Relationship & Marriage Counselling Melbourne

Relationship & Marriage Counselling Melbourne

Supporting couples across Melbourne with professional relationship and marriage counselling - part of The Hart Centre’s 200+ locations Australia-wide.

East Melbourne
Melbourne CBD
North Melbourne
South Melbourne
West Melbourne
East Melbourne

13 centres

Melbourne CBD

4 centres

North Melbourne

24 centres

South Melbourne

14 centres

West Melbourne

4 centres

What Happens in a Couples
Counselling Session?

Our Melbourne Relationship Therapists Can Help If...
  • You keep having the same arguments, and nothing ever seems to change.

  • Conversations quickly turn into misunderstandings or silence.

  • You feel more like housemates than partners lately.

  • It’s hard to talk about your feelings without someone getting defensive.

  • Affection, touch, or sex feels awkward, distant, or forced.

  • You feel unseen, unappreciated, or taken for granted.

  • One of you feels more invested in fixing things than the other.

  • You’re healing after an affair, betrayal, or major breach of trust.

  • There’s tension about parenting styles, finances, or family boundaries.

  • You’re avoiding each other to prevent another argument.

  • Work, kids, or stress have taken priority, and your relationship feels last.

  • You’re wondering whether to stay or go – and need clarity.

  • You’ve tried talking it through, but nothing gets resolved.

  • You simply feel stuck and don’t know how to reconnect.

 

Every couple faces moments of disconnection. Our Melbourne couples counselling sessions are designed to help you slow down, understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, and find new ways to communicate and reconnect. You’ll gain insights, tools, and support to create change that lasts beyond the session.

 

Whatever you’re facing, our top-rated Melbourne relationship psychologist, social workers and counsellors can help you rebuild trust, rediscover connection, and find a way forward – together.

See what happens in a couples
counselling session

See what happens in a couples counselling session

3:00 min video

Melbourne Client Experiences

Hear from some of our Melbourne clients who have booked individuals and couples counselling.

relationship therapy

J.O - Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy to book, great information on the website. Very smooth process.

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J.O

Melbourne VIC

C.E - Carlton North, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The booking process was pretty simple and I found the tone to be polite and caring!

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C.E

Carlton North, Melbourne VIC

G.D - Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The booking process was extremely easy and Alex was very understanding and accommodating. Looking forward to my session with Charlotte

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G.D

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

C.D - Ivanhoe East, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From my very first contact with this company, the experience has been fantastic. The young lady who handled my booking was incredibly patient, compassionate, and took the time to really listen to our situation. We spent quite a while on the phone, and she made sure she understood exactly what my husband and I were looking for before carefully matching us with the right counsellor. I truly appreciated the care and attention she gave us throughout the process. It made us feel heard, supported, and confident that we were being connected with the right person. I would highly recommend reaching out to this service if you’re looking for support for yourself, your partner, your children, or your family. Taking that first step can be difficult, but they made the process easy and reassuring. We’re really looking forward to our upcoming session with Adam. I’ll be sure to come back and leave another review after we’ve had our appointment, but so far, I couldn’t be happier with the service we’ve received.Thank you for making what can be a daunting process feel so comfortable and supportive. 😊

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C.D

Ivanhoe East, Melbourne VIC

N.W - Preston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the best online booking processes I’ve experienced. Straight forward, fast and efficient.

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N.W

Preston, Melbourne VIC

V.D - Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The lady I spoke to on the phone was helpful, informative and made the whole booking process seamless and very professional

 

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V.D

Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

D.C - Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booking process was fast and easy, I’d recommend

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D.C

Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

A.P - Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I spoke with Cher and she was absolutely outstanding throughout the booking process. Very easy to talk to and efficient. She was very helpful and understanding. Keep up the great work Cher!

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A.P

Melbourne VIC

J.G – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

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We fully endorse Ange as a therapist as a couple who recently attended a therapy appointment with her at The Hart Centre. Ange is a superb counselor who genuinely cares about her patients’ well-being and offers a safe atmosphere in which they can express their problems. Ange listened intently and offered suggestions and direction throughout the entire session. She was sympathetic, encouraging, and, when appropriate, confronting, which we valued.

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J.G

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

J – South Yarra, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kudos to Brigette for having a great impact on saving our marriage from the verge of separation. With her counselling, our relationship becomes more intact, improving our daily lives and mental health. The stability that we currently have in our relationship is the result of her counselling. Our marriage will be like this with your help. Thank you Brigette!

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J

South Yarra, Melbourne VIC

L – Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

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I was worried about being judged upon booking, making the first step is always uneasy. I was greeted with care and compassion and felt well heard by staff. Easy, simple and fast process. Thanks you

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L

Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

H.R – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Angela is one exeptional therapist, and I’m really happy that we scheduled with her. My partner and I were not in synch and not in the same path as we used to. Due to the stress from both of our work, it affected our relationship to the extent of having anxiety, stress and much more difficulties in our communication. With her help, our relationship is much better than before. Thank you Angela for giving our marriage a second chance!

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H.R

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

C.C – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The hart centre saved my marriage – thank you so much!

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C.C

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

D.R – East Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very prompt response to my online query.
Nicky was extremely kind, professional and understanding. She booked me an appointment close by for the following day – such a relief to not have to wait.
I could not rate this experience highly enough. Exemplary!!

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D.R

East Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

S.B – Croydon South, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cher rang me today and as soon as I heard her lovely voice I knew I had an angel to discuss my issues with. Such a caring person who listened. I now have hope that I have found where I’m supposed to find my path to recovery. Thank you Cher ✨ ✨

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S.B

Croydon South, Melbourne VIC

E.G – Werribee, Melbourne VIC

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The booking process was incredibly easy. The information was clear, pricing was visible. I didn’t have to go hunting for anything. I wish more businesses had a booking system like this. 10/10

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E.G

Werribee, Melbourne VIC

I.D – Wheelers Hill, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently booked with The Hart Centre and spoke with Michelle, and the experience was fantastic! She was highly responsive, professional, and attentive. She made the entire process smooth, and that makes all the difference.

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I.D

Wheelers Hill, Melbourne VIC

J.G – Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The counseling was very helpful.

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J.G

Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

K.C – Wheelers Hill, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy booking process … hopefully just as happy with the counsellor

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K.C

Wheelers Hill, Melbourne VIC

M.A – Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Hart Centre have many practitioners specialising in different area of therapy which allow us to focus on our needs. Receptionist was so helpful. Thanks.

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M.A

Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

M.D – East Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Super easy to use and a very helpful team!

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M.D

East Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

M.Z – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Friendly, efficient and easy to book and get the most appropriate therapist. Thank you!

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M.Z

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

O.S – Pascoe Vale, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My booking process for an appointment is fantastic. I received an email that allow me to book for an appointment on Sunday morning. Never sleeps.

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O.S

Pascoe Vale, Melbourne VIC

A – Barwon Heads, Geelong VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The booking process was seamless. I received a prompt call confirming the details and payment of the deposit. The customer service rep was very polite and compassionate. Would definitely recommend booking through this service.

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A

Barwon Heads, Geelong VIC

A.B – Northcote, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very easy & streamlined way to make a booking. 100% recommend.

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A.B

Northcote, Melbourne VIC

A.C – Canterbury, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Hart Centre, namely Nicole made the process very easy, friendly, professional and above all else made the process of ensuring my relationship continue. Which means the world to me. Thank you Hart Centre and thank you Nicole.

A.C

Canterbury, Melbourne VIC

C.M – Werribee, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booked my first session. Looking forward to session. The team are lovely and are really helpful and answer all questions.

C.M

Werribee, Melbourne VIC

D.H – Garfield, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very easy to book

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D.H

Garfield, Melbourne VIC

A.T – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Receptionist lady was wonderful, compassionate, understanding. She made earliest appointment for my son. Explained everything very well. I feel so good about this place already, though my son’s appointment only tomorrow.

