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Cathy Comber Counselling

Cathy Comber Counselling Cathy is an experienced registered counsellor who, over 15 years, has guided and supported many adults and teens through their challenges.
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Cathy Comber Counselling

Couples therapy and relationship counselling in Auckland

Book Cathy Comber in person or online
Cathy Comber, MCouns, PGDipCounsTh, PGDipBusiness (HRM), BCom, MNZAC

Specialist couples counsellor helping you understand relationship patterns, improve communication and rebuild connection.

I work with couples experiencing conflict, emotional distance, communication difficulties, loss of trust, intimacy challenges, loneliness and significant relationship transitions. I also work with individuals who want to better understand themselves and their relationships.

Couples counselling in-person in Remuera, Auckland, and online throughout New Zealand.

When your relationship feels difficult

Relationships can go through periods when you feel less connected, conversations become difficult, or the same issues keep coming up. You may find yourselves questioning the relationship, feeling unsure what to do next, or struggling to find a way forward together.

You may be experiencing these in everyday life

  • Repeated arguments or unresolved conflict
  • Difficulty communicating or feeling heard by one another
  • Emotional distance or a growing sense of disconnection
  • Loss of trust, closeness or intimacy
  • Differences in needs, expectations or priorities that are becoming difficult to navigate
  • Loneliness or feeling alone within your relationship 

Or you have had a significant change, transition or challenge 

Sometimes a particular event, change or turning point prompts you to look more closely at what is happening, or has been happening, in your relationship.

Explore couples counselling together

Couples counselling offers you both a space to slow things down and understand what is happening between you. Rather than focusing only on who is right or wrong, we can look at the patterns you have developed together and what may be keeping them going.

Take time to reflect and consider your relationship from a fresh perspective. You can begin to see new possibilities for moving forward.

You each bring your own experiences, perspectives and hopes for the relationship. Both voices matter. Together, we can make sense of what has become difficult, understand one another more fully, and explore different ways of responding and relating.

Counselling tailored to your relationship

Seek support at any stage of your relationship. You may be adjusting to new roles, navigating a significant change, feeling uncertain about what comes next, or simply wanting things to feel better between you.

Understand patterns that keep you stuck

We are not taught how to do long-term relationships. We learn as we go, bringing our own histories, hopes, expectations and ways of coping with us.

Sometimes, even when you care deeply about one another, the ways you each respond can create patterns that leave you feeling stuck. Understanding what is happening between you can be an important first step towards doing things differently.

Rebuild connection, trust and intimacy

Rebuilding trust, intimacy and connection takes the involvement of both of you. Counselling gives you the opportunity to slow down, really hear what each of you is experiencing, and work through what has become difficult.

I’ll help you notice not only what is being said, but also what may be left unsaid and how you respond to one another. This can create space for greater understanding, accountability and new ways of connecting.

You can come on your own

Relationship counselling is for you, on your own, if you would like to make sense of a past relationship, work through the ending of one, prepare for a new relationship, or begin exploring our own part in relationship difficulties. These may be sexual relationships, family or collegial relationships. 

You may be the partner, in a couple, who is ready to take the first step. 

Keeping a healthy balance between self-care and nurturing your relationships is crucial for overall well-being and fulfilment in life.
Relationship counselling is for all significant relationships, including those with family and colleagues. So, whether you come as a couple, a family, or alone, we can have meaningful conversations that benefit your everyday life.

You can come with family

Family relationships can be complicated, particularly when hurt, difference or unresolved issues have built up over time. Joint counselling provides a space to hear different perspectives, improve understanding and find a way forward together.

Understand yourself in the context of your relationships

Whether we work together individually, or jointly, I’ll help you understand yourself in the context of your relationships — how your experiences shape the way you connect with others, and how your responses can influence the relationship between you.

The aim isn’t simply self-improvement. It is to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships and the kind of relationship you want to create.

Experienced, registered couples counsellor with a Master’s degree in counselling

My qualifications include a Master of Counselling, a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management), and a Bachelor of Commerce, with two years of study in psychology.

As a Full Member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), I am committed to ethical, accountable practice, regular professional supervision and ongoing professional development.

How we work together

In couples therapy and relationship counselling, your relationship is central. In joint sessions, you are each equal clients, and we work collaboratively to understand what is happening and what you want to change.

I offer a compassionate, no-blame approach that recognises the importance of both understanding and personal responsibility. Together, we explore the dynamics of your relationship while making space for each person’s experience and perspective.

Being authentic and vulnerable can feel uncomfortable at times. My aim is to provide a welcoming, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself, talk openly about what matters, and explore new ways forward.

I aim to help you feel relaxed telling your unique story. If you'd like to read more of My Story, see the menu above.

My experience

My specialist knowledge in relationship and couples counselling has evolved through professional development in the Couples Institute Developmental Model, the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Imago Relationship Therapy.

I also have extensive experience supporting people experiencing loneliness, including the loneliness that can arise when a relationship does not provide the connection, understanding or closeness we need. As part of my passion for healthy relationships, I co-founded Loneliness Charitable Trust. 

I bring these perspectives together with a pluralistic approach. You can see more of what being a pluralistic counsellor means in Our approach.

When you are ready to start couples therapy and relationship counselling

You don’t have to be in crisis. You don’t have to know exactly what is wrong.

I welcome you to get in touch.

Book in-person for Remuera, central Auckland

Our sessions are held in a private, welcoming counselling space within my home in Remuera, Auckland. The environment is comfortable, and offers a more personal setting for conversations that can sometimes feel difficult to have.

Book a session
My home is also the base for the Loneliness NZ Charitable Trust, reflecting my particular interest in connection, relationships and the experience of loneliness.

Online sessions

I encourage online sessions, particularly when it makes a difference whether you have a session or not.

Online counselling can provide a connected, personal space for relationship work, even when we aren’t in the same room. Making some space for privacy and minimising interruptions can help you both stay present with one another and get the most from your session.

What to do in case of a crisis and your life, or someone else's, is in danger

It’s crucial not to postpone seeking help until our first appointment. First, contact 111 or a crisis helpline immediately. Then, follow up with me.