Psychologist for Marriage Breakdown,
Betrayal & Unhappiness
Experiencing a marriage breakdown or dealing with betrayal can be deeply painful and challenging. Whether you're facing trust challenges, emotional distress, or a shift in your relationship dynamics, it's important to have a space where you can process your feelings and explore your options. I offer compassionate, nonjudgmental support to help you navigate these difficult experiences. Through individual or couples counselling, we’ll work together to understand the underlying issues, explore emotional wounds, and discern paths forward, whether that means rebuilding your relationship or moving forward separately.
My approach focuses on helping you make informed, thoughtful decisions that prioritise your emotional well-being and personal growth, while also considering the well-being of those you care for.
Experiencing a marriage breakdown or dealing with betrayal can be deeply painful and challenging. Whether you're facing trust challenges, emotional distress, or a shift in your relationship dynamics, it's important to have a space where you can process your feelings and explore your options. I offer compassionate, nonjudgmental support to help you navigate these difficult experiences. Through individual or couples counselling, we’ll work together to understand the underlying issues, explore emotional wounds, and discern paths forward, whether that means rebuilding your relationship or moving forward separately. My approach focuses on helping you make informed, thoughtful decisions that prioritise your emotional well-being and personal growth, while also considering the well-being of those you care for.
If I am experiencing relationship breakdown and betrayal, is it better to get individual or couples therapy?
Whether individual therapy or couples therapy is more suitable depends on your unique situation and needs. If you're facing the aftermath of marriage breakdown or betrayal, both individual and couples therapy can offer valuable support. Individual therapy allows you to process your emotions, heal from trauma, and gain clarity on what you want moving forward. Couples therapy, on the other hand, can help both partners address relationship dynamics, rebuild trust, and work through issues together.
Can you see me for individual therapy and both my partner and I for couples therapy?
No, as a psychologist, I am guided by particular ethical principles, which means I am unable to see an individual separately and then begin couples therapy with both partners. This approach helps avoid conflicts of interest and ensures that all parties involved can trust the therapeutic process. Once I have worked with someone individually for a period of time, it becomes challenging to maintain the impartiality needed for effective relationship therapy. In these cases, I would refer the individual to another therapist for couples therapy, while they are welcome to continue individual therapy with me. Similarly, it’s rare for me to see members of a couple individually once we've started couples therapy together, unless it's within the context of the couples' work, and with the agreement that there will be no secrets kept between partners. Both individuals must be aware of and agree to the individual sessions as part of the therapy process. However, in many cases, I highly recommend that the couples seeing me for marriage counselling also seek individual therapy.
The decision between individual or couples therapy will ultimately depend on your goals, whether you are looking to heal personally or if both partners are ready to work together to address the relationship. I am here to support you in whichever path feels right for your healing journey.
Are you Seeking Support from a Christian Psychologist for Marriage Breakdown or Betrayal?
I am here to offer psychological support to Christians and individuals from any faith background experiencing marriage breakdown, betrayal, domestic violence, or an emotionally destructive relationship. Navigating a marriage breakdown or dealing with betrayal can be deeply painful and confusing. Whether you're facing trust issues, emotional wounds, or a shift in your relationship dynamics, I offer a safe, compassionate space to explore your feelings and work through these challenges. In my faith-sensitive counselling approach, I respect and honour your beliefs while providing psychological support to help you heal and rebuild. Together, we’ll explore the complexities of your marriage, focusing on understanding your emotional needs and making empowered decisions. My goal is to help you find clarity and peace, whether that means working through issues together or finding your path forward individually.
As a Christian psychologist, will you try to convince me to stay in an emotionally destructive marriage?
No, my role as a Christian psychologist is not to convince you to stay in an emotionally destructive marriage. My priority is to support you in processing your emotions, gaining clarity, and making decisions that are in your best interest. If you are in an emotionally harmful relationship, I will help you explore the impact it’s having on your mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Together, we’ll work through the complexities of your situation and understand your options without judgment or pressure. My goal is to support you to make decisions that align with your values, faith, and personal wellbeing.