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A.T

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

S.A – Brighton, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very friendly and helpful Nicole. Very satisfied with her service.

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S.A

Brighton, Melbourne VIC

S.R – Prahran, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Found an amazing contact with the help from the Hart Centre. Terrific platform. Thanks HC team.

S.R

Prahran, Melbourne VIC

T.A – Sunbury, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy booking system with lots of availability.

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T.A

Sunbury, Melbourne VIC

S.C – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very polite and easy to deal with

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S.C

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

J.H – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cher has been a great help. Understanding my circumstances and frustrations, she identified what I needed and promptly put me in touch with a counselor. Definitely one of the better experiences I’ve had dealing with a company over the phone.

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J.H

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

J.B – Thornbury, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booking was quick and easy! No complaints here

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J.B

Thornbury, Melbourne VIC

J.C – Richmond, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy to book in and very great communication from admin

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J.C

Richmond, Melbourne VIC

D.Y – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The booking was very easy and a simple process, looking forward to our visit

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D.Y

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

K.H – Garfield, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shelley offers a professional yet relaxing service, she is easy to talk to with a non judgemental attitude.

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K.H

Garfield, Melbourne VIC

B.W – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy to book in

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B.W

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

A.H – Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best appointment I’ve ever booked but so close to pulling out, I didn’t pull out cause it was less than 48hrs to booking thankfully, so it was already paid for so I thought I may as well go! Curiously, I booked within the 48hr period so it did seem odd that I couldn’t pull out as soon as I realised the appointment timing was going to be really challenging, a few hours later, basically I was a bit all over the place, glad I went, Emily was excellent and I feel like I am in good hands and I’m excited to do the work.
Thanks

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A.H

Fitzroy North, Melbourne VIC

A.J – Bayswater, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It was really easy and straight forward hassle free booking experience and dealing with the lovely staff there. Thank you very much

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A.J

Bayswater, Melbourne VIC

C – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I felt that me and my partner are slowly drifting away with each other and many things just collapsed instantly. With the help of francesco, me and my partner made deep conversations with each other and fix our problems instantly without any bad circumstances happening. With that, I really thank Francesco for helping the both of us arrange things in a good way. Thank you so much Francesco.

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C

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

C.W – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Great service, kind people.

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C.W

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

D – Caroline Springs, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good customer service , nice staff would definitely recommend.

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D

Caroline Springs, Melbourne VIC

E.H – Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spoke to the lovely Cher on the phone. She was warm and friendly and very attentive. Looking forward to my first session here.

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E.H

Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

J.Z – Wheelers Hill, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Staff were attentive and speedy

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J.Z

Wheelers Hill, Melbourne VIC

L.S – Moorabbin, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I dealt with Diane who honestly made this process all the more easier on me and My partner. Would highly recommend 🙂

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L.S

Moorabbin, Melbourne VIC

P.D – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Hart Centre have been thoroughly professional in every way, providing me with well-informed quality clients. From management to reception the Hart Centre are an outstanding organization.

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P.D

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

A.K – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The almost immediate response after my enquiry was really comforting in a difficult time! The booking process incredibly easy and the receptionist I had was lovely and compassionate and made me feel like I could have complete trust in the service I was booking! Thank you!

A.K

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

A.M – Preston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Helpful customer care service

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A.M

Preston, Melbourne VIC

Anita – Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As a Hart Therapist, I have been extremely well supported in my professional practice through a responsible and client-focused referral process.

Anita

Camberwell

B.J – Hawthorn, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alex went above and beyond to facilitate an urgent clinical psychologist for my very fragile son. The team at HART are kind , caring and empathetic and for this, I’ll be forever grateful.

B.J

Hawthorn, Melbourne VIC

C.L – Frankston South, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Polite and helpful

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C.L

Frankston South, Melbourne VIC

C.M – Werribee, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booked my first session. Looking forward to session. The team are lovely and are really helpful and answer all questions.

