Stronger together: Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for lasting relationship change.

Sarah combines two evidence-based approaches — the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — to help couples move from repeating the same conflicts to building secure, connected, and resilient partnerships.

Why these two methods?

• Complementary strengths: The Gottman Method provides practical tools to reduce conflict, manage communication and rebuild friendship. EFT focuses on the emotional bond beneath the fights, helping partners understand and change negative interaction patterns by creating secure attachment. Together they address both behaviour and emotion for more complete and lasting change.

• Evidence-based: Both approaches are backed by extensive research showing improvements in relationship satisfaction, reduced distress and strengthened attachment.

• Flexible and personalised: We tailor techniques from both models to your unique history, strengths and goals — whether you’re repairing trust after betrayal, wanting to reconnect after life changes, or simply improving everyday communication.

What you can expect

• Practical skills for everyday life: Learn proven Gottman techniques — stress-reducing rituals, effective conflict management, and how to rebuild friendship and admiration.

• Deep emotional repair: Through EFT, we help you identify underlying emotional needs, soften defensive positions, and create new, secure ways of responding to each other.

• Concrete progress: Sessions focus on observable changes — safer arguments, clearer requests, more reliable responsiveness and increased intimacy.

• Safe, non-blaming environment: Counselling emphasises curiosity, respect and empathy for both partners. We’ll help you shift from criticism and stonewalling to honest, compassionate connection.

Who benefits

• Couples wanting to stop repeating the same fights and build healthier patterns.

• Partners recovering from infidelity, betrayal or major life stressors.

• Couples transitioning through parenting, career changes or ageing.

• Couples seeking to deepen emotional intimacy and trust.

Getting started

• Initial assessment: We’ll map relationship strengths and patterns and agree on goals.

• Structured pathway: Sessions combine Gottman exercises (skill-building, communication labs) with EFT interventions (attachment mapping, emotion restructuring).

• Home practice: You’ll get short, practical exercises to practice between sessions so change becomes habitual.

Why choose A Drop in Emotion Counselling

• Experienced clinician trained in Gottman and EFT models.

• Compassionate, neutral support that values both partners’ perspectives.

• Focus on real-world results — better conversations, stronger bond, more satisfying relationship.

Rekindle trust. Repair rupture. Build a relationship that feels safe and joyful again. Book a couples assessment with Sarah and take the first step toward lasting change.

Struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship tensions or family stress? Sarah combines person-centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you move from surviving to living.

Why our approach works

• Person-centred therapy: You are the expert in your life. We provide a warm, non-judgemental space to be heard, to explore what matters to you, and to build self-trust and resilience.

• CBT: Practical, evidence-based strategies to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that fuel anxiety and depression, so you can regain control of daily functioning.

• EFT: Focused work on processing emotions and strengthening emotional connection — especially useful for repairing relationships and resolving family conflict.

• ACT: Builds psychological flexibility so you can accept difficult feelings, clarify values, and take committed action towards a meaningful life despite uncertainty.

Who benefits

• People living with persistent anxiety or panic, who want tools to reduce avoidance and manage worry.

• Those experiencing depression who need support to re-engage with life and break the cycle of low mood and withdrawal.

• Individuals struggling with relationship distress, communication breakdowns or attachment issues.

• Family members seeking clearer boundaries, better emotional regulation and healthier interaction patterns.

What a typical counselling pathway looks like

• Initial session: A focused assessment to understand your concerns, goals and what support fits you best.

• Collaborative plan: We outline achievable goals and tailor a blend of person-centred listening, CBT skill-building, EFT emotional processing and ACT practices.

• Ongoing sessions: Practical exercises (thought records, behavioural experiments), emotion-focused interventions, values clarification and mindfulness techniques, plus regular review of progress.

• Tools for everyday life: Skills you can use between sessions to manage anxiety, stabilise mood, improve communication and strengthen relationships.

Outcomes you can expect

• Reduced intensity and frequency of anxious or depressive symptoms.

• Clearer thinking and more adaptive coping strategies.

• Improved emotional awareness and regulation.

• Stronger, more fulfilling relationships with better communication and mutual understanding.

• Greater capacity to live in line with your values even when life is challenging.

Convenient, compassionate care

• Flexible scheduling to fit work and family commitments.

• Confidential, professional support from experienced clinicians committed to respectful, client-led care.

Take the next step if anxiety, depression or relationship and family issues are limiting your life.

Sarah is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, working with both individuals and couples. She brings a thoughtful, relational approach to therapy, grounded in genuine care and respect for each person’s unique experience.

Her work is person-centred and collaborative, based on the belief that you are the expert in your own life. Sarah’s role is to support you in making sense of your experiences, identifying patterns, and finding ways forward that feel meaningful and sustainable.

Each session is tailored to your needs, allowing space for both reflection and practical change.

Description text goes herePrivacy

Your privacy is important to me. A Drop in Emotion Counselling is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

Any personal information you provide is collected only for the purpose of delivering counselling services, managing appointments, and meeting legal and professional obligations. Your information is stored securely and will not be shared with others without your consent, except where required or authorised by law.

If you have any questions about how your personal information is collected, used, or stored, please don't hesitate to get in touch.