About Us

Madonna Hirning

Director

Psychologist & Certified Gottman Therapist

Certified Gottman Therapist Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast Couples Clinic | Couples Therapists

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, lack of connection and 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 25 years and with 2 teenage children, 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 2 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.

Karly Rubins

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Karly is an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Couples Therapist and has worked for more than 10 years supporting individuals, couples, and families across all stages of life. Karly has completed Levels 1, 2 and 3 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training and is currently on the track to becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist. This combination of training and practical experience empowers Karly to help couples uncover the deeper issues underlying their conflicts and recognise the inherent strengths within their relationship. She also has experience in assisting couples recovering from infidelity and has completed specialised training in this area through the Gottman Institute. Karly can support couples to process feelings of distress and anger as a result of the betrayal and restore relationship trust. As a parent to two young children and in a long-term relationship herself, Karly has a compassionate approach and understands the complexities and pressures that everyday life can place on a relationship. Karly is also trained in family therapy and parenting education programs and can offer practical strategies for couples facing parenting challenges. In addition to her training in the Gottman Method, Karly has extensive training in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Schema Therapy. She is well-equipped to support individual clients seeking help with relationship challenges. Karly values the importance of the therapeutic relationship and strives to ensure all clients feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout their therapy journey.

Leigh-Anne Chester

Psychologist

Leigh-Anne is an early career Psychologist with a strong interest attachment and relationships across all ages. Leigh-Anne has a special interest in couples and uses the Gottman evidence based approach to explore strengths and resolve areas of conflict, supporting couples to use tools that sustain happy and healthy relationships. Leigh-Anne has a special interest in working with couples where one or both partners is neurodiverse. She is also experienced in treating anxiety, stress, burnout and other emotional challenges that impact adulthood. Leigh-Anne has completed Levels 1 and 2 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy training. Married for many years and with four adult children Leigh-Anne has extensive personal experience in building and maintaining a healthy relationship and navigating different parenting stages together. Leigh-Anne also has extensive experience working with children with Autism and ADHD and has previously worked as a specialist early childhood Teacher and Guidance Officer which provides her with extensive knowledge and experience of some of the challenges and stress placed on a relationship through the parenting years.