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C.M

Werribee, Melbourne VIC

C.W – Southbank, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The process was efficient, quick and very responsive. Couldn’t think of a way the process could be improved.

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C.W

Southbank, Melbourne VIC

D.B – Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Was easy and fast to fill out the form and responded back very quickly and was able to book a appointment with no hassle

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D.B

Camberwell, Melbourne VIC

D.B – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Appreciate all your help.

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D.B

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

D.C – Carlton North, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booking in was Easy as

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D.C

Carlton North, Melbourne VIC

D.C – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy to book and great availability

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D.C

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

H.C – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So far, the team was very professional, when it comes down to booking! Very easy process!!

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H.C

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

J.M – Brighton, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very happy a life saver saved my marriage

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J.M

Brighton, Melbourne VIC

K.U – Bayswater, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy and friendly receptionist. Thanks!

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K.U

Bayswater, Melbourne VIC

L.B – South Yarra, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy booking process good results

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L.B

South Yarra, Melbourne VIC

M – Barwon Heads, Geelong VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Experience so far has been welcoming and accommodating. Really happy with the process and would highly recommend!

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M

Barwon Heads, Geelong VIC

M.C – Narre Warren, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What wonderful people at the Hart Centre. Theywere so prompt in getting back to me after my initial inquiry. I was treated with such compassion and kindness in what is a very challenging time. I spoke to two lovely ladies, Michelle and Laney. (Sorry if I’ve got your names wrong) You get my highest recommendation. Thank you

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M.C

Narre Warren, Melbourne VIC

M.D – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very attentive, pleasant, warm and accomodating

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M.D

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

M.L – Sunbury, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I felt relaxed from the moment I first made contact with The Hart Centre. The information provided was concise and the staff could not have been more helpful. It was a brilliant introduction!

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M.L

Sunbury, Melbourne VIC

M.W – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy booking process

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M.W

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

N.C – Brighton East, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seamless booking process, at a hard time I was looking for a simple, clear and positive platform and this certainly delivered.

N.C

Brighton East, Melbourne VIC

N.E – South Yarra, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The booking process was very smooth and the staff on email and phone both very pleasant and helpful.
Thank you.

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N.E

South Yarra, Melbourne VIC

R.M – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easy too book with the hart Centre

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R.M

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

R.K – Frankston, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Haven’t been there yet but booking process was very easy.

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R.K

Frankston, Melbourne VIC

R.C – Northcote, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booking was very easy and the person on the phone was helpful

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R.C

Northcote, Melbourne VIC

R.A – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very supportive staff and seamless admin process. An amazing team! 🙂

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R.A

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

R.R – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very fast and friendly service. Understanding and courteous.
Highly recommended

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R.R

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

S.R – Tecoma, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The booking process through The Hart Centre was very straightforward and easy to navigate. Lots of questions with multiple choice answers to help towards finding the best suitable person for your needs. Thank you for making the booking process easy and helpful.

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S.R

Tecoma, Melbourne VIC

Tony – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been working with the Hart Centre since 2013. Since then I have had countless opportunities to experience first-hand the professionalism, efficiency and most importantly the humanistic ethos of the Hart Centre.

Tony

Moonee Ponds

Tyson - Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

They do all the hard stuff for you so it’s really not stressful at all they book they make everything so easy

Tyson

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

T – Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marlena has been very helpful, very balanced for both parties

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T

Melbourne, Melbourne VIC

N.P – Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The lady that l spoke to was amazing. I was nervous to begin with but she had it all so easy and understandable.

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N.P

Moonee Ponds, Melbourne VIC

Mandy – Carlton North, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been working with the Hart Centre since its very early days and it has been a great asset to building my practice as a couple’s therapist. I have always found Julie Hart to be very fair in her business approach, and the reception staff are supportive & responsive.

Mandy

Carlton North

D.S – Barwon Heads, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Carolyn was brilliant. She was easy to connect with and me feel valued.

