You. Me. And this thing we keep doing.
Same conversations. Familiar frustrations. Somehow, we end up right back here.
What if there was another way to see what’s happening between you?
“A gentle, collaborative space for couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or simply want to invest in their relationship.”
Sometimes it’s difficult to explain what happens between you.
Rather than relying on conversation alone, we might use images, objects or simple creative exploration to give shape to what each of you is experiencing.
This can offer another way to notice patterns, understand differences and become curious about your relationship.
You don’t need to be artistic. We work at your pace, and the meaning of what you create always belongs to you.
You care about each other. But something keeps getting lost.
Perhaps the same disagreements return. One of you withdraws while the other pushes to be heard. Or you have simply become less connected amid everyday responsibilities. It can be difficult to find a way into the conversation without replaying the same patterns.
An integrative, creative approach
Stepping out of routine argument patterns and into deeper shared understanding.
A different way to understand “us”
I combine approaches from couples therapy with creative arts therapy. Conversation, images and simple activities can help both partners step back and see what is happening between them. No artistic skill is needed.
Room for two perspectives
Sessions aim to give each partner space to be heard, without treating either person as the problem. Together, you can explore what matters, the patterns you get caught in and the relationship you would like to build.
Begin without having all the answers
You do not have to wait until everything feels unmanageable. I offer a gentle and collaborative space for couples who feel stuck, disconnected or simply want to invest in their relationship. Appointments are available in Northcote and online.
What happens when we start
A gentle journey that gives your relationship room to be understood.
- 1
Individual online intake
Each partner completes their own intake and safety screening before we meet.
- 2
First joint session
90 minutesWe explore what brings you together and what’s happening between you — through conversation and imagery.
- 3
Space for each of you
50 minutes eachEach partner has their own individual creative exploration.
Partner A
50-minute individual session
Partner B
50-minute individual session
- 4
Return joint session
90 minutesWe bring discoveries together and identify what, if anything, needs attention.
- 5
Shared decision
You decide together what comes next — there’s no obligation to continue.
Enough for now
Conclude or pause therapy
Continue exploring
Further 90-minute joint sessions
Your wellbeing and safety matter
Safety, consent, suitability and relational dynamics are considered throughout the entire journey. Creative exploration is central to the approach, but participation is always by choice — and no artistic experience is needed.
What you share from your individual session is yours to share — there’s no expectation to disclose everything.
An easy place to start
You don’t need to agree on anything other than you’d like things to improve.
The initial process also includes two individual 50-minute sessions — one for each partner. You can begin with a free introductory call to ask questions and see whether this approach feels right for you.
Appointments available in person at Northcote and online via Telehealth.
The experience behind how we work
I’m Rachel — a therapist with years of training across couples therapy, creative arts therapy and counselling. These are a few of the qualifications and registrations that shape this work.
- Masters in Therapeutic Arts PracticeMIECAT Institute · 2014–2016
- Specialist Course in Couples TherapyRelationships Australia · 2018
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Levels 1 & 2Clinical Foundations · 2020
- PACFA Accredited Supervisor · ANZACATA Registered Arts Therapist (AThR)Professional registrations
IMAGO Relationship Therapy·Imago Institute for Relationships · 2019
Collaborative Couple Therapy Workshop·Dan Wile · 2017
Common questions
Everything you need to know about Creative Couples Therapy before your first session.
Creative Couples Therapy brings together couples therapy and arts therapy. Alongside talking, we use images, drawing, metaphors and simple creative activities to explore your relationship. It can offer another way to express what's hard to put into words — and to see things from a different perspective.
Couples therapy isn’t suitable for every situation. Where there are concerns about safety, coercive control or family violence, we consider these carefully and privately — and individual sessions offer a space to explore what’s right for you.
For family violence support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, call 000.
Ready to take the first step together?
Either or both of you can join a free 20 minute consult to ask questions and see if this approach is right for you.
Visiting Rachel in Northcote
The practice is conveniently located on High Street in Northcote, easily reached by the Route 86 tram or Northcote train station.
In Northcote
275 High Street, Northcote VIC 3070
The Northcote room is up a flight of stairs in an older building and isn’t wheelchair accessible — we’re sorry about that. Online telehealth sessions are available for everyone, and are a comfortable alternative.
Privacy, Halaxy & Your Records
Your confidentiality matters deeply. Client records, medical histories, and consent forms are securely handled through Halaxy’s encrypted Australian healthcare platform.
Confidentiality, its limits, and how information is shared between individual and joint sessions are discussed before we begin.
Cancellation policy
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule so the time may be offered to someone else.