✔️ Couples Therapy is appropriate for: 

• Couples with a Reliable Internet Connection: Consistent access to a stable internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted sessions.

• Couples with a Good Quality Device: You'll need a device (laptop, desktop, tablet) with clear audio and video capabilities to facilitate effective communication.

• Couples with a Private Space: Both partners must be able to attend sessions from a private, confidential space where they feel comfortable speaking openly without interruptions.

✖️ Online Couples Therapy is not be appropriate in the following circumstances:

• Active and Ongoing Domestic Violence: Specifically, extreme emotional/physical violence, generally cannot be treated effectively in couples therapy. Safety is paramount, and specialised support is needed.

• An Ongoing Affair: An active, unaddressed affair can severely undermine the trust and transparency essential for effective couples therapy.

• Unwilling Participation: Both partners must be voluntarily committed and willing to actively engage in the therapeutic process for it to be successful.

• Severe and Untreated Mental Health Conditions: Significant untreated issues like severe depression, anxiety, or addiction may need individual attention before or alongside couples therapy, as they can impair engagement in the process.

1. Initial Couples Session (90 minutes): This session allows Cassandra to meet both of you, understand your primary concerns, and gather a brief history of your relationship. You'll discuss your goals for therapy.

2. Online Relationship Questionnaires: You will both complete a comprehensive set of online questionnaires, developed by the Gottman Institute. These detailed questionnaires cover various aspects of your relationship, including communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, shared values, and individual histories. This provides objective data to complement the clinical interviews.

3. Individual Sessions (50 minutes each): Each partner will have a separate individual session with Cassandra. This provides an opportunity to share personal perspectives, history, and any concerns privately. This also allows Cassandra to understand individual needs and ensure there are no contraindications for couples therapy.

4. Feedback Session (90 minutes): In this final assessment session, Cassandra will present a summary of her findings from the initial sessions, individual interviews, and questionnaire results. She will highlight the relationship's strengths, identify key areas for intervention, and make some recommendations for treatment.

Please note: Completing the Online assessment phase does not guarantee that Online therapy with Cassandra will be the best option for you. The assessment helps determine the most appropriate path forward.

• Commencing with Online Therapy: If the assessment indicates that online therapy is appropriate and likely to be beneficial for your specific needs, Cassandra will offer to continue with a course of regular online couples therapy sessions.

• Referral to a Different Therapist: In certain situations, couples may be recommended to see a face to face therapist. This can depend problem complexity, the need for a physical presence in the room, or technology limitations. In this case, Cassandra will provide referrals to qualified local therapists for in-person support.

• Other Recommendations: Depending on the unique circumstances revealed during the assessment, Cassandra may offer other recommendations, such as individual therapy for one or both partners, specific resources, or workshops that might be beneficial.

1. Regular Sessions (60-120 minutes): Consistent weekly or bi-weekly sessions are recommended, especially in the initial stages, to build momentum and practice new skills. 

2. Skill-Building: Sessions will focus on teaching you practical, research-based tools from the Gottman Method.

3. Homework and Practice: You will be encouraged to practice the learned skills between sessions. This out-of-session work helps to integrate new behaviours and foster lasting change. Our goal is for your therapist to become redundant after all!

4. Review and Adjustment: Cassandra will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring it continues to meet your evolving needs and goals.