D.S

Barwon Heads, Melbourne VIC

D.O – Narre Warren, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was very Comfortable with Terry and her Dog, I felt at ease and the session went really quickly thanks for making it easy on me from Debbie

D.O

Narre Warren, Melbourne VIC

D.F – Richmond, Melbourne VIC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lovely talking to Emma, very accommodating and made the process easy

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D.F

Richmond, Melbourne VIC

Every relationship is different, which is why we take great care to match you with an expert-vetted specialist that understands your situation.

Our expert-vetted Melbourne couples therapists offer a range of health fund rebates

Relationship Counselling Melbourne
& the Hart Centre Approach

Couples therapy is a specialised field that requires advanced training and experience. Our Melbourne psychologists, social workers and couples counsellors work with relationships specifically – reading the dynamic between two people, not just the two people separately – and using evidence-based methods to help you recognise the pattern you are caught in, communicate without blame, and rebuild trust.

We match the method to the problem rather than running one script. The Gottman Method for couples stuck in the same argument on repeat. Emotionally Focused Therapy where the distance between you has become the real issue. Trauma-informed practice where what is playing out now has older roots, for one of you or both.

Every relationship is different, and so is the plan. Whether you are dealing with constant arguments, emotional distance, betrayal, or uncertainty about the future, our Melbourne relationship counsellors work to your goals rather than a fixed program. Many clinics also offer after-hours and Saturday sessions, which for most couples is the only time you can both realistically be there.

 

Seeking relationship counselling takes courage. Opening up to someone new can feel daunting, especially when emotions are high or the future feels uncertain. At The Hart Centre Melbourne, our counsellors give you a space where both of you are heard, so you can understand what is really happening beneath the surface and start rebuilding connection.

What makes it the Hart Centre approach is what happens before your first session. Every counsellor and psychologist in our Melbourne network is Hart Centre Certified, screened for couples-specific training and genuine couples experience before we refer anyone – because most therapists are trained for individual work, and couples counselling is a different craft. HartMatch then pairs you with the practitioner suited to your situation rather than whoever has the next gap in the diary, and if the first match is not right, the HartMatch Guarantee rematches you and covers the next session.

Therapy is a process rather than an event. You may notice shifts after the first few sessions, but lasting change takes time and commitment from both of you, and each session builds on the last. To help you get value from it early, every couple who books receives our StartStrong toolkit, complimentary – a Hart-built guide to preparing for your first session and making the most of the ones that follow.

Relationship Counselling Melbourne
& the Hart Centre Approach

Common Questions About our Melbourne Counselling

It's normal not to know what to expect, here are some common questions we get from couples seeking relationship therapy across Melbourne

  • Yes, five practices in and around the CBD: Queen Street, Queens Road, St Kilda Road, Southbank and Spotswood just across the river. Between them they hold lunchtime, before-work and after-work sessions for exactly the couples you’d expect: two busy people who can manage an hour near the office but will never manage a Tuesday afternoon in the suburbs.

    If the CBD doesn’t suit, we match couples across 40+ Melbourne locations, or to sessions online. Tell us where you work and where you live and we’ll find the option you’ll actually keep turning up to.

  • Our practices in and around the CBD cover the inner city, with rooms through Camberwell, Kew, Hawthorn and Canterbury in the east, and out to Lilydale and the Yarra Ranges. Tell us your suburb when you enquire and we will match you with the closest practitioner suited to what is actually going on.

  • Yes. Moonee Ponds and Essendon through the north-west, Werribee out west, and Brighton, Prahran and down the bay to Frankston, with practitioners further south-east through Narre Warren. Across greater Melbourne we have more than forty rooms, so for most couples the nearest one is a short drive rather than a trip into the city.

  • Yes. Many of our Melbourne practitioners hold evening slots and some clinics run Saturday sessions – which for most couples is the only time you can both realistically be there, after work and after the kids are down. Tell us the times that genuinely work when you enquire and we will match you to a practitioner with that availability, rather than sending you a schedule to squeeze into.

