Separation Counselling

Immediate appointments available
Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra

How can we help?

A separation or divorce can be a tough time for those involved. It can often have effects like the death of a close relative or dear friend. It is natural to feel grief and sadness for a period following a separation, as there has certainly been a loss of a part of your life, and it will take some time to recover.

Psychology Melbourne's separation counselling has helped hundreds of people
deal with the emotional impact that with separation and post-separation challenges can have on partners and their families, and adjust to a new life post separation.

Our psychologists help people get over blaming each other and heal the bonds, especially when children and grandparents are involved. It can help address the grief around the ending of relationships and how to manage the overwhelming emotions that can ensue.

Our psychologists offer separation counselling for singles and couples at all stages of separation and post separation.

Separation counselling

Separation counselling is not the same as relationship counselling, as its goal is to help people separate with the minimum amount of hurt and conflict. It endeavours to heal the pain of a relationship breakdown and aid all those involved to heal their wounds.

Separation counselling is advised when:

• One party is considering separating.
• Both parties are considering separating.
• Post-separation problems are causing stress for members of the family.

Separation counselling provides people with a safe place to work through their personal issues, knowing that everything they say is confidential. It includes a series of 1-hour online or face-to-face consultations with an experienced psychologist.

Our team of experienced relationship psychologists are skilled in working with separation issues to help you move on or decide whether to try again.

Psychological testing

Before your first session, you will receive specific psychological tests that help guide your psychologist in developing a treatment plan for you as a single or couple.

The results of these tests will be discussed with you during your session. Depending on your results, further testing may be required.

After reviewing your tests results, your psychologist may recommend:

• further testing if the results are not clear enough;
• a series of one-on-onecounselling sessions
• A therapy group

For more information about any of the above, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box below.

Group therapy

Group therapy is an alternative, effective treatment for singles and couples with separation issues as it includes working with others with similar challenges.

People often feel alone and like they are the only ones struggling with anxiety. It can be a huge relief to hear others discuss what you are going through.

You can join a group on completion of your one-on-one counselling or as a stand-alone therapy.

For more information about our therapy groups or on any of the above, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box below.

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How does a Separation Assessment work?

You will begin with a series of screening tests that will identify what sort of problems you are experiencing. These tests include:

Singles

• A general screener to identify any mental health issues
• A conflict style screener to understand how you have tried to manage conflict
• An attachment style screener to understand your history of managing emotional intimacy

Couples

• A general screener to identify any mental health issues
• A relationship adjustment screener to understand your primary areas of difficulty
• A screener to assess a couple's satisfaction on various dimensions.

After reviewing your tests results, your psychologist may recommend:

• A series of single and/or joint counselling sessions as required
• Further testing if the results need clarifying
• Referral to mediation as required

Our psychologists provide in-person and online counselling for separation and post-separation, six days a week including Saturdays.

For more information about our therapy groups or on any of the above, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box below.

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How does Separation Counselling work?

Psychology Melbourne's team of experienced psychologists work with people of all ages, nationalities, and gender identities at every stage of a relationship, including early relationships, middle age and older age relationships.

Our separation counselling helps manage the anxiety and stress of separation and helps prevent the mental health problems that can develop, especially for younger members of a family.

Sometimes separation counselling can be short term to simply help couples understand what went wrong and where to go from here. Or it can help you reconsider and want to try again by uncovering some of the negative behaviour patterns that have led to your separation - and at least avoid repeating the same patterns in future relationships.

You may just want to talk over a decision to leave a relationship with someone neutral in a confidential place. You may want help with how to manage separation for children and grandparents and how to explain it to them. A healthy separation can minimise the impact on all people concerned.

For couples, it works best when both partners are committed to it – and have the same desire to heal the bonds - however, one partner can make a significant difference to a successful separation. However, there may be critical reasons why separation is not an option, such as health or work pressures, or coinciding events in your children’s lives.

Many people who experience relationship difficulties assume it is because they made the wrong choice of their partner – and they just need to meet a more suitable person.

While this may be true in some cases, it is often a way to avoid facing your own problems. Problems such as different emotional needs, cultural backgrounds, interests and personalities can be overcome through a deeper understanding.

