Couples & Relationship Counselling in Jakarta
For internationally minded, intercultural and Indonesian couples looking for an independent, internationally trained perspective on their relationship.I work with couples navigating conflict, emotional disconnection, differences in expectations and the complexities of relationships, in English and French.
When relationships get stuck
Even strong relationships can become caught in patterns that are difficult to change alone.You may find yourselves having the same argument again and again, struggling to feel heard, becoming emotionally distant, or feeling that one partner is always pursuing while the other withdraws.Relationships are also shaped by the worlds we come from: our families, cultures, values, expectations and experiences. For some couples, differences in background, family expectations, approaches to money or parenting, or the pressures of an international life can add another layer of complexity.Couples counselling offers a structured space to slow these patterns down, understand what is happening between you, and explore what each of you needs for the relationship to become more connected and workable.
Who I Work With
I work with international, mixed-nationality and Indonesian couples, in English and French. Counselling offers a confidential space outside your usual circles—where both partners can speak openly without having to manage expectations, reputations or other people's opinions.Couples may come to me because they are:- caught in recurring conflict
- feeling emotionally disconnected
- struggling with differences in values, family expectations or communication
- navigating major transitions such as marriage, parenthood, relocation or career changes
About Vi & Approach
I am a French-Vietnamese relationship counsellor based in Jakarta, working with couples in English and French.I grew up in France and have lived and worked internationally for more than 20 years, including in China and Indonesia. My own experience of moving between cultures informs the way I work with couples whose relationships span different cultural backgrounds, languages and family expectations.Before moving into relationship counselling, I worked in international business and diplomatic environments. I later chose to retrain in psychotherapy and specialise in couples and relationship work.My approach combines relationship-focused methods with an understanding of the emotional patterns that shape how we connect with one another:- Relational Life Therapy (RLT) focusing on the relational patterns that keep couples stuck and helping partners develop greater accountability, connection and relational maturity.- The Gottman Method drawing on evidence-informed tools for communication, conflict management, friendship and relationship resilience.- Psychotherapy training I am currently completing a two-year practitioner training in psychotherapy in France (EFPP)
Working Together
Session length
60 to 90-minute sessions.
For couples who want to dedicate more concentrated time to their relationship, I offer longer sessions and intensive formats that allow us to work more deeply without the constraints of a standard weekly session.Format
In-person sessions in Jakarta and online sessions available.Fees
Rp1,500,000 / 60-minute session
Rp2,000,000 / 90-minute sessionA limited number of reduced-fee places are available for Indonesian couples with financial constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages do you offer support in and where do you practise?
I offer relationship support services in English and French only (🇫🇷/🇬🇧), and see clients online or in person in Jakarta.What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get oriented together. I'll ask about what's been happening in the relationship, how long things have felt difficult, and what each of you is hoping for. You don't need to prepare anything or have a clear goal — we start wherever you are. By the end, we'll have a shared sense of whether working together feels right, and what the focus of our work might be.How long does couples therapy usually take?
It varies, and I'm cautious about giving a number that sets the wrong expectation. Some couples come for 5 to 12 sessions focused on a specific issue. Others work over a longer period, particularly when patterns are deeply entrenched or trust has been significantly damaged. We'll review progress as we go, and you're never locked into a fixed commitment.Is there a difference between couples therapy, couples counselling, and marriage counselling?
Not in any meaningful way. These terms are often used interchangeably, and what they refer to in practice is largely the same: a structured space where both partners can explore what is happening in their relationship with the support of a trained professional.
In our sessions, we typically begin by mapping the patterns that keep showing up — the recurring arguments, the moments of disconnection, the dynamics that feel stuck. From there, we work on understanding what each partner brings to those patterns, and what might need to shift. This is not about blame but about helping both partners see the relationship more clearly and develop new ways of relating.Do you provide diagnoses?
My approach is relational and non-pathologizing. I don't focus on diagnosing individuals, but on understanding the patterns within the relationship. If concerns arise that would benefit from specialist clinical support, I'll discuss this openly and provide appropriate referrals.I’ve never done anything like this before, what if I don’t know where to start?
That's completely okay. You don't need to have the right words or a clear goal. We'll start wherever you are, at a pace that feels safe for both of you.
What is your professional background and training?
I am a trained counsellor trained in The Gottman Method, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I am currently undertaking a diploma as a practitioner in psychotherapy with the EFPP in France.
Counselling with Vi | Specialized Relationship Support for Expats and International Couples | Bilingual English & French Sessions