  • Usually within a week. Once you enquire we come back to you with a matched practitioner rather than putting you on a waitlist, and book you directly with them. With forty-plus rooms across the city, Melbourne has the deepest availability in our network.

  • Yes. Couples in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, the Surf Coast and across regional Victoria work with our vetted practitioners online, and we also have rooms reaching out to the Yarra Ranges and the south-east. Online sessions are the same work with the same practitioners – the only thing you lose is the drive.

  • Entirely. Most Melbourne couples tell us afterwards that deciding to book took longer than the counselling itself started to help – the anticipation is usually the steepest part of the whole thing. Feeling anxious doesn’t mean your relationship is worse than other people’s; nearly everyone in a counsellor’s Tuesday schedule felt some version of it on the way in.

    And it doesn’t obligate you to anything. A first session is exploratory – your counsellor is learning how you two work, and you’re deciding whether they’re the right person. Nothing about attending commits you to a verdict on the relationship.

  • We’re always happy to match you (it’s what we’re known best for – and even provide a guarantee), but if you’d rather search yourself, that’s completely fine. Start with couples-specific training and real couples experience, because most therapists are trained for individual work and couples counselling is a different craft. Every counsellor and psychologist in our Melbourne network is Hart Centre Certified, which means they’ve been vetted for relationship-specific training and experience before we refer anyone to them, and they keep training through our annual in-house conferences.

    Then there’s fit, which matters just as much and is harder to judge from a website. Both of you need to trust the person in the room, and the practitioner who’s right for a couple recovering from an affair is rarely the same one who’s right for a couple who’ve drifted into flatmate territory. That’s the part we do. When you enquire, we ask what’s actually happening in your relationship and match you accordingly, backed by our HartMatch™ Guarantee – if the first match isn’t right, we rematch you and cover the next session

  • Not for the couple sessions themselves – Medicare doesn’t cover counselling where the relationship is the client. What Medicare does cover is individual treatment. If your GP puts you on a Mental Health Treatment Plan for your own anxiety, low mood or distress, sessions with one of our Melbourne psychologists can attract a rebate, even when your relationship is the thing driving it.

    Private health is the other route. Our Melbourne practitioners offer rebates across funds including Medibank, nib, HBF, ahm and Australian Unity, depending on your extras cover, and funds vary enough that a quick call to yours is worth making before the first session. The detail lives on our Fees and Rebates page. If claiming matters to you, say so when you enquire and we’ll match you with a psychologist rather than a counsellor from the start.

  • Our Melbourne practitioners typically charge between $150 and $300 for a 50-minute session, with the CBD practices toward the higher end and suburban rooms generally below that. Each therapist publishes their own fee on their profile, so you know the cost before you book rather than at the first session. There is no separate charge for the matching itself. Full detail is on our Fees and Rebates page.

  • You can. Our Melbourne network includes psychologists, psychotherapists and specialist relationship counsellors, all vetted to the same Hart Certified standard for couples work. A psychologist brings broader mental health training; a specialist counsellor has usually spent their whole career on relationships.

    For most couples the deciding factor is practical rather than clinical: if one of you intends to claim a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, that requires a psychologist, so tell us up front.

  • Yes. We have Melbourne practitioners with genuine experience working with LGBTQIA+ couples, and matching you with one of them is part of what we ask about when you enquire, not something you have to hope for. You shouldn’t have to spend your first session educating your counsellor, and with the right match you won’t. More on our LGBTQIA+ counselling page.

  • The honest answer is that it depends on how long the problem ran before you arrived. A pattern that took ten years to build rarely shifts in three conversations, though most couples feel something loosen within the first couple of sessions.

    Factor in 6 – 8 sessions to be safe, but it depends on the people in the room, and how willing they are to be vulnerable and address the issues, it could be solved quicker than that.