Our psychologists provide a neutral non blaming space in which you can speak openly; learn and gain insights about yourself; and make good decisions that will have a lasting impact.

Separation counselling generally involves individual and joint sessions, and each person is encouraged to review their own feelings and motivations. Our psychologists are available six days a week, both before and after working hours and on Saturdays.

For more information about our therapy groups or on any of the above, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box below.

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How does Separation Group Therapy work?

Our Separation therapy groups are for separated (or divorced) singles and/or couples. They are online and led by an experienced psychologist for 6–10 people weekly.

Our separation therapy groups are clinically effective and extremely rewarding. They provide opportunities to work with other people with similar issues in a structured, safe environment.

You will learn how to apply useful strategies to manage the grief around the ending of relationships; manage the overwhelming emotions that can ensue; and find a new way forward.

People often feel alone and like they are the only ones struggling with separation. It can be a huge relief to hear others discuss what you are going through.

Group work gives you valuable access to experienced psychologists at a reduced cost and can provide benefits that individual therapy cannot. It can follow individual counselling or be a first port of call.

Seeing other people tackle problems and make positive changes can motivate you to face your own concerns. It can put your own problems in perspective.

To register your interest in our Separation therapy groups, click here

For more information about our therapy groups or on any of the above, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box below.

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What is Separation Counselling?

Divorce and separation counselling is a specific form of therapy that helps manage the anxiety, stress and grief of separation and can prevent the mental health problems that can develop especially for the younger members of a family.

Separation counselling is not the same as relationship counselling, as its goal is to help people separate with the least amount of hurt and anger. It endeavours to heal the pain of a relationship breakdown and help people move on with their lives.

Sometimes separation counselling can be short term to simply help couples understand what went wrong and where to go from here.

Separation counselling may also help you to confirm that you have made the right decision to leave or help you reconsider and want to try again. You may uncover some of the negative behaviour patterns in therapy that have led to your separation – and at least avoid repeating the same patterns in future relationships.

As well as having to cope with the emotional side of a separation, there are also practical issues to deal with. These can include organising new homes for the people involved, deciding on custody issues if there are young children in the family, and splitting up finances. These tasks in themselves can be emotionally trying.

Children especially benefit when parents separate well.

Common feelings and reactions to watch out for are:

Physical

• Increased or decreased appetite
• Problems sleeping, or having nightmares
• Tiredness from stress or over-work or in some cases not being able to function at work

Cognitive

• Inability to think clearly
• Decreased concentration, often leading to becoming prone to accidents

Emotional

• Mood swings
• Rage and anger
• Guilt
• Feeling lonely
• Fear of changes that may occur
• Grief
• Feelings of hopelessness and inability to cope

Please be aware these reactions can be normal responses compared to the changes occurring. It is important not to dismiss these feelings, but to understand when you or your partner or children may need help and support.

If you feel you are unable to cope (extreme sleep of appetite disturbance, feelings of hopelessness, inability to work or study), make an appointment to see one of our psychologists.

The Team of Separation Counselling Psychologists

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Strategies to help manage Separation

• Recognise that it’s OK to feel the emotions that you’re experiencing, and don’t try to block them out or ignore them
• Maintain self-care strategies, such as a good diet, social activities, soothing exercises (such as movies and reading), and adequate sleep
• Attempt to maintain a routine, and prioritise things that are necessary
• Reach out to your support network for help; friends, family, and a professional if needed
• Join a Separation Therapy group
• Practice meditation and relaxation techniques, try journaling
• Let out feelings through exercise
• If it is the separation of your parents or other loved ones, ensure that you look after yourself before others. Remember that it is okay to separate yourself from the situation if it is causing you extreme distress.

Try to avoid:

• Unhelpful coping mechanisms such as self-medication with substances
• Massive changes due to the divorce (particularly when dependents are involved)
• Impulsive or angry behaviours towards your ex-partner

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

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How much does it cost?

Assessments

The fee for the Singles Relationship package is $550 per person. It is available Monday to Saturday before and after hours online.

The fee for the Couples Counselling Package is $950 per couple. It is available Monday to Friday, before and after hours online.

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, a Medicare rebate may apply to each partner with a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP (General Practitioner).

Once you have purchased either of these packages, reception will contact you to arrange an appointment time. Prior to your first singles/couples’ assessment session, you will be required to fill in a battery of online psychological screening tests.

