Momentum Counselling was founded by JILL CARTER and PATRICIA TOH, two like-minded women whose aim is to help people navigate challenges and find meaning and joy in life. We hear about their approach to couples therapy for those facing relationship issues, including couples counselling on how to communicate better.
Momentum Counselling is now in its fifth year of supporting couples. What have you noticed most in your work together?
Jill: Across cultures, backgrounds and life stages, we consistently see that at the heart of most relationship issues is ineffective communication. Couples often come to us feeling stuck in the same arguments, misunderstood, or emotionally disconnected โ not because they donโt care, but because they donโt yet have the tools to communicate in a way that fosters understanding.
Patricia: When couples are entrenched in conflict patterns, they get stuck. Communication is strained, which makes it so difficult to move forward. Having a therapist to support you and provide both of you with some tips on improving communication can help turn things around. Afterall, communication is a skill โ itโs not something weโre just meant to know how to do. Without guidance, people often fall into patterns of criticism, defensiveness or withdrawal, which can slowly erode connection.
Youโre both Gottman Method-trained couples counsellors. How does that inform your approach?
Patricia: The Gottman Method is research based and highly practical. It gives couples clear, evidence-based strategies to manage conflict, build emotional intimacy and strengthen friendship within the relationship.
Jill: It also reframes conflict. Conflict itself isnโt the problem โ itโs how conflict is handled. When couples learn to communicate with respect and curiosity, even difficult conversations can bring them closer.
This year youโve launched a new Couples Communication Workshop. What inspired that?
Jill: Over the past five years, many couples have asked for focused, practical support without committing to long-term therapy. The workshop was designed to meet that need.
Patricia: Itโs a three-session Couples Communication Workshop, with each session lasting 75 minutes over three weekly appointments. Couples learn evidence-based tools to immediately improve communication, reduce recurring conflict, and reach greater understanding and connection.
What makes this workshop different from traditional couples counselling in Hong Kong?
Patricia: Itโs structured, time-limited and skills-focused. Thereโs no obligation to sign up for ongoing therapy, though couples are welcome to continue if they wish.
Jill: Many couples are navigating life transitions such as relocation, parenthood or career changes. Even positive changes can increase stress and strain communication, so learning these tools early can be incredibly helpful.
Do you only work with couples at Momentum Counselling?
Jill: Not at all. While weโre well-known for couples work, we also support individuals seeking greater meaning and joy in their lives.
Patricia: We address challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, parenting concerns and bereavement. Our approach is always collaborative, compassionate and tailored to the individual.
Can couples benefit even if their relationship isnโt in crisis?
Jill: Absolutely. Many couples come to strengthen whatโs already working and prevent issues from escalating, and to prepare for their next stages of the relationship, such as marriage and parenting.
Patricia: Learning how to communicate well is one of the most powerful investments couples can make in their relationship. We want to help you build a long-term healthy relationship.
Momentum Counselling
Rooms A6 & A9, 16/F, Remex Centre, 42 Wong Chuk Hang Road,
Wong Chuk Hang
info@momentumcounselling.hk | momentumcounselling.hk
This article first appeared in Expat Living magazine in Hong Kong. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read theย digital version freeย now.