As a Christian, why might it be helpful for me to see a Christian psychologist when I am processing marriage breakdown or betrayal?
Seeking help from a Christian psychologist can be particularly beneficial when navigating the emotional and spiritual challenges of marriage breakdown or betrayal. I can provide a safe and empathetic space where you can explore your feelings without fear of judgment. As a Christian psychologist, I respect your faith and understand the emotional complexities that come with reconciling relationship difficulties and spiritual beliefs. I offer faith-sensitive counselling, meaning I help you process the pain of betrayal or marriage breakdown while honouring your beliefs and values. This holistic approach allows you to work through both emotional wounds and spiritual concerns, helping you find clarity and healing in a way that respects your faith and personal journey.
Is it possible for a marriage to survive betrayal?
Yes, it is possible for a marriage to survive betrayal, but it depends on many factors. Both partners need to be willing to engage in healing, rebuild trust, and work through the pain caused by betrayal. It’s essential to explore the root causes of the betrayal, the emotional impact it’s had on both individuals, and whether both partners are committed to the healing process. Forgiveness, clear communication, and a willingness to change behaviours are all important aspects of rebuilding a relationship after betrayal. However, the process can be long and challenging, and not all couples may be ready or able to rebuild their marriage. I will support you in processing your feelings, understanding the dynamics at play, and deciding what steps are healthiest for you, your partner, and your relationship.
My partner has not had an affair, and I’ve been told that as a Christian, there is no biblical justification for leaving them, what are your thoughts on this?
This is a very personal and complex question, and I understand that it can feel difficult to navigate. While some people may point to biblical teachings on marriage and divorce, it's important to remember that God’s heart is for healing, restoration, and emotional well-being. Marriage is about more than just faithfulness in a literal sense—it involves emotional connection, respect, trust, and mutual care. If your marriage is unhealthy or emotionally destructive, it’s vital to assess how it’s affecting your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I can help you process these questions and emotions while respecting your beliefs and values. Ultimately, the decision about what to do in your marriage is yours to make, but you don’t need to face it alone. My goal is to support you in understanding your feelings, healing from hurt, and making empowered decisions about your future, whether that involves working through challenges or choosing a different path for your well-being.
How can I tell the difference between an abusive, destructive relationship and general unhappiness within my marriage?
Distinguishing between an abusive, destructive relationship and general unhappiness in marriage can be difficult, but there are key differences to consider. In an abusive relationship, the patterns of behaviour often involve control, manipulation, emotional, verbal, or physical harm. There may be threats, belittling, intimidation, or other actions that make you feel unsafe, powerless, or fearful. Abuse erodes your sense of self-worth and can make you feel trapped or isolated.
Unfaithfulness, emotional neglect, or a partner who consistently demonstrates a lack of care or empathy can also create significant pain in a relationship. While these behaviours may not involve direct abuse, they still contribute to deep emotional harm and can be destructive to the foundation of trust and connection in a marriage. A partner who is emotionally neglectful or unfaithful might dismiss your needs, disregard your feelings, or withdraw affection, making you feel invisible or uncared for.
In contrast, general unhappiness within a marriage often stems from factors like communication breakdowns, unmet emotional needs, or external stressors. These challenges can lead to discontent but typically don’t involve harmful or controlling behaviours.
If you're unsure of what you're experiencing, seeking support from a professional can help you work through your unique situation. A therapist can guide you in exploring your feelings, understanding the dynamics of your relationship, and considering your options in a safe, nonjudgmental space. This process can help you gain clarity on what steps may be best for your emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as provide support as you navigate this difficult time.
If you are currently experiencing domestic violence or feel unsafe: It is crucial to seek immediate support. Please refer to this page for details on services available to help you during this time. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance, and support is available.
A DEDICATED ONLINE PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE SERVING INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Providing online psychological and counselling services, we support mental health, trauma recovery, interpersonal relationships, perinatal wellbeing, and faith-based challenges, empowering individuals and couples to lead fulfilling lives.