FAQs Archive - Relational Lives

Q: What’s the difference between an RLT therapist and an RLT coach?

Both are certified by the Relational Life Institute in the same model, and both can hold the + and ++ levels. The difference is what they’re qualified to do. RLT Relational Coaches focus on practical relationship skills, communication and patterns of behaviour. Coaches aren’t licensed health professionals, so they don’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and their training doesn’t include RLT’s deeper trauma work. RLT Couples Therapists complete the full RLT training, including its clinical and trauma methods, and can work with mental health concerns as well as relationship skills. The Institute now requires anyone training to the therapist ++ level to hold a professional licence, such as psychologists registered with Ahpra and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers. I’m a registered psychologist, so I can assess, diagnose and treat mental health concerns alongside the relationship work.

Q: Is couples therapy right if I feel afraid of my partner?

Not as a starting point. If there is family violence or coercive control, or you feel afraid of your partner, couples therapy isn't safe or appropriate. I can help you find the right support. If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), 24 hours a day.

Q: Do you use AI for session notes?

Yes, with your consent. I use a secure AI-assisted tool that helps me give you a clear, easy-to-read summary of each session. If you'd rather I didn't use AI, that's fine, but I won't be able to provide the written summaries.

Q: If I tell you something in an individual session, will you share it with my partner?

No. If you ask me to keep something between us, I will. Individual sessions are a normal part of couples work in Relational Life Therapy, and knowing the full picture helps me help you both. Some things, though, such as an ongoing affair, can make it hard for couples therapy to go ahead fairly. If that happens, I'll talk it through with you. We may agree on a short period (usually no more than a month) for the issue to be resolved or brought into the open. If that isn't possible, I may recommend pausing couples therapy, and we'll agree together how that is explained to your partner. The usual legal limits of confidentiality still apply. As a psychologist, I have legal obligations to act, and in some cases to report, where someone is at serious risk of harm, including a child.

Q: Is what I say confidential?

Yes, within the legal and ethical limits that apply to all psychologists. For example, I have a duty to act if someone's safety is at serious risk.

Q: Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

If you're seeing me as an individual client with a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Medicare doesn't cover couples therapy, but your private health extras cover may. Check with your fund.