Initial Joint Session
A shared session for couples to explore goals, patterns, and communication together.
Service Description
Price includes initial Gottman's questionnaire. This first session is where your couples counselling journey begins. It's a chance for both partners to sit together in a calm, supportive space and talk about what's been happening in the relationship, what feels overwhelming, what keeps repeating, and what each of you hopes might shift. Carlene gently guides the conversation using Gottman-informed principles to help you explore communication patterns, areas of stress or disconnection, and the goals you want to work towards as a couple. Her approach keeps things steady and practical, making it easier to understand what's really happening beneath the surface. By the end of this session, you'll have a clearer shared direction and a solid foundation for the relationship counselling work you'll do together. Whether you're attending in person on the Gold Coast or joining online, this session offers a grounded, supportive starting point for rebuilding connection and understanding.
Contact Details
2190 Gold Coast Highway, Miami QLD, Australia
Booking Policy
Appointments can be booked online or by phone/email. Sessions are available in-person, online, or by phone at the same rate. Appointments are offered on weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays to support flexible schedules. Payments: Session fees are payable at the time of booking (for online or phone sessions) or at the start of in-person appointments. Payment options include EFTPOS, credit card, or direct transfer. Receipts are available on request. Coastal Connect Counselling is not covered under Medicare or private health rebates. Cancellations and Rescheduling: Your session time is reserved for you. To ensure fairness for all clients: – Cancellations or reschedules made with more than 24 hours’ notice incur no fee. – Cancellations within 24 hours or non-attendance incur the full session fee. If illness or emergencies arise, please contact Carlene as soon as possible so an alternative can be arranged. Late Arrivals: Sessions will finish at the scheduled time to respect other appointments. The full fee still applies. Reminders and Communication: An automated reminder will be sent 24 hours before your session. Between sessions, communication is limited to practical matters such as scheduling. Counselling support is not offered via phone or email outside appointments. Ending Counselling: You may end counselling at any time. It’s helpful to discuss this in session so closure or referrals can be arranged. Carlene may also suggest pausing or ending sessions if another service would better meet your needs. Confidentiality: All client information and session notes are securely stored for seven years from your last appointment. Confidentiality may only be broken if: – There is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others; – Records are subpoenaed by a court; or – You provide written consent for information sharing. Emergencies: Coastal Connect Counselling is not a crisis service. If you require urgent help, please contact 000, Lifeline (13 11 14), or Suicide Callback Service (1300 659 467).