About Red Thread Relationships
Grounded therapy, meaningful change.
The Heart Behind the Practice
I’m Michelle Cuneo, a registered counsellor and couples therapist - and the founder of Red Thread Relationships. This practice exists because I believe relationships are one of the most valuable investments we’ll ever make.
When I sit across from a couple or an individual, I bring not only 16 years of professional experience, but also lived insight, grounded ethics, and a deep belief that transformation is possible.
Red Thread Relationships is a boutique counselling practice offering high-impact, emotionally intelligent therapy - with depth, structure, and care at every step. I don’t take on high volumes of clients. I work with people who want real change, and I tailor every session, every program, and every interaction to their unique story and goals.
This is counselling that meets you where you are and walks with you, forward.
Why I Do This Work
Several years ago, I experienced a medical emergency that nearly cost me my life. A skilled cardiac surgeon quite literally restarted my heart and gave me a second chance. That moment reshaped everything.
In the months that followed, I made a quiet decision: to devote my work to the kind of connection that truly sustains us. Red Thread Relationships is the result - a place to help people repair, rebuild, and protect the most important relationships in their lives.
But this mission didn’t come out of nowhere. My career has always revolved around helping people grow through challenges. I spent over 16 years in community services and education, supporting individuals and families in complex, vulnerable situations. Over time, my focus shifted toward what I saw was missing, not just crisis support, but proactive, high-quality relationship education.
We’re rarely taught how to navigate conflict, hold space for one another, or repair after rupture. Red Thread Relationships exists to fill that gap. Because love shouldn’t be left to chance and with the right support, it can grow stronger than ever.
What the Red Thread Means
The name Red Thread Relationships is inspired by enduring cultural stories. In East Asian mythology, it’s said that an invisible red thread connects us to those who will deeply shape our lives. The thread may stretch, knot, or tangle but it never breaks.
In Greek myth, Theseus enters the labyrinth to face danger, guided safely home by a red thread. In therapy, I see the same metaphor play out - clients walking bravely into their own maze of emotions, histories, and relational patterns, seeking clarity and a way through.
The red thread is the guiding line - through complexity, through heartbreak, through growth - back to yourself and your people.
A Little More About Me
16+ years of experience in education, leadership, crisis support, and therapy
Registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Postgraduate training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, EFT, DBT, CBT, Family Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Narrative Therapy
Master’s degree in Communication
Currently completing a second Master’s in Counselling through UNE
Ongoing supervision and professional development to maintain ethical, informed care
Professional experience across not-for-profits, private clinics, and high-touch boutique practices
I’m also a mother, a former dance journalist, and someone who has walked through relationship breakdown, healing, and transformation myself. I understand how it feels to carry the emotional weight of a relationship on your own. And I know what it takes to shift patterns and build something new.
The Way I Work
Clients choose to work with me because I offer more than just a safe space to talk. I offer:
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![Checkmark symbol of emotional progress and therapeutic achievement, used by Red Thread Relationships to indicate successful counselling outcomes on the Central Coast.]()
Depth and Direction
I help you understand what's really happening underneath the surface and what to do about it.
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![Checkmark symbol of emotional progress and therapeutic achievement, used by Red Thread Relationships to indicate successful counselling outcomes on the Central Coast.]()
Continuity and Trust
You work directly with me, Michelle, from start to finish.
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![Checkmark symbol of emotional progress and therapeutic achievement, used by Red Thread Relationships to indicate successful counselling outcomes on the Central Coast.]()
Tailored, Structured Support
Whether you’re booking one session or a 12-month transformation, your therapy is designed around your needs.
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![Checkmark symbol of emotional progress and therapeutic achievement, used by Red Thread Relationships to indicate successful counselling outcomes on the Central Coast.]()
Practical, Personalised Tools
This is not generic guidance or therapy jargon. I provide real tools for real relationships.
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![Checkmark symbol of emotional progress and therapeutic achievement, used by Red Thread Relationships to indicate successful counselling outcomes on the Central Coast.]()
A Calm, Compassionate Presence
You’ll be seen, not judged. Held, but also gently challenged to grow.
Who I Work With
I specialise in working with emotionally invested adults and couples, typically aged 25–55, who are navigating:
Communication breakdowns
Emotional disconnection or infidelity
Conflict cycles that never seem to resolve
Major life transitions (grief, parenting, menopause, divorce, career shifts)
Anxiety, depression or big emotions
Personal growth and relationship pattern change
Clients are thoughtful and self-aware. They don’t want surface-level solutions. They want therapy that goes deep - and gives them something to work with. That’s exactly what I offer.
A Boutique Approach to Therapy
At Red Thread Relationships, therapy isn’t a production line. It’s a high-touch, client-led process where:
You get direct access to me - no rotating clinicians or handovers
You’re met with clinical expertise and genuine care
You experience continuity, structure, and consistent support over time
This is why GPs, professionals, and past clients refer others here. They trust the care, the outcomes, and the integrity of this work.
Success Isn’t Always Loud - But It’s Always Real
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Success Isn’t Always Loud - But It’s Always Real |
Some of the most powerful transformations happen quietly. Clients often share:
“We’re finally sleeping in the same bed again.”
“I feel like I have language for things I could never explain before.”
“We’re laughing again - something I didn’t think would come back.”
“I’ve stopped feeling like I’m failing.”
“I didn’t realise how much I needed this space.”
These aren’t dramatic story arcs. They’re the slow, steady return of trust, hope, and connection - and they’re what I measure success by.
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No, I’m a registered counsellor with advanced postgraduate training in couples therapy and counselling. My work is grounded in evidence-based approaches (including Gottman Method Therapy, EFT, DBT, and Positive Psychology). Many clients choose counselling over psychology because it offers emotional insight, relational depth, and practical tools - without requiring a diagnosis.
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Counselling services are not currently covered by Medicare rebates. However, this allows for more flexibility, longer-term continuity, and personalised care not bound by referral cycles or rigid frameworks. My fees reflect the depth, professionalism, and value of the service.
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That’s more common than people realise. Therapy is only effective when it feels safe, clear, and useful. My approach is transparent, collaborative, and paced to suit your needs. You’re always in control, and we’ll check in regularly to make sure the work is helping you move forward.
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Yes. Many clients work with me in both formats, especially if they’re exploring relational patterns or navigating a complex relationship dynamic. We’ll discuss your goals and design a path that makes sense for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to explore whether we’re the right fit - or go ahead and schedule an intake session when you’re ready
