Relationship and Couples Counselling Palm Beach, Gold Coast
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING
Relationships can bring deep connection, love and belonging, but they can also become places of hurt, distance, conflict or confusion. Over time, couples may find themselves repeating the same arguments, feeling misunderstood, losing intimacy, or struggling to communicate in a way that feels safe and respectful.
Rebecca supports individuals and couples navigating relationship difficulties, communication issues, trust concerns, emotional disconnection, intimacy challenges, separation, life transitions and the impact of stress, trauma or family pressures on the relationship.
Relationship counselling with Rebecca offers a safe and supportive space to slow things down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and begin exploring the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Together, you can work toward clearer communication, greater emotional understanding, healthier boundaries and more meaningful connection.
Rebecca sees clients in person at her clinic room in Palm Beach, on the Gold Coast, and securely online.
Who I support
I support individuals and couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties, whether you are wanting to strengthen your connection, repair hurt, improve communication, rebuild trust, or make sense of where the relationship is heading.
You may be feeling distant from each other, caught in repeated conflict, struggling to feel heard, or unsure how to reconnect after stress, betrayal, resentment, parenting pressures, life changes or emotional disconnection.
I also support people navigating separation, relationship breakdown, blended family challenges, intimacy concerns, attachment patterns, conflict, boundaries, grief within relationships, and the emotional impact of deciding whether to stay, repair or move forward separately.
Therapy can offer a compassionate and structured space where both people can feel heard, patterns can be explored without blame, and new ways of communicating and relating can begin to develop.
I am based in Palm Beach, Queensland and see clients in person from the surrounding areas including Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Robina, Burleigh Heads and all across the Gold Coast. Online sessions are also available.
Related Therapies
Multiple evidence-based disciplines are offered to support couples including:
Gottman Relationship Therapy
Individual Psychotherapy
Pre-marital Pre-committment preparation
Attachment Theory
Couples attend therapy together and at various times individually with the focus on resolving issues that arise in their relationship. Approach: the Gottman method
Individual Psychotherapy can be a great place to start if you feel that you have issues you bring to your relationships that are there to explore and resolve.
This supports couples looking to move in together, or get married. It can support the foundations of a relationship before issues arise.
Attachment theory provides clients with an understanding of how they relate to others based on foundations that were formed in childhood.
You may be seeking relationship counselling or support if you are experiencing:
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repeated arguments or conflict that does not seem to resolve
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feeling unheard, misunderstood or emotionally dismissed
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difficulty communicating without becoming defensive or reactive
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emotional distance or disconnection
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loss of intimacy, affection or closeness
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trust issues, betrayal or rupture in the relationship
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resentment that has built up over time
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difficulty expressing needs or asking for support
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feeling lonely within the relationship
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parenting, family or blended family stress
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conflict around roles, responsibilities or mental load
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differences in values, priorities or future direction
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difficulty setting or respecting boundaries
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navigating separation or uncertainty about the future
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feeling stuck in old patterns or repeating the same cycle
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wanting to repair after hurt or disconnection
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wanting to communicate more openly and respectfully
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wanting to deepen emotional connection and understanding
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feeling unsure whether to stay, separate or rebuild
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wanting support to separate with care and respect if that is the healthiest path
Healing within relationships is about more than resolving arguments. It is about understanding the patterns beneath the conflict, learning to communicate with greater honesty and care, and creating space for a relationship that feels safe, deeply connected and respectful.
What to expect in a counselling session
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Your first counselling session is your opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy and what you would like support with. I will take time to understand your current concerns, relevant history, any patterns that may be affecting you, and the goals you would like to work towards.
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Sessions are collaborative and paced in a way that feels comfortable for you. Depending on your needs, counselling may include reflection, practical tools, communication strategies, somatic exercises, nervous system and emotional regulation, and gentle exercises to help you apply what you are learning between sessions.
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Sessions are usually 60–90 minutes and can be held in person at Palm Beach or securely online. The frequency of sessions can be discussed together and may vary depending on your goals, current circumstances and level of support needed.
How to prepare for your relationship counselling session
For your first session, you do not need to prepare anything formal. Simply come along as you are and bring any questions you may have.
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It is natural to feel a little nervous, especially if you have not had counselling before. The first session is not about having everything figured out. It is a gentle starting point for you to feel comfortable, ask questions, and get a sense of whether the support feels right for you.
Connect if you would like to know more
About Rebecca Newman - Gold Coast Relationship Counsellor & Psychotherapist
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I am a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapyy.
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I have worked within hospital-based mental health services across Sydney and the Gold Coast for over eight years, supporting people experiencing mood disorders, addiction-related concerns, complex trauma and chronic mental health conditions. This experience has shaped the way I work with compassion, clinical care and respect for the courage it takes to seek support.
