Couples Counselling
Sydney
A calm, supportive space for couples to slow down, feel heard, and work through what's happening in their relationship.
What is Couples Counselling?
Couples counselling is a supportive space where partners can explore their relationship with the guidance of a trained professional. It helps identify patterns, improve communication, and better understand each other's needs and experiences. The goal is to strengthen connection, resolve challenges, and create a healthier way of relating.
Whether you're feeling disconnected, stuck in recurring patterns, or navigating a difficult period, counselling offers the opportunity to better understand each other and move forward with greater clarity and care.
What to expect
Sessions with Kirsten O'Sullivan in her Sydney clinic are guided with a steady, non-judgemental approach, helping both partners feel respected and supported.
Sessions are structured but gentle, allowing space for both partners to speak openly.
You can expect:
- A balanced, neutral environment where both perspectives are valued
- Guided conversations to help uncover patterns in your relationship
- Practical insight to support change between sessions
- A focus on building understanding, connection, and stability
The process is collaborative - we work together at a pace that feels manageable for both of you.
I support
Communication difficulties
Strugging to express thoughts clearly or feeling unheard, leading to misunderstandings or frustration.
Ongoing conflict or tension
Repeated arguements or unresolved issues that create stress and strain with the relationship.
Feeling distant or disconnected
A sense of emotional separation, where closeness and connection have faded over time.
Trust and relationship challenges
Difficulties rebuilding trust, navigating uncertainty, or working through past experiences that impact the relationship.
Life transitions and change
Adjusting to major changes such as parenthood, career shifts, separation and divorce, or evolving roles within the relationship.
Emotional or physical intimacy
Challenges with closeness, affection, or connection, both emotionally and physically.
Session Information
Kirsten O'Sullivan, BPsych
Relationship Counsellor
Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counselling
BA (Social Science)
Performance in Health Clinic
Shop 2, 88-90 Percival Road
Stanmore NSW 2048
Sydney Couples Counselling
60 minute sessions
Individual counselling: $160
Couples counselling: $220
Weekly or fortnightly sessions recommended - especially at the beginning, to build momentum anf support meaningful progress.
The number of sessions varies. Some couples find clarity within a few sessions, while others continue for longer to work through more complex or long-standing patterns.
Couples counselling is a process. Progress often builds gradually as communication improves, patterns become clearer, and new ways of relating are practised over time.
Confidentiality
Sessions are confidential, creating a safe space for open and honest conversation. Limits to confidentiality (such as risk of harm) will be clearly explained at the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if couples counselling is right for us?
Couples counselling can help at any stage of a relationship, not only during a crisis. If you’re experiencing ongoing conflict, communication difficulties, emotional disconnection, trust concerns, or feeling stuck in repeating patterns, counselling can provide support and clarity.
It offers a space to better understand each other, regulate emotions,strengthen connection, and work through challenges together in healthier, more constructive ways.
How do I book?
Use my Booking Calendar to select an available time and date that suits you. Bookings via this Calendar will hold your timeslot for 48 hours. I will contact you within this time for intake, to give you details about your session, and to secure your booking with a deposit.
What happens in a counselling session?
Sessions run for 60 minutes and provide a safe, supportive space for both partners to openly share their experiences, concerns, and perspectives. Together, we explore the underlying patterns contributing to the difficulties in the relationship and work collaboratively to develop healthier ways of communicating, understanding one another, and navigating challenges together.
Do both partners need to attend?
Ideally, both partners attend couples counselling, as this allows space to explore relationship patterns, communication, and emotional connection together. However, counselling can still be highly beneficial if one partner is unwilling or unable to attend.
Individual sessions can support concerns such as communication difficulties, emotional disconnection, anxiety, depression within relationships, rebuilding confidence, understanding relationship patterns, and exploring healthier ways to reconnect and move forward. Even when attending alone, therapy can create meaningful change within relationships and improve overall emotional wellbeing.
What kinds of issues do you help with?
I support couples experiencing a range of relationship challenges, including communication difficulties, ongoing conflict, emotional disconnection, trust and infidelity concerns, intimacy and sexual issues, anxiety and depression within relationships, parenting and family stress, separation, trauma, addiction, and life transitions.
I also work with couples navigating attachment and abandonment patterns, blended family dynamics, and cultural or family pressures. Therapy focuses on helping couples better understand one another, strengthen emotional connection, improve communication, and create healthier, more secure relationship patterns moving forward.
How many sