The Gottman Method is widely considered the gold standard because it is the only framework backed by over 40 years of longitudinal scientific research and proven clinical results.

The duration varies, as it depends on how many areas of your relationship need to be improved. The focus of the couples therapy sessions is on teaching you the necessary skills to improve all the areas of your relationship which you are currently struggling with and on helping you eventually become "relationship masters" yourselves. While every couple is unique, a structured approach typically involves an intensive assessment followed by 8–12 skill-building sessions to ensure lasting change.

Yes. Research shows that evidence-based therapy significantly improves relationship satisfaction for roughly 75% of couples, helping them move from "surviving" to "thriving."

Known as the "Four Horsemen," these behaviours are Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness and Stonewalling. Contempt is the single greatest predictor of relationship failure.

Communication breakdown is the most common complaint. This usually involves repetitive circular arguments, feeling "unheard," or a total withdrawal from conversation.

Couples therapy isn’t only for relationships in crisis. It is for any couple who wants to build something better. You can benefit from the couples therapy whether things are difficult right now, or you simply want to protect what you have, or you are about to become parents and want to prepare your relationship for the changes to come with the arrival of the baby.

First of all, Sviatlana has been helping couples and individuals improve their lives and relationships since 2006, hence she has a lot of experience.

Secondly, she is a Certified Couples Therapist (unlike lots of other therapists, who work with couples without having a proper qualification in Couples Therapy).

Thirdly, she uses the scientifically proven framework for couples therapy (The Gottman Method), unlike lots of other couples’ therapists, who use methods, which have no scientific evidence behind them.

Fourthly, her parents were not good role models to learn from about how to relate to each other, so Sviatlana had to learn all these skills herself in her 20s, which enabled her to build with her husband and maintain a heart-centered connection over the last 20+ years.

Sessions can last for 60 or 90 min: it depends on how quickly you want to progress. You can achieve much more in 90 min than in 60min and you’ll be able to choose between 2 options. Rebates are available and can be discussed in the free initial consultation.

After the initial free consultation you will get via email a questionnaire to fill in, both by you and your partner. The results of this questionnaire will allow you and Sviatlana to see which areas of your relationship need to be improved. Sviatlana during Couples Therapy sessions in a compassionate and respectful way will teach both of you the necessary skills to improve those areas of your relationship. You both will feel seen, heard and empowered.

You’ll practise those skills between the sessions, noticing improvements, as a result, in how you relate and feel towards each other.

Yes, of course!

Yes. Couples Therapy is not recommended if:

1. One of the partners is characterologically violent or abusive with the purpose to control or intimidate their partner. Characterologically means it is in their character, it is ongoing. Instead of going for Couples Therapy, the partner who is the victim in this relationship needs to leave the relationship as soon as possible and more likely get the police involved.
2. One or both partners have a strong alcohol or drug addiction. Before going for Couple Therapy, it is important to get treatment for the addiction first.
3. If there is no fondness, no respect left towards your partner, then you don’t need a Couple Therapy for this relationship, as it is doomed. You can have a few sessions with Sviatlana on your own though to learn the skills you need to choose your next partner well and how to make your next relationship a success.

The free initial 45 min consultation takes place on Zoom. Sessions are available in person in Randwick, Bellevue Hill, St Leonards or online via Zoom.