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My approach is integrative, evidence-based, attachment-informed, trauma-aware and strengths-focused. I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, alongside attachment theory, somatic approaches and nervous system regulation. This allows therapy to be tailored to the individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
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I am passionate about helping people explore their inner world in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space. A deeper sense of self-awareness and insight can support individuals to break free of self-defeating behavioural patterns, and step into newfound levels of self-empowerment. Life becomes enriched and purposeful through reconnecting and aligning with their core values and inner essence, and it is then that true healing can occur.
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I feel privileged to work in this field and to witness the different ways people can grow, transform and rebuild. I understand how challenging mental health, trauma and addiction concerns can be, but I also know that change is possible with the right support. There is no greater joy for people when they rediscover who they truly are and can rebuild a life with meaning and purpose. My work is inclusive and respectful of each person’s unique background, identity, relationships and lived experience.
Supporting your relationship - Philosophy and Approach
My philosophy is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins from the inside out. I take a strengths-based, client-centred approach, supporting people to explore the patterns, beliefs and behaviours that may be holding them back, and reconnect with who they are and what matters most.
I work collaboratively with clients to look beneath the surface and understand the deeper roots of what may be causing pain, distress or disconnection. Through this process, awareness can grow, inner resources can strengthen, and clients can begin making choices that feel aligned, empowered and true to who they are.
Some modalities I use are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT helps identify the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I use CBT to support clients to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours and develop more balanced, practical ways of responding.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT supports people to make space for difficult thoughts and emotions while reconnecting with their values. I use ACT to help clients move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication and managing overwhelm. These skills can be especially helpful when emotions feel intense or difficult to manage.
Attachment-Informed Therapy
Attachment-informed therapy explores how early relationships and past experiences may shape current patterns, relationships and emotional responses. It can be very helpful to understand your attachment style and your partners and family members in your interpersonal relationships.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
A trauma-informed approach recognises the impact of past experiences on the mind, body and nervous system. I work at a pace that supports safety, choice and stability.
Somatic and Nervous System Regulation
Somatic approaches recognise the connection between the body, mind and nervous system. I support clients to develop grounding and regulation tools so they can feel safer, steadier and more present.
Internal Family Systems-Informed Therapy
IFS-informed therapy explores the different “parts” of self that may hold emotions, protective responses or inner conflict. This can support greater self-understanding and compassion.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy helps people explore the stories they hold about themselves, their relationships and their experiences. It can support clients to separate themselves from the problem and reconnect with preferred ways of seeing themselves.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy supports clients to identify strengths, resources and practical next steps. It can be helpful when clients want to build momentum and focus on what is possible.
Sessions are available in person in Palm Beach, Gold Coast, or securely online. Session length, frequency, fees and rebate options can be discussed at the time of booking or during your initial enquiry.
Health Fund rebates are available with all major providers, ask your provider if you are unsure
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if only one partner wants to come?
If your partner doesn't want to do couples' counselling, it is important not to force the issue. Individual counselling can be a great place to start to bring more clarity to a relationship and it is very possible you will both benefit regardless of whether your partner attends or not.
How long is each session?
The initial joint session is generally 90 mins long and provides the couple the opportunity to discuss their relationship history, current conflicts, and shared goals. This is followed by individual sessions which gives each partner the space to share their backgrounds and own perspectives on the relationship. This session lasts an hour. The third session and all sessions ongoing will be an hour in length. This session is a follow-up and feedback on the first two session where a treatment plan will be discussed together with the couple.
How long will we need couple's therapy?
Typically couples that embark on couples counselling generally have 8-10 sessions, but this will depend on each couple and their requirements. There is no obligation for a couple to have more than one session.
Do you support non-traditional couples? What is your inclusion policy?
I am totally inclusive and offer a safe, judgment-free space both in clinic and online, welcoming people from all walks of life, backgrounds, genders, sexualities, identities and religions.
Can I claim medicare or a private health fund rebate?
Depending on your private health fund and your policy, you may be eligible to claim a rebate with your insurer. It would be important to check to see if you are covered for counselling services with your provider first. Currently, it is not possible to claim a rebate from Medicare, this will change in the future.
What is your secret's policy? Is everything we discuss confidential?
I follow the Gottman Method regarding a no-secrets policy. In the individual session it is an opportunity for each partner to disclose any secrets they may not have shared with their partner. However, under the proviso that there will be a full transparency/no secrets policy between the couple and therapist when working together in therapy. Everything will be kept confidential in therapy, unless under a few scenarios where there is need for mandatory reporting – risk of self-harm, harm to others or if file notes are subpoenaed by law.
How to book a session
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61414402408 to explore how I can support you. If you would like to go ahead we can book in your first appointment at the end of the call.
Rebecca Newman is an accredited member of the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Counsellor, and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as a Social Worker.