If you have any questions or concerns about these forms, you can speak to the Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on our website.

Separation Counselling

We have a large team of male and female relationship psychologists who provide in-person and online separation counselling. They are available six days a week, for sessions both before and after working hours, as well as all day on Saturdays.

Psychology Melbourne’s fees for separation counselling are as follows:

Psychology Melbourne’s fees for Singles counselling are as follows:

• Consultations with a clinical psychologist start from $275 and a Medicare rebate of $141.85 may apply for each session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $133.15 per session. 
• Consultations with a registered psychologist start from $230 and a Medicare rebate of $96.65 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $133.35 per session.

Psychology Melbourne’s fees for Couples’ counselling are as follows: 

• Couples' sessions with a clinical psychologist start from $330 and a Medicare rebate of $141.85 may apply for each session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $188.15 per session.
• Couples' sessions with a registered psychologist start from $280 and a Medicare rebate of $96.65 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $153.35 per session. 

If you intend to claim a Medicare rebate when working conjointly with a partner or family member, the person with the MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan) must be present during the session. Only the person with MHCP can receive a Medicare rebate, and one rebate per session applies.

Please note:

• The fees for consultations differ between in-person and online sessions. There is an additional fee of $10 for appointments scheduled before 9 am and after 5 pm weekdays, as well as for appointments throughout the day on Saturdays.
• Medicare rebates are available for 10 one-on-one counselling sessions per calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
• To access funded services from a third party, such as Workcover or NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), you must provide approved claim details 48 hours before your first session. If, for any reason, approval is not provided, you will be responsible for full payment, or appointments may be cancelled. A gap fee of $20 per session may apply.
• A reduced fee is considered on request for clients under financial hardship with a letter from your GP confirming your financial situation.
• Fees can be paid by EFTPOS, VISA, or MasterCard. Please note that we do not accept American Express or Diners Club.
• Bulk Billing is not available at our clinic.

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

Separation therapy group

Group therapy is not just clinically effective, it is cost effective as well. The cost of the Separation therapy group is $510 for 6 sessions.

Medicare rebates may be available if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

• Groups run by a clinical psychologist cost $510 and a Medicare rebate of $34.60 may apply in telehealth eligible areas, making an out-of-pocket fee of $309.30 or $50.40 per session.
• Groups run by a registered psychologist cost $450 and a Medicare rebate of $23.70 may apply in telehealth eligible areas, making an out-of-pocket fee of $312.60 or $51.30 per session.

Please note:

• We require prepayment of all groups prior to the start date.
• Medicare rebates are available for 10 1-hour group sessions per year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP and are within a telehealth eligible area.
• Afterpay is available for the initial cost of the group and rebates are sent to your nominated account after each session

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

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How do I make an appointment?

Separation Counselling

For online couples counselling appointments you can book online here or call our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

Reception will find an appointment time that suits you best and will reserve 3 future appointments in the diary so that you can keep your place in your psychologist’s diary. Appointments after that will be made between you and your consultant.

We understand that changes to your appointments are sometimes necessary, but we urge you to notify us as soon as possible to avoid cancellation fees. You will be sent an SMS reminder four (4) days before your appointment.

For in-person appointments we have strict precautions in place at all our locations for your safety. If you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of fever, or have tested positive for COVID-19, we ask you to use our online counselling services until you are well again.

Please bring your Mental Health Care Plan to your first session or email it to us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to fax this through to us on 03 9957 8122.

Couples/Singles Assessment Package
For the Couples/Singles Assessment package, you can sign up on the SHOP on our website.

Group appointments

We require prepayment of all groups prior to the start date. You can purchase the group on our website or call our Reception team for assistance on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

Once you have enrolled in the group, you will be sent several forms to complete before the group starts. If you have any questions about forms, please speak to our helpful Reception team. The forms must be completed 24 hours before the group starts.

You will need to join the online group 10 minutes before it starts to ensure there are no technology problems. Assistance on the night is only available for 10 minutes before and after the start time.

Alternatively, we can show you how to join on the day prior to the group starting.

If you have any technology problems, please check your audio and video are working properly as well as your Wi-Fi connection. Refresh your browser if you are still experiencing problems.