FOR COUPLES
Online couples therapy using the Gottman Method
I offer online couples therapy across Australia in English or Arabic, using Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I am a Perth-based Accredited Social Worker. We begin with four assessment appointments: one joint session, one individual session with each partner, and joint feedback. The first appointment is 90 minutes. The questionnaire and fees are explained below.
When couples therapy may fit
You may be returning to the same disagreement, feeling distant, or trying to understand a change in trust. We look at the patterns between you, what is working, and what each of you wants from the relationship. Both partners need to be willing to take part.
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Culture, migration, faith, language, family expectations and caring responsibilities can shape a relationship. We can include these in our conversations when they matter to you. I welcome couples of every sexual orientation and gender identity. This assessment pathway involves two partners.
Session information
Standard session: $230 per hour
First 90-minute session: $345
Both people participate in the pathway
WHAT TO EXPECT
Approach, process and boundaries
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Why I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy
I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work.
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The Gottman Institute describes research involving more than 3,000 couples. This research examines how couples manage conflict, respond to one another and maintain connection. It informs an approach that combines relationship assessment with practical work on friendship, conflict and shared meaning.
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In our sessions, this can involve looking closely at a recurring disagreement, practising how to describe a concern, and considering how you respond to one another. Assessment helps us choose the focus. Research provides a basis for the approach; it cannot predict what will happen in your relationship.
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Your four assessment appointments
1. Joint appointment, 90 minutes. We discuss your relationship, what has brought you to therapy and what each of you hopes to understand or change.
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2. Individual appointment, 60 minutes. One partner meets with me as part of the relationship assessment.
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3. Individual appointment, 60 minutes. The other partner has the same opportunity.
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4. Joint feedback appointment, 60 minutes. We discuss the assessment, whether ongoing couples work is suitable and the focus we agree for it.
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Between the first and second appointments, each partner completes the Gottman Relationship Checkup separately and privately online. Allow a couple of hours each. You pay for the questionnaire separately, and I confirm the current fee before purchase.
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If we continue after assessment, appointments are 60 minutes. The number and frequency of sessions depend on your circumstances and goals. We review whether the work remains useful.
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Individual conversations and professional boundaries
The individual assessment appointments are part of couples work. What you share is not treated as a secret from your partner, but I do not repeat it word for word. I use professional judgement about what needs to enter joint sessions and discuss it with you first. Legal and safety limits to confidentiality still apply.
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Individual work with one partner may be offered when it serves and is coordinated with the couples work and has a stated purpose. Both partners need to agree first, and I check the other partner’s agreement with them separately. The same disclosure rule applies in individual and joint sessions. Ongoing individual therapy with one partner, including trauma processing and EMDR, is decided case by case with my clinical supervisor.
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When another service is more suitable
Joint therapy may be unsafe where there is coercive control, intimidation or violence. Specialist family violence assessment and support take priority. If either partner is afraid to speak freely, use a safe way to contact me before booking.
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If your partner does not want to take part and we have not begun couples work, you can read about individual EMDR therapy. It begins with assessment of whether EMDR fits your needs. Another practitioner may be more suitable if you want general relationship counselling for yourself.
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LEXs does not provide emergency or crisis response. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
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Fees and booking
First joint appointment: $345 for 90 minutes.
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Assessment appointments two, three and four: $230 each for 60 minutes.
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All four assessment appointments paid separately: $1,035.
Couples Assessment Phase package: $930 prepaid for all four appointments, saving $105 on session fees. The package is valid for six months from payment.
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Gottman Relationship Checkup: an additional client-paid fee, confirmed before purchase.
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Ongoing couples appointments: $230 for 60 minutes.
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No GP referral is required. Medicare rebates are not available. Please give at least 72 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Read the cancellation and package terms before choosing a prepaid package.
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About me
I am Michael Elwan, Founder and Director of Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs), an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), No. 681846. I am Perth-based and work online across Australia in English and Arabic.
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I won the 2025 AASW National Excellence Awards, Social Worker of the Year. My couples work uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy alongside assessment of your relationship, circumstances and suitability for online sessions.
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Privacy and crisis boundary
Secure telehealth protects privacy; LEXs is not a crisis response service.
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Book
New couples begin with the 90-minute joint appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
PROFESSIONAL STANDING AND SECURE PRACTICE