessions provide a space to slow things down, talk through what is happening, and begin to make sense of complex situations in a calm, structured way. Whether you are seeking couples counselling or individual support, the first session is focused on understanding your situation and identifying a clear and practical way forward.

MY APPROACH

My approach to counselling is calm, practical, and focused on clarity. I work in a way that is structured and grounded, with an emphasis on reducing unnecessary conflict, improving communication, and supporting thoughtful decision-making.

My work with couples is informed by the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples counselling that focuses on understanding relationship patterns, managing conflict more effectively, and strengthening emotional connection. Long-term research conducted by the Gottman Institute has shown that approximately 75-80% of couples experience meaningful improvement through Gottman Method couples therapy when both partners are engaged in the process.

Counselling sessions are focused on what is most relevant to you. We work through complex situations in a structured way, breaking things down into manageable steps that support clearer communication and more grounded choices.

This includes working with individuals and couples who are already separated, particularly where communication, co-parenting, or decision-making has become difficult or strained. In these situations, counselling focuses on reducing escalation, supporting clarity, and helping people move forward with greater steadiness and respect, especially where children are involved. The aim is not to take sides or push outcomes, but to help people navigate an already challenging period with less conflict and greater care.

I also work with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, grief and loss, and major life transitions. Individual counselling provides a space to slow things down, make sense of what's happening, and develop practical ways to manage emotional pressure and change. My work with individuals is informed by the same calm, structured approach I bring to couples counselling, focused on clarity, stability, and practical support.

QUALIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

My work is grounded in professional training, lived experience, and ongoing learning.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Diploma of Professional Counselling
Certification Consultation Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training

Professional Memberships

Registered Member – Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Member – Psychology Today
Provisional Member – Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMPAA)