Couples, relationship & marriage counselling in Fremantle
Relationships can be both a beautiful and challenging journey that holds a mirror to both the best and worst parts of yourself. Relationships teach you tough lessons: that things aren’t always light and happy, you won’t always like your partner, and you certainly won’t be the same couple you were when you got together. Every relationship needs constant re-iteration and new chapters.
When you lean into your relationship and tend to it with thoughtfulness, curiosity and care, you can absolutely come out stronger and better. We’re here to help you do that, in a gentle, relatable and warm-hearted way.
We are experienced and respected couples counsellors with appointments available Monday-Saturday with after-hours availability.
Relationships are the most complex part of our human experience, and we’re here to soften the landing.
Couples, Marriage, and Relationship Counselling
Better Relationships Start Here
I know relationship issues are incredibly scary to feel, and even harder to acknowledge to yourself.
Yet you are not alone. These are all common experiences in couples that we can help you work through.
Here are some of the issues that may arise in your relationship where we can help through relationship counselling:
Questioning if this is the right partner for you or if your relationship is ending or not worth it anymore.
Have different love languages and don’t want to compromise on how each other wants to be loved.
Have trouble communicating calmly.
Recurring fights that erupt over the same issues.
Not able to resolve issues, resulting in them becoming ongoing fights, silent retreats or just swept under the rug.
You don’t feel seen, valued or understood by your partner, and they don’t seem to care about your feelings.
Your arguments are triggering and bring out the worst in you, either by having intense reactions, or shutting down and withdrawing.
You feel like you’ve lost the spark and you’re confused about how to get it back.
You don’t want to repeat the patterns of your parents or head towards divorce or separation.
You feel lonely in your relationship and like you’re the only one who cares or is fighting for the relationship;
You’re stuck in the ‘distancer’ and ‘pursuer’ dynamic where one partner wants more intimacy and one partner needs more space;
You can’t seem to express yourself sexually or find satisfaction in the bedroom.
You’re entering a new family dynamic, of separation, co-parenting, blended families or single parenthood.
Go beneath the tip of the iceberg to
talk about what really matters.
How Counselling Can Help Your Relationship
I’ll encourage you to face your challenges and transitions with curiosity, compassion and communication; to get you both to the next chapter in your relationship with gentleness, kindness. and patience.
Often, re-negotiating your relationship is a way to decide together what isn’t working, what is, and what needs to change. By taking time out to reflect on your relationship, you’ll gain clarity.
We often don’t need to throw the whole relationship out the window, but we do need to reflect, ask the hard questions, know what works and doesn’t work for you both, and have the courage to define and redefine your relationship in a unique way that works just for you two.
Counselling focuses on getting to the heart of the matter, allowing you to know what you're feeling and how to articulate it, and to ask for what you really need to feel safe, treasured and alive in the relationship.
You don’t need to follow anyone else’s script, rather find your own voice and what works for your unique dynamic. We’ll work to find your unique blueprint and shut out the world of ‘shoulds’ so you can find what works for you
You’ll feel more capable and have a deep understanding of how you and your partner operate.
You’ll be equipped with effective communication skills so that you can resolve issues faster.
You’ll be invited to take self-responsibility and find where you can support your partner better and lean into connection and friendship again.
The skills needed to navigate these complex challenges will support you in finding your way again.
We are all humans figuring out complex relationships together, so we’ll work hard to find a unique approach that suits your unique relationship in a practical, insightful and relatable way.
Improve Your Relationship Skills
You’ve done the hard part by finding the one you want to be with.
Now you can learn all of the teachable skills you can use to maintain your relationship:
We’d love to teach how you how to:
Discussing issues in a healthy way that doesn’t provoke aggression.
Truly hear each other and slow down your conversations.
Seeing each other’s experience and how they view your interactions.
Resolving issues, not ignoring them or leaving them unresolved.
Understanding your partner’s love language.
Fight about what really matters, not superficial tiffs.
Staying away from criticism, stonewalling and withdrawal.
Recovering and healing after a fight.
Finding your emotional and sexual connection again.
Learning each other’s vision and hopes for the future.
Know if together or apart is the best option for you.
We’re respected couples therapists who’ve helped many couples not only stay together, but start a new chapter in their relationship that feels lighter, more connected, intimate and hopeful again.
Experienced and respected therapists to choose from
You have options! Fabian Parker and Jo Bealey are both experienced and respected couples therapists who will hold your relationship with reverence while working to resolve your tension and communication challenges.
Fabian Parker
Fabian Parker is a therapist known for their supportive, understanding, and wise approach. Fabian's clients describe them as someone who hold space for their thoughts and experiences while knowing just when to step in to help clarify or deepen an insight. Fabian’s dedication to their role is evident in their commitment to continuous learning, actively engaging with both people and the world to enrich their understanding.
Authenticity is at the core of Fabian’s practice, and they carry this value beyond the therapy room, embodying it in all aspects of life. Fabian believes strongly in seeing clients beyond diagnostic labels, recognizing the importance of understanding each person's unique experience over assigning them a predefined mental health label.
Fabian's therapeutic approach is flexible and organic, avoiding prescriptive structures or rigid session themes. They hold that the most meaningful growth emerges not from a specific technique but from the therapeutic relationship itself.
Fabian collaborates with each client to co-create a space and approach that best meets their individual needs, making them an ideal therapist for those seeking an authentic, personalized journey rather than a predetermined path.
Fabian Parker’s approach to therapy is truly eclectic, drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities that integrate body, mind, and spirit, as well as both conscious and subconscious elements. Known for working with creativity and presence, Fabian tailors each session to meet the unique needs of their clients, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and understood at every step.
Fabian meets clients wherever they are in their journey, nurturing their growth with steadfast faith in their potential for healing and transformation. Their deep analytical skills and keen insights help bring a balanced harmony between heart and mind, making complex challenges feel approachable. Fabian’s authentic and grounded nature often brings humour into sessions, creating a welcoming space to explore the human experience together.
Clients can expect honesty, integrity, and constructive feedback, with Fabian’s insights serving as gentle but guiding reflections. With a strong orientation toward growth, Fabian is deeply motivated to help each client recognise, value, and reach their fullest potential.
Qualifications
Registered Counsellor with ACA
Introduction to Narrative Therapy, 2019
The Heart and Practice of Child-Centred Therapy, 2020
Using a Trauma Lens when Working with Domestic and Family Violence, 2021
Masters of Counselling (University of Notre Dame), 2020
Bachelor of Psychology (Curtin University), 2014
Jo Bealey
Qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist in Perth.
Jo is a qualified psychotherapist with extensive specialist training to support women, mums, new parents, couples, and young families in their life journeys.
She brings a wealth of modalities and skills to her integrative counselling, including EMDR therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and attachment therapy.
Whether you’re experiencing intense stress, overwhelm, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, Jo is here to holistically support you back to feeling like yourself again.
Jo is passionate about helping couples reconnect in their relationship, find their emotional bond again, and get back on the same team. You may have lost each other through parenting, betrayals, life stress, or natural challenges.
You’re craving to get back to the relationship you fell in love with, as well as feeling like yourself again.
If you are feeling disconnected, frustrated, or stuck in your relationship, Couples Counselling can help shine the light on the love that brought you together.
During Couples Therapy, Jo will:
Rebuild Trust: Uncover the underlying issues that erode trust and learn effective strategies to rebuild a broken relationship.
Exploration: Work together to delve into the underlying emotions and attachment needs that shape your relationship dynamics.
Awareness and Expression: EFT helps you and your partner recognize and express your deepest feelings and needs in a safe and supportive environment. Vulnerability is nurtured, allowing for genuine emotional connection to thrive.
Restructuring Negative Patterns: Identify and reshape negative interactional cycles to foster intimacy and understanding.
Building Secure Bonds: Learn to create and maintain secure attachment bonds with your partner, develop effective communication skills, rebuild trust, and cultivate a deeper emotional connection.
Qualifications
Registered Counsellor with ACA and British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Attachment-based Psychotherapy
Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
Counselling Certifications and Diploma Levels 1, 2 & 3
EFT Couples Counselling
Gottman Couples Counselling
EMDR Therapist Training
Clinical Peri-natal Disorders & Strategies
Perinatal Loss & Grief | PMDD
Not sure who is the best fit for you?
Don’t worry; it’s our job to guide you.
When you enquire, Gabriella will review your
inquiry and make a recommendation.
Session Information
Sessions available Monday- Saturday.
Sessions are 60 and 90 minutes.
After-hours and Saturday appointments are available.
Session fees will be discussed when you contact.
Choose between weekly/fortnightly/monthly sessions.
Medibank, BUPA, HCF and AHM rebates are available.
All our therapists are sex-positive and open for all couple dynamics and those at all stages of relationships, whether you're in your first few months, or decades into your relationship. This includes separating or separated couples, blended families and co-parents.
