About Me
Madonna Hirning
I have been a Psychologist for more than 20 years and have been in private practice for more than 12 years here on the Coast. In 2019 I became a Certified Gottman Marital Therapist - the first on the Sunshine Coast. I have a strong passion for working with couples to overcome challenges in their relationship, learn new skills and deepen their connection with each other. I've been married for more than 20 years and understand that how we feel in our relationship sets the tone for almost every area of our life.
I provide Couples Therapy here on the Sunshine Coast in both a weekly format to suit local couples and an intensive marathon format to suit those who may find it difficult to come to weekly sessions and also for couples from other areas who may want to combine a stay on the Sunshine Coast with Couples Therapy. My practice is discretely located in a studio in leafy Mount Coolum.
Therapeutic Services
Couples Therapy
Our relationship can be the source of great joy and contentment and when things aren't going well it can also be the source of a lot of pain and hurt. I am passionate about working with couples to overcome past hurts, address current issues, develop a deeper understanding of each other and to learn new ways of approaching conflict. In my work with couples I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy, an evidence based approach that has been developed in conjunction with more than 40 years of research into what makes relationships work. I understand that the thought of embarking on marriage counselling can be daunting for most couples and I seek to make the entire process as safe and comfortable as I can to ensure both members of the couples feel heard and understood.
Individual Therapy
In my individual therapy I use a combination of mindfulness training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to inform my work. I work with individuals aged from 16 and above on a range of issues including anxiety, stress, depression, grief and adjusting to change.
Relationship Seminars and Workshops
I am a Leader of The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work Program which was developed from the best-selling book of the same name by Dr John Gottman. I can deliver content from this workshop in different forms ranging from 2 hours to two days. If you are looking to book a speaker on evidence based information about making relationships work for your event or group please get in touch for more information.