Let's talk about COUPLES THERAPY
Respected therapist Marryam gets real about her new show
When first approached to do polarising new show Couples Therapy Australia, star Marryam Chehelnabi admits she was nervous.
“I considered it deeply and was initially curious about how it could all work,” she tells Woman’s Day of the series that chronicles real-life couples from very different backgrounds undergoing therapy.
“It’s never been done before in Australia, and therapy is an inherently safe, private and confidential zone. But once I could see the care and respect they showed for the therapeutic process, I was open to it.”
The Sydney-based psychotherapist now considers the role “a privilege”, but says it took her a while to get used to the cameras. “Never in a million years did I think this would ever be a part of my professional career,” she says, before adding that she’s yet to watch the series back on TV. “I’m not sure how I feel about seeing myself on camera.”
While being in the spotlight was new territory, the challenges couples face were not, with “sex, parenting, connection, money and trust” the most common. “Relationships tend to break down because we feel alone in our experience as well,” she adds. “We all just want to feel understood, that someone really gets us.”
Marryam reveals she’s seen an influx of young couples seeking out help, and urges people to try it out.
“If your partner is requesting this type of help, act quickly,” she says. “Responding to this emotional bid can make a huge difference.”