Couples communication group · South Perth
Rel8table Couples Group Couples Therapy Perth
Build a stronger relationship—one conversation at a time.
An eight-week, psychologist-led relationship skills group supporting couples to communicate more clearly, manage conflict and rebuild emotional connection. Rel8table offers practical tools often used in couples therapy, helping you understand your relationship patterns and practise healthier ways of responding together.
Program at a glance
Length
8 weekly sessions
Format
In-person group
Fee
$130 per couple
Location
South Perth, WA
Both partners attend each session. The complete proposed program fee is $1,040 per couple.
✓ Psychologist-led ✓ Evidence-informed ✓ Small, confidential group
Relationship skills for real life
Understand the Pattern—Not just the Argument
Many couples become caught in the same cycle: one partner pushes for an answer, the other withdraws, emotions rise and neither feels heard. Rel8table draws on approaches used in couples counselling to help you slow these moments down, understand what is happening between you and practise healthier ways of responding.
A practical, supportive approach
Rel8table draws on attachment theory, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation and compassion-focused therapy. The aim is not to decide who is right or wrong, but to help both partners build a more secure, respectful and collaborative relationship.
This program may help couples who:
repeat the same disagreements
struggle to feel heard
avoid difficult conversations
experience criticism or withdrawal
want clearer boundaries
feel emotionally disconnected
are navigating major life changes
want to strengthen a stable relationship
The eight-session program
What Couples will Learn each Week
Each session combines relationship education, therapist-guided discussion, private couple exercises and practical skills, drawing on approaches commonly used in couples therapy that you can continue practising between sessions.
Understanding Your Relationship Pattern
1
Recognise triggers, automatic reactions and recurring pursue, withdraw, criticise or defend cycles—without assigning blame.
Practice: Map one recurring interaction.
Communication That Creates Understanding
3
Learn clear expression, active listening, validation, assumption-checking and how to turn complaints into workable requests.
Practice: Map one recurring interaction.
Needs, Boundaries and Expectations
5
Distinguish boundaries from demands, communicate personal limits and negotiate household, emotional and relationship expectations.
Practice: Negotiate one shared expectation.
Friendship, Affection and Intimacy
7
Strengthen appreciation, respond to bids for connection and develop rituals that support friendship, warmth and shared enjoyment.
Practice: Two intentional connection activities.
Emotions, Attachment and Connection
2
Explore emotional safety, attachment needs, primary emotions and what may sit beneath anger, criticism or withdrawal.
Practice: Name the deeper feeling and need.
Managing Conflict and Escalation
4
Identify warning signs, understand fight-flight-freeze responses and use respectful time-outs before returning to the issue safely.
Practice: Create a shared time-out plan.
Repairing Hurt and Rebuilding Trust
6
Take responsibility, understand impact, offer meaningful apologies and create realistic commitments that support emotional safety.
Practice: Complete a guided repair conversation.
Maintaining Progress Together
8
Consolidate your learning and develop a personalised plan for ongoing recovery and resilience.
Practice: Agree on your next 90 days.
What to expect
A structured relationship counselling group with space for privacy
Practical education
Understand common relationship patterns and the emotional processes beneath them.
Between-session tools
Use manageable exercises at home to turn new knowledge into everyday relationship habits.
Private couple practice
Apply each skill together without being required to disclose private details to the group.
Shared learning
Benefit from recognising that many relationship challenges are common and changeable.
Guided support
Learn within a respectful, therapist-led environment with clear structure and boundaries.
Future-focused planning
Leave with a practical plan for maintaining communication, connection and repair.
Is Rel8table right for us?
Rel8table is a relationship education and therapeutic skills program. A brief suitability conversation may be required before enrolment. The group may not be appropriate where safe participation cannot be assured, including:
Where the group is not the most appropriate option, Calder Psychology can discuss alternative forms of support.
-
current family or domestic violence
-
coercive or controlling behaviour
-
fear of a partner
-
immediate risk to safety
-
acute mental health crisis
-
concerns requiring intensive couples therapy
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Frequently asked questions
Questions about Rel8table
Is Rel8table the same as couples therapy?
Rel8table is a structured, psychologist-led relationship skills group. It includes therapeutic education and guided exercises but does not replace intensive couples therapy where complex or high-risk concerns are present.
Do both partners need to attend?
Yes. Both partners attend all eight sessions so they can learn, practise and apply the relationship skills together.
Will we have to share private details with the group?
No. Couples remain in control of what they share. The focus is on learning and practising skills rather than disclosing private relationship history.
Can we attend even if our relationship is not in crisis?
Yes. Rel8table may suit couples who want to strengthen an already stable relationship, prepare for future challenges or improve specific communication habits.
How much does the program cost?
The proposed fee is $130 per couple per session, or $1,040 for all eight sessions. Contact Calder Psychology to confirm current fees, payment arrangements and possible rebate eligibility.
What happens before enrolment?
A brief suitability conversation may be arranged to ensure the group is appropriate and can be attended safely by both partners.
Where is Rel8table held?
Rel8table is held in person at Calder Psychology, offering relationship counselling in Perth from Ground Floor, Suite 2, 83 Mill Point Road, South Perth WA 6151.