Couples & Relationship Counselling in Jakarta
I am Vi, a Couples & Relationship Counsellor based in Jakarta, working in English and French.I support couples who feel caught in repeating conflict, emotional distance, or cross-cultural strain. My approach is structured and relational, helping both partners understand the patterns they are co-creating and move toward a more stable, respectful partnership.
Couples Therapy in Jakarta
Couples often seek couples therapy in Jakarta when conflict becomes repetitive, conversations go nowhere, or emotional distance starts to grow. Relocation, cultural differences, and career pressures can intensify strain — particularly for international and expat couples.I provide English and French-speaking couples therapy in Jakarta focused on identifying the relational patterns partners are contributing to. The goal is not to assign blame, but to interrupt destructive cycles and restore clarity, accountability, and mutual respect.
Who I Work With
I work with French and English-speaking couples in Jakarta, including Indonesian, expat, and mixed-nationality partners who are seeking structured support for their relationship. This includes:- Couples caught in repetitive arguments that never fully resolve
- Partners experiencing emotional distance or loss of intimacy
- Expat couples navigating relocation stress or cultural adjustment
- Mixed-cultural couples facing differences in values, communication styles, or family expectations
- Dual-career couples struggling with imbalance or resentment
- Couples recovering from breaches of trust
- Long-term partners questioning whether to stay or separate
- LGBTQI+ couples seeking a respectful and inclusive therapeutic spaceMy work is suited to couples who are willing to examine their own contribution to the dynamic — not only their partner’s.
About Vi & Approach
I am Vi, a Couples & Relationship Counsellor based in Jakarta. I work with English or French-speaking couples seeking structured support for their relationship.I was born to Vietnamese parents, grew up in France, and have lived in Asia for the past twenty years — first in China and now in Jakarta. Before focusing on relationship work, I worked in corporate roles and later within diplomatic and development organisations. This background informs my understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, relocation stress, and the pressures that dual-career and internationally mobile couples often face.My work is grounded in relational and systemic practice, with training through the Relational Life Institute and additional training with The Gottman Institute. I am currently completing my psychotherapy practitioner training with E-Faculte de Psychologie et Psychanalyse (France).In our work together, I take an engaged and balanced role. Each partner is given space to express their perspective and experience. We explore how the difficulties in the relationship have developed over time and what may be keeping them in place. The aim is to create greater understanding, clarity, and the possibility of change.
Practical Information
Session Format
Standard sessions are 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions can take place online or in person at my practice in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. Online sessions are available to couples across Indonesia and internationally.For couples who would benefit from more focused work, extended sessions or structured intensives can be arranged.Fees
IDR 800,000 per 60-minute session.
IDR 1,200,000 per 90-minute sessionA limited number of reduced-fee spaces may be available. Payment details are provided upon confirmation of your appointment.Introductory Call
I offer a brief introductory call to understand your situation and determine whether the work feels appropriate for both partners.Everything discussed in our sessions remains strictly confidential. I adhere to professional ethical guidelines on privacy and will discuss any limits to confidentiality with you openly at the outset.
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 and across Indonesia, as well as in person in South 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 working with an Internal Family Systems (IFS)–informed approach, and I have completed Level 2 training 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. You may learn more about IFS here and RLT here.Is couples therapy worth the time and money?
It's a fair question. Alongside the investment, it's worth considering what staying stuck costs — the emotional toll of unresolved conflict, the impact on children, or the weight of a relationship that feels unfulfilling. Couples therapy isn't only about avoiding pain; it's about building the skills and foundation for more connection, resilience, and joy.