  • Yes, and it’s the norm rather than the exception – nearly every couple our Melbourne practitioners see arrived with one person who pushed and one who came warily. If your partner won’t come yet, start on your own. One person changing their side of a pattern changes the pattern, and a partner watching that happen often follows them in.

  • That’s more common than you’d think (we hear it every day), and it usually says more about the match than about you. Relationship work is a specialty area – extensive training and experience make a real difference to results – and plenty of the Melbourne couples who come to us have already tried a counsellor who mostly worked with individuals, or whose style simply didn’t suit them.

    Our matching team pairs you with a Melbourne relationship specialist based on your situation, personalities and preferences, backed by our HartMatch™ Guarantee: if your first therapist isn’t the right fit, we rematch you and cover your next session. Trying again with the right person is a different experience from trying again with the same approach.

  • Yes, couples come to us at this point often, and it’s still worth coming. When things feel on the brink, counselling can pause the cycle of hurt long enough for you both to think clearly, which is hard to do at home in the middle of it.

    Our Melbourne therapists are trained to hold space for both outcomes. Some couples use this point to rebuild. Others use it to reach an honest understanding that it’s time to part, and to do that with respect instead of another year of damage. Even if one of you feels half out the door, the work helps you communicate better, set boundaries, and avoid carrying the same patterns into whatever comes next.

  • Many do, though the feelings of anger and betrayal can be overwhelming in the early weeks, and it rarely feels survivable from inside that period. Some marriages don’t survive an affair. The ones that do tend to be the ones where both people were willing to understand how it happened, not just agree to move past it, and that’s the work our affair-recovery practitioners do.

    With the right counsellor, the healing process is structured rather than left to willpower: rebuilding safety first, then understanding, then trust. It’s slow work and it’s real work, and couples on the other side of it often describe knowing each other better than they did before.

  • Yes. All counselling sessions at The Hart Centre are completely confidential. Your therapist won’t share information without your consent, and all notes are securely stored. Hart Certified therapists provide an environment where both partners can speak openly, which is the only way this work happens.

  • Treat the sessions as the scaffolding and the fortnight between them as the building – noticing the pattern when it starts, trying what your counsellor suggested, saying so when something didn’t land. Couples who work between sessions consistently outpace couples who only work in them.

    You’ll also start with a head start: our StartStrong toolkit comes complimentary with every booking. It’s a short Hart-built guide covering what to expect from a first session, what consistently helps therapy work, and reflection questions – kept private, just for you – so you arrive already clear on what you’re hoping for.

  • There’s no honest yes or no to this from a website – but here’s what we can tell you from twenty years of Melbourne couples asking it. “Too late” usually isn’t about how bad the fights are; it’s about how long the distance has run. And length of distance turns out to be a poor predictor: we regularly see couples reconnect after years of coldness, and the research behind methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy backs that up – disconnection is a pattern, and patterns can be worked on, even old ones. What matters far more is whether both of you are willing to show up and try, even sceptically. Willing-but-doubtful is enough to start. And if one of you genuinely has one foot out the door, say so when you enquire – that calls for a specific kind of work (sometimes called discernment counselling), where the goal is a clear, considered decision rather than automatic repair. Either way, you leave with an answer instead of another year of drifting.

  • The way most parent couples make it work is to book around the kids rather than with them. Daytime sessions while the children are at school or daycare are the most straightforward option, and plenty of couples line up a babysitter, a friend or a grandparent for an hour instead. If getting to a room is the sticking point, online sessions with the same therapist work just as well – some couples simply prefer them. The one constant is that the session itself is adults-only, wherever and whenever it happens: couples work involves saying things plainly, and that conversation isn’t for little ears. Tell us your family’s routine when you enquire and we’ll match you with a practitioner whose availability fits it.

Australia's 
Relationship Experts

Australia's
Relationship Experts

Your relationship matters. For over 20 years, we’ve helped over 83,000 clients as Australia’s leading couples counselling group. With over 200+ Hart Centre Certified therapists, finding yours is easy.