Marriage Counsellor
M.S., NCC, CTRT, USA Certified Sex Therapist, Hypnotherapist
As a family counsellor, I draw upon my clinical training, eight years of experience in counselling, and fifteen years of professional experience in sales with Fortune 1000 companies in the United States to provide insightful individual counselling and couples therapy. With specialised training to work with children and their families, I dedicate myself to improving the lives of others through well-researched interventions for marriage issues.
I hold several credentials, including Gottman Method Certification, Prepare/Enrich Certification, and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counselling from Capella University. I am also a Nationally Certified Counsellor (NCC) and a Certified Choice Theory Reality Therapy (CTRT) Therapist. My expertise has been recognised through features in local media and professional publications, contributions to mental health journals, and extensive community involvement with organisations such as Aware.org, Alife, and The Star Shelter.
Common Marital Issues
Navigating a marriage can be challenging, and many couples face difficulties that can strain their relationship. In fact, statistics show that the highest percentage of divorces in Singapore occur among couples married between 5 and 10 years, highlighting the importance of seeking support during these critical years. While every marriage is unique, some common issues can lead couples to seek marital counselling services.
1. Communication Problems
Many couples struggle with effectively communicating their needs and feelings, leading to misunderstandings, resentment, and conflict. Difficulties with active listening and constructive conflict resolution can further exacerbate these issues.
2. Infidelity
Discovering infidelity, whether emotional or physical, can lead to a breakdown of trust, feelings of betrayal, and intense emotional pain.
3. Financial Disagreements
Conflicts over finances are a common source of tension in marriages. Also, differing spending habits, financial goals, and approaches to money management can create significant discord.
4. Intimacy Issues
The decline of emotional and physical intimacy can create distance and dissatisfaction in a relationship. Often, this concern stems from unmet needs, unresolved conflicts, or other underlying issues.
5. Work-Life Balance
The pressures of balancing work, family responsibilities, and personal time can lead to stress, exhaustion, and resentment within a marriage. Couples may also struggle to find quality time together and prioritise their relationship amidst competing demands and busy schedules.
How Marriage Counselling Help
Marriage counselling in Singapore provides a supportive and collaborative environment where couples can explore their challenges, enhance communication, and develop coping mechanisms. Through evidence-based techniques and personalised guidance, marriage counselling can help couples navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and rediscover intimacy. Whether you’re facing specific issues like infidelity or communication breakdowns, or simply seeking to enhance your relationship, marriage counselling offers a path towards a healthier and more fulfilling partnership.
Our Evidence-Based Approach to Relationship Counselling
| Approach | Gottman Method | Prepare/Enrich Programme | Couple Counselling |
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| Core Principles | Based on the components of Sound Relationship House, which includes trust, commitment, and conflict management. | Aims to identify specific growth areas through assessments tailored to couples’ needs. | A flexible approach that adapts to the couple’s unique circumstances, integrating various therapy models. |
| Method Employed | Implements techniques such as love maps, shared meaning conversations, and conflict management interventions, focusing on building affection and responsiveness. | Employs targeted exercises based on assessment results, addressing communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy. | Uses a wide range of techniques, including active listening, role-playing, and goal setting, depending on the couple’s situation. |
| Intended Outcomes | To strengthen the relationship foundation, enhance understanding, and develop effective conflict resolution skills. | To help couples discover strengths and areas for improvement while equipping them with practical relationship tools. | Goals vary widely, from addressing specific issues and improving communication to rebuilding trust and intimacy after challenges. |
“When we started marriage counselling, we were on the verge of separation. Communication had completely broken down, and we were constantly arguing. Tammy helped us understand our own communication patterns and develop new ways of interacting. We learned how to listen to each other without judgment and express our needs in a healthy way. We still have our challenges, but now we have the tools to work through them together.”
“After my husband’s affair, I felt completely lost and heartbroken. I didn’t know if our marriage could survive. Tammy helped us process our emotions and begin to rebuild trust. She helped us understand the underlying issues that contributed to the affair and develop strategies for moving forward. It was a long and difficult journey, but with Tammy’s guidance, we were able to create a stronger foundation for our relationship.”
Our Marital Counselling Services in Singapore
Pre-Marriage Counselling
Pre-marriage counselling prepares couples for a successful partnership by addressing important topics such as expectations, financial management, and conflict resolution and helps them build a strong foundation for their future.
Arranged Marriage
Arranged marriages present unique challenges for couples, and we provide specialised counselling to navigate expectations,develop healthy communication, and build a foundation for a successful partnership.
