What is the process for Marriage & Pre-Marriage Counselling?
To begin a counsellor must speak privately with each partner. This is called an Intake and Assessment session.
IMPORTANT: Throughout the Intake and Assessment session the counsellor will assess whether it is appropriate to offer a joint session. Northern Frontiers Counselling Cairns does not offer joint sessions under the following circumstances:
1. There are indicators of significant historical or current intimate partner violence.
2. One or both partners demonstrate unwillingness/inability to explore their own behaviours and ways in which they may be impacting negatively on the relationship.
3. When one party has decided to end the relationship and is therefore not motivated towards repairing the relationship. It is not the responsibility of the Counsellor to inform one party the relationship is over.
Intake and Assessment sessions are charged at the following rate:
- FREE 5 – 10 minute individual Intake & Assessment phone call
- 30-minute individual Intake & Assessment session phone call. Cost is $84.00 per person.
- 50-minute individual Intake & Assessment session phone call or office session. Cost is $140.00 per person.
- Note: Both partners do not need to choose the same Intake option. It depends on what both are comfortable with. Once the individual sessions are completed, you will be advised whether it is appropriate to book a joint session.
- Referral service: Northern Frontiers Counselling Cairns offers a referral service if/when joint sessions are assessed as not appropriate. Pricing and Terms & Conditions will then be set by the referral provider.
The cost of a 50-minute joint Relationship / Marriage or Pre-Marriage Counselling session is $150.00.
WHAT WE OFFER
Northern Frontiers’ senior counsellor, Melinda Bailey, uses Emotion Focused Couples Therapy to invite partners to learn more about their own and each others’ emotional needs. These may include the need for:
Affection
Openness and Honesty
Sexual Fulfilment
Intimate Conversation
Family Commitment
Financial Support
Recreational Companionship
Domestic Support
Physical Attractiveness
Couples rank their needs in order of priority i.e. Low/Moderate/High. They learn about the nature of human emotional need and what it’s feels like to live with unmet needs (i.e. distressed/frustrated/angry/discontent/resentful). The benefits of knowing and meeting each other’s needs (i.e. close bonding/staying in love) are highlighted. In this way couples gain valuable insight into their own needs as well as those of their partner and give their relationship the best possible start.
Northern Frontiers Counselling Cairns also offers Marriage & Relationship Counselling services.
Melinda calls the end result ‘the couples blueprint’ to keeping each other happy and explains that, because people are not mind-readers, clear honest communication is vital in order to avoid making assumptions about each other’s needs.
Couples also learn how to actively listen for understanding by engaging in an activity called the Imago Dialogue.
2023 Pricing Information:
Standard 50min joint Pre-Marriage Counselling sessions cost $150.00. Longer sessions are available by prior appointment.
At any time throughout the counselling process (including prior to a joint session) either partner may request an Individual Counselling session, which cost $140.00 for 50mins.
Flexible Appointment Times:
For your convenience Northern Frontiers Mediation & Counselling Cairns offers appointments from 7.30am weekdays. Out of hours appointments are available on a case-by-case basis. To enquire call 1300 90 81 70, text message via mobile on 0419 531 269, email reception@northernfrontiers.com.au or use the online chat feature at the bottom right of this webpage.
Ready for a new direction?
Contact our Reception and confidentially discuss your unique situation today. Simply call 1300 90 81 70, send a detailed text message to our client mobile on 0419 531 269, email reception@northernfrontiers.com.au or use the online chat feature at the bottom right of this webpage to speak with someone now. Don't worry, there is no obligation to make a booking, and we are happy to answer any questions you have if you are just researching different providers.
Location
75 Digger St
Cairns North QLD 4870
We operate Australia-wide.
We do not accept walk-ins, or individuals without prior bookings. Please contact prior to attending office.
Phone
+1300 90 81 70
Mobile: 0419 531 269 (text messaging available)
LiveChat: If you have any questions about our services and don't have time to ring or email, feel free to use the LiveChat function (bottom right of this page).
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 7.30 am – 5:00 pm, by appointment only. Limited face-to-face sessions available during the week. Phone and videochat (MS Teams, Skype, Zoom etc) available each weekday. Last-minute sessions are sometimes available for urgent matters.
Please note: To ensure client confidentiality all bookings are strictly by appointment only therefore we do not accept walk-ins or unannounced requests for service, including for new enquiries.