A Modern Approach to Relationship Therapy
“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow – this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” -Elizabeth Gilbert
At Unison Mental Health, we proudly provide inclusive relationship therapy for people in open, monogamous, non-monogamous, queer, kink, and gender-diverse relationships. We also welcome clients from sex work communities and those navigating unique relationship dynamics.
Our team of therapists brings a rich blend of lived experience, cultural understanding, and professional training to support you in a way that feels affirming and respectful. We match each client with a therapist who understands their relationship style, values, and identity – so you can feel safe, seen, and supported from the start.
Our admin team is trained to make this process smooth and confidential, taking care to connect you with someone who has relevant experience and insight. Whether you’re seeking therapy for connection, communication, identity, or emotional growth, we’re here to help.
Relationship Therapists at Unison
At Unison, relationship therapy is provided by our counsellors and psychotherapists. They are experienced in working with couples, multi‑partner constellations, families‑of‑choice and other diverse relationship systems, and are affirming of queer and gender‑diverse identities, kink and sex work, polyamory and consensual non‑monogamy. Relationship therapists focus on the dynamics between people rather than “taking sides”, helping you notice patterns, improve communication, navigate conflict, and make decisions that are aligned with your values. They draw on a range of evidence‑informed approaches for relationship work, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment‑based and psychodynamic therapies, Internal Family Systems (IFS), narrative and trauma‑informed modalities, and collaborative, person‑centred counselling.
Relationship therapy sessions with our counsellors and psychotherapists are billed using our income‑based sliding scale. For full details, please see our Fees & Rebates page.
Types of Relationship Therapy We Offer
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach designed to enhance emotional understanding and connection within relationships. EFT is grounded in attachment theory, which emphasises the importance of secure emotional bonds. In therapy, partners learn to identify and articulate their emotions, fostering an environment of empathy and support. By addressing negative interaction patterns, EFT aims to help couples rebuild trust and intimacy, ultimately creating a stronger emotional connection.
In the context of non-monogamous relationships, EFT can be particularly beneficial. Non-monogamy often involves navigating a complex web of emotions, including jealousy, insecurity, and varying attachment styles. EFT provides a framework for partners to openly discuss these feelings, helping them understand the roots of their emotions and how they affect their relationships. By focusing on emotional expression, partners can enhance their communication skills, ensuring that everyone’s needs and concerns are addressed.
The Gottman Approach is a research-based therapeutic framework designed to strengthen relationships and enhance emotional intimacy. Grounded in decades of empirical research, this approach focuses on understanding the dynamics of relationships through four key pillars: building a sound relationship house, enhancing friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning. The Gottman Method provides practical tools and exercises that help couples improve communication, increase intimacy, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
One of the hallmarks of the Gottman Approach is its emphasis on the “Four Horsemen” of relationship breakdown—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. By focusing on open communication and conflict resolution, the Gottman Approach provides tools for partners to discuss their feelings and expectations regarding multiple relationships. The emphasis on building a sound relationship house is particularly relevant, as it encourages all partners to work together to establish clear boundaries and shared values, fostering a sense of security amidst the complexities of non-monogamy.
Ready to get started? Make an enquiry below, and someone from our team will reach out to you within 1 business day.
Look for therapists who clearly state that they are affirming of polyamory, ethical non‑monogamy and LGBTQIA+ communities on their website and profiles. At Unison, our relationship therapists name this explicitly so you do not have to educate your therapist about the basics of non‑monogamy before you can start talking about what you actually need, whether you see us in Melbourne or via telehealth.
polyfriendly.org is a great resource to search for polyamory friendly service providers
Yes. Relationship counselling can be very helpful for people in open relationships, polycules or relationship‑anarchist structures. The focus is not on “closing” the relationship, but on improving communication, consent, boundaries and care between everyone involved so that your agreements feel safer and more sustainable, whether you attend sessions in person in Melbourne or online.
Ethical non‑monogamy counselling is relationship therapy that assumes consensual non‑monogamy is a valid option and aims to support you to do it in ways that feel respectful and grounded. Traditional couples therapy is often built around monogamous assumptions; ENM‑aware therapy instead centres things like multiple attachments, jealousy management, hierarchy or non‑hierarchy, and clear agreements between partners, and we offer this both in‑person in Melbourne and via telehealth.
In most cases, Medicare does not fund stand‑alone relationship or couples counselling. Medicare rebates are generally only available for individual therapy when one person has a diagnosed mental health condition and a valid referral, such as a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP or psychiatrist.
Sometimes, a diagnosed mental health condition may be contributing to relationship struggles, and in those cases, it may be appropriate to explore both individual and relationship support. We can talk with you about whether individual sessions with a Medicare rebate, privately funded relationship therapy, or a combination of both is the best fit for your situation.