We warm-heartedly welcome LGBTIQA+, open/poly and BIPOC clients to all our service and spaces.
Couples & Marriage Therapy Reviews
“At first I didn’t think counselling was for me. My relationship with my wife had been deteriorating for several years and it came to the point where I left the family home. It was a difficult decision to make, but I couldn’t handle to constant arguing, especially in front of our two beautiful children. I hated being away from my wife and kids, but I didn’t know what else to do. It was only then that I realised that I needed help to save my family and marriage of 18 years. My wife suggested counselling, but I wasn’t convinced a complete stranger could help our marriage.
I agreed to go and see Gabriella. Before our first session, I was nervous, anxious and not very optimistic. Gabriella made both my wife and I feel welcome and comfortable. I was able to open up to her and let her know how I was feeling, as did my wife, without being criticised or judged. Gabriella just listened. She then gave us effective strategies to help us communicate better (which was our biggest problem). My wife and I continue to use these strategies and our marriage is back on track. I’m not going to lie, we still have our ups and downs, but by using the strategies Gabriella has given us, I feel we are able to better deal with our issues.
I would strongly recommend counselling with Gabriella if you are serious about saving your marriage. Go to counselling with an open mind, be honest with yourself and be prepared for the difficult questions. Thank you Gabriella for enabling me to reconnect with my beautiful wife and saving my marriage.”- James, Couples Counselling client
“I felt really sad when our sessions with Gabriella came to an end. It was like we were losing a friend. The minute we walked in, she made us feel comfortable and at home. She gave my husband and I some awesome strategies to better communicate with each other, which was what we were struggling with. We lost our way and Gabriella was able to help us to reconnect and remind us of why we fell in love 15 years ago. I can absolutely, highly recommend Gabriella for anyone needing someone beautiful to talk with. Thank you again for being our saviour. - Annie, Couples Counselling Client
“You have been amazing !!! Everyone thinks couples counselling is scary and its actually not! I honestly don’t know why couples leave it to the last straw to save a relationship…it should be part of every couple’s journey I think! We are really enjoying our journey with you; The guidance, awareness and tools you have given so far have been invaluable. We couldn’t have chosen a better counsellor for us; A big thank you to your approach, you have helped us beyond words! We are really excited about our future together, it’s great to be feeling hopeful again. I love Thursdays now!!! “-Tate + Alyssa, couples counselling clients
"I don't think we would have survived this first year of parenting without you. We joke that we want to keep you on a retainer forever! We have such a high after our sessions and our weekly appointments have meant that we can park all our hard conversations for our sessions and have your support to work through them. We feel so much stronger from going through couples counselling with you." - Ben, Couples Counselling Client
"I’ve been really enjoying our sessions, which have been very beneficial for me. I feel like I’m getting a better understanding of my partner, and he also of me. It’s so nice to get asked the right questions by you to question ourselves and we both feel really comfortable in the sessions. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can continue to evolve in our relationship in the future and learn the tools we need to move forward. Thank you” - Therese, Couples Counselling Client
“Firstly, thank you for holding such a safe and warm space for myself and my partner during our sessions. We've been having in-depth conversations after our sessions with you and facing things we've been avoiding for a long time and we feel so much closer. I also truly appreciate you sending all of the resources that you do too. Thanks again for all that you do.” - Kirsty, Couples Counselling Client
Bonus Support for couples
All couples who work with us receive additional couples resources via email that give you concrete, usable and insightful strategies to implement.
These include:
Fighting Fair Rules so you have a clear guideline for how to have difficult conversations that you can both follow clearly.
Reflection questions to understand how your upbringing and background are challenging your current relationship.
Nervous System Model to understand why some partners shut down dn withdraw, and why some partners get activated, angry or agitated, and how to soothe each other.
Suggested Date Ideas and Exercises to reconnect you emotionally and physically and get out of your usual routine.
Strategies for unwanted thoughts so that you can get out of ruminating loops about the negative aspects of yourself or your partner to have kinder and more compassionate self-talk.
Sex & Intimacy Questions to help you have a dynamic conversation around getting your spark back again.
Relationship Check-Up Guide to explore how a weekly check-in can help your relationship become more streamlined, proactive, connected, and organised. Yes, sometimes scheduling can help!
Gottman Therapy Relationship Sound House Model to show you the 5 key aspects of a happy relationship that 40+ years of relationship research has shown us.
Technology for relationship tips so you can systemise, organise and get clarity on how to run your household as efficiently as possible, with tech!
