Communication breakdown
Conversations turn into conflict, silence or misunderstanding.
Couples counselling in Geelong
When the same arguments keep repeating, change the conversation underneath them.
Couples counselling in Geelong for people who want to understand what is really happening beneath conflict, distance and disconnection.
Highton, GeelongIn person and TelehealthNew appointments available
Real conversationsPractical, compassionate support without judgement
Initial couples session80 minutes · $280
Individual session50 minutes · $180
Ongoing couples session50 minutes · $220
ReferralNot required
You do not have to work it out alone
Does your relationship feel stuck?
Many couples seek support when the same concerns keep returning or talking no longer feels productive. You may recognise one or more of these experiences.
Frequent arguments
The same issues come up again without feeling resolved.
Emotional distance
You care about each other but no longer feel closely connected.
Trust concerns
Past events or uncertainty make it difficult to feel secure.
Feeling unheard
One or both of you feel dismissed, blamed or misunderstood.
Uncertainty
You are unsure what the relationship needs or what comes next.
Reaching out does not mean your relationship has failed. It means you are making space to understand what is happening.
Private and welcoming rooms in HightonRelationship support near you
Couples, marriage and relationship counselling in Geelong
Couples counselling provides a neutral space where both people can talk about what is happening with the support of a relationship counsellor. Sessions are not about choosing sides. They are about understanding each person’s experience and looking closely at the patterns between you.
Marriage counselling and relationship counselling can support couples facing conflict, emotional distance, betrayal, intimacy concerns, parenting differences, financial pressure or uncertainty about the future. Support is available in Highton for people across Geelong, with Telehealth appointments also available.
Dee helps couples look beneath the argument, focusing not only on what was said but also on the hurt, fear, rejection, shame or unmet needs driving each person’s response. Patterns such as blame, withdrawal, defensiveness and avoidance are explored respectfully rather than ignored.
View available appointments →How counselling can help
Make room for a different kind of conversation
Counselling creates time to look at what is happening without rushing towards an answer.
Explore recurring patterns
Notice the cycles that keep bringing you back to the same difficult place.
Improve communication
Practise clearer ways to speak, listen and respond during hard conversations.
Understand each other
Hear the feelings and needs beneath familiar reactions or disagreements.
Find practical next steps
Identify small, realistic actions that fit your relationship and circumstances.
What to expect
How Couples Counselling Works: A Step-by-Step Process
Lasting change in a relationship does not happen overnight, but with the right support, it can happen. Here is how we will work together, step by step.
- 01
Initial Couples Session
We will begin by exploring your relationship story: what has been happening, what has felt difficult, and what you both hope to gain from counselling.
You will leave with practical tools you can begin using straight away to ease tension and strengthen communication.
80 minutes · $280 - 02
Individual Sessions
Each partner will be invited to attend three individual 50-minute sessions. These appointments provide a safe and neutral space to explore your own thoughts, feelings, experiences and hopes for the relationship.
Couples counselling operates under a no-secrets policy. Information shared during individual appointments that materially affects the relationship may need to be addressed within the joint counselling process. Dee will explain this policy and its limits before the individual appointments take place.
50 minutes · $180 per session - 03
Ongoing Couples Sessions
Once this foundation has been established, we will return to joint sessions. This is where we explore deeper relationship patterns, practise healthier communication, rebuild trust, and develop new ways of understanding and supporting one another.
We typically recommend beginning with six to ten joint sessions, depending on the couple’s needs. There is no pressure; just a steady and supportive process designed to help you reconnect, rebuild, or move forward with greater clarity.
50 minutes · $220 per session
Meet your relationship counsellor
Mrs Dee Kumbukage
Principal Counsellor of Bo Tree Counselling
My Therapeutic Approach
I am an integrative counsellor, which means I tailor counselling to each person’s experiences, needs and goals. My work draws on person-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming and CBT-informed practices. I also incorporate principles from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
In my work with couples, I draw on my Level 1 and Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy to support healthier communication, constructive conflict management, trust and emotional connection.
I work with couples and individuals experiencing relationship difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, anger, perinatal mental health concerns, neurodiversity and significant life transitions.
Education and Training
- Master of Counselling - University of Canberra
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling - Deakin University
- Graduate Certificate in Counselling - Deakin University
- Level I and II Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy - The Gottman Institute
- Clinical Counselling Supervision Training - RISE UP Supervision Training Services
- Certificate IV in Mental Health - National Training Provider
- Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Finance - Deakin University
Professional Memberships
- Registered Clinical Counsellor - Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
- Registered Counsellor, Level 4 - Australian Counselling Association
Why choose Bo Tree Counselling
Professional support that feels human
Geelong support
Attend welcoming rooms at 53 Barrabool Road in Highton.
Confidential environment
Talk openly in a calm setting where your privacy is respected.
In person or online
Choose an appointment format that works for your circumstances.
Clear and supportive
Explore patterns and useful next steps without jargon or pressure.
Your counselling space
A calm, private room in Highton
See the space before you arrive. The room is designed to feel warm, comfortable and welcoming, giving you a quiet place to talk at your own pace.
Located within Symetri Allied Health at 53 Barrabool Road, Highton.
Now taking new appointments
Ready to start the conversation?
Book online when you are ready, or call if you would like to ask a question before choosing an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What you may want to know before booking
Still unsure? Call 0493 522 614 for a friendly conversation about the process.
Do we both need to attend couples counselling?
Joint sessions are an important part of couples counselling, but both partners do not always need to attend the first conversation. Bo Tree Counselling’s usual process begins with an initial couples session, followed by individual sessions for each partner and then ongoing joint sessions. Call us if you would like to discuss the best starting point for your circumstances.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share is treated with care and confidentiality. There are limited legal and ethical exceptions, such as when there is a serious risk of harm or information must be disclosed by law. These limits will be explained clearly before counselling begins. Bo Tree Counselling also follows a no secrets policy within couples counselling.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a calm conversation about what has been happening, what feels difficult and what each of you hopes to gain from counselling. You do not need to prepare the right words or share everything at once. The pace is guided by what feels safe and useful for you.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. Couples and relationship counselling is available by Telehealth as well as in person at 53 Barrabool Road, Highton. Online sessions can be a practical option when travel, work or family commitments make attending in person difficult.
How soon can I book?
Bo Tree Counselling is currently taking new appointments. Available times can be viewed through the online booking page. Call 0493 522 614 if you cannot find a suitable time or would like to ask about cancellations.
Is this only for married couples?
No. Relationship counselling is available to married and unmarried couples at different stages of a relationship. You may be dating, living together, parenting, separating or deciding what comes next.
Couples counselling Geelong
Take the next step at your own pace
Make space for a calmer, clearer conversation with professional relationship support in Highton or online.