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. Recently 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 couples therapy 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.
The Art and Science of Love Workshop
I am excited to be able to offer the two day Gottman Art and Science of Love Workshop . This interactive workshop is a blend of learning the secrets the science of what it takes to build a good relationship as established form decades of research and interactive learning of new skills alongside your partner under the guidance of Certified Gottman Therapists. This workshop has been found to produce results similar to 6 months of marital therapy and is suitable for all couples in a committed relationship.
Marathon Couples Therapy Retreats
Come away with your partner and experience two full days of Intensive Couples Therapy with me in a retreat setting. 3 nights accommodation is included in your package in a one bedroom apartment where your retreat will take place. You will leave your retreat with a deepen understanding of each other and many new skills to stay connected and to approach conflict in more helpful ways. You will also receive a toolkit of resources to take away and help you continue to deepen your bond with each other long after your retreat is over.