Madonna Hirning

Madonna has been a Psychologist in Private Practice on the Sunshine Coast since 2006, providing psychological therapy to both individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of issues. Over time she began to see more and more clients experiencing extreme relationship distress and began researching evidence based forms of couples therapy to help the couples she was seeing learn new skills and strengthen their connection to each other. This search lead Madonna to Gottman Method Couples Therapy which has been developed from decades of rigorous research by Drs John and Julie Gottman. Madonna was the first Certified Gottman Therapist here on the Sunshine Coast and is passionate about helping couples learn better ways to communicate, manage conflict and process hurts in order for them to strengthen their connection and have the kind of relationship they most long for. In 2021 Madonna formed Sunshine Coast Couples Clinic, located in beautiful purpose built rooms overlooking the river on Bradman Avenue Maroochydore. Madonna is experienced in working with couples who have lost confidence in their communication, or who are experiencing escalating conflict and a lack of connection. She works with many couples to help navigate the impact of past trauma on their relationship. Madonna also assists couples integrate an understanding of neurodivergence into their relationship. Madonna also enjoys working with couples who are experiencing issues around intimacy including differences in desire. Madonna has extensive experience in assisting couples who are recovering from infidelity in their relationship and need help to process and repair the hurt and distress and work towards rebuilding trust along with couples who have experienced distressing events which they need help to work through and repair. Married for over 25 years and with two children - a teenager and young adult, Madonna understands the pressures life can place on a relationship and also how impactful our happiness within our relationship is on all other aspects of our life. If you are deeply unhappy in your relationship it can be incredibly difficult to function effectively in all other areas of your life. Madonna offers couples therapy in both a weekly format which is available in face to face or online sessions and her preferred approach which is an intensive 2 day format. The Two Day Couples Therapy Intensive can be helpful for couples experiencing a high level of relationship distress who need space and time to work through things, couples who may find it difficult to attend weekly sessions or couples from other areas who may want to combine a stay on the Sunshine Coast with Couples Therapy. Madonna is also a Leader of the 2 day Gottman Art and Science of Love Workshop for couples which she enjoys facilitating here on the Sunshine Coast.