Divorce Counselling
Separation is a difficult process, but our divorce counselling services offer support and guidance to individuals and couples navigating separation, co-parenting, and emotional healing.
Sex and Intimacy
Sex and intimacy are crucial aspects of a healthy relationship. Counselling by Tammy Fontana can help couples explore their desires and address barriers to intimacy, promoting a more fulfilling sexual connection and emotional closeness.
Marital Counselling Services Fees
| Service | Duration | Fee |
| Therapy Hours 12pm to 3am Worldwide providing | 50 Minutes Session | S$250 |
| 80 Minutes Session | S$375 | |
| 100 Minutes Session | S$500 | |
| Emergency Hours | 50 minutes session | S$450 |
| Session Packages | 3 Session Package | S$750 |
| 6 Session Package | S$1399 | |
| 10 Session Package | S$2300 | |
| 20 Session Package | S$4200 | |
| 12 Months/ 52 Sessions Package | S$10,300 | |
| Intensives and Retreats – IN Person | 2 days for 4 hours | S$2,000 |
| Days for 4 hours | S$15,000 | |
| Custom | Available upon request |
For detailed info about our counselling charges, refer to our Fees page.
Testimonials
FAQs About Marital & Couples Counselling
1. What is the success rate of marriage counselling?
The success rate of marriage counselling varies widely based on individual circumstances, the counsellor’s expertise, the dedication of the couples involved, and the couple’s desired end goals for therapy. While there isn’t a universal percentage, many couples experience significant improvements in communication, understanding, and overall relationship satisfaction after undergoing therapy. The ultimate success often hinges on the couple’s genuine commitment to the process, willingness to embrace change and consistent effort in applying the strategies and insights gained during the sessions.
2. Does marriage counselling have to be in person?
Our marriage counsellor, Tammy Fontana, offers in-person and online counselling in Singapore to best suit your and your partner’s needs. Her online relationship and marriage counselling sessions are ideal for couples and individuals with busy schedules. Perhaps your work requires you to travel frequently, or you need flexibility in scheduling for any other reason. Sessions will be conducted via Skype or WhatsApp video calls for further convenience, and you can speak to Ms. Fontana online even if you’re not in Singapore right now.
3. Do both partners need to attend sessions?
You can attend our marital counselling services alone or with a partner, depending on the circumstances the situation calls for. If both parties are interested in attending couples counselling, we recommend attending together to make the most out of your sessions and build a meaningful dialogue with each other.
If your partner is not interested in attending counselling, attending the sessions alone could still help you explore the deeper issues surrounding your marriage or relationship. By participating in solo sessions, you are actively working to improve half of the relationship and developing yourself as a person and partner. While it is possible that your partner’s behaviour may change upon seeing you engage in counselling on your own, this is not guaranteed and will vary depending on the individual.
4. What percent of marriages end in divorce in Singapore?
According to data from the Department of Statistics Singapore, approximately 24% of marriages in Singapore end in divorce. This also highlights the importance of seeking counselling and resources to navigate marital challenges and build stronger relationships.
5. What are the signs that my partner and I should attend marriage counselling?
If you and your partner are experiencing any of the following signs in your relationship, you might be seeing clear indicators that your relationship may benefit from professional guidance. Consider marriage counselling if the following problems seem like they are happening in your relationship:
- Communication Breakdown
- Frequent Arguments
- Emotional Distance
- Infidelity
6. What are the common reasons Singaporean couples seek relationship counselling?
Singaporean couples commonly seek relationship counselling for issues such as communication problems, conflict resolution, lack of intimacy, infidelity recovery, and navigating life transitions. Many also seek support to strengthen their relationship, enhance emotional connection, and address parenting challenges, ensuring a healthier partnership in the face of various stressors.
7. How much is marriage counselling in Singapore?
The cost of marriage counselling in Singapore varies depending on the provider, session duration, and any packages offered. At All in the Family Counselling, our rates for marriage counselling start from S$250.
8. Are marriage counselling and couples counselling the same?
Marriage counselling and couples counselling are similar but not identical. Marriage counselling specifically focuses on the challenges faced by married couples, while couples counselling can include a broader range of committed relationships. Both aim to improve communication and resolve conflicts, but the context and techniques may differ slightly.
Find Your Therapist in Singapore
Ms. Fontana provides therapy 7 days a week. She works with clients at all times. Online and in-person sessions are available.
- Address: 60 Paya Lebar Road, #11-06 Paya Lebar Square Singapore 409051
- Telephone: +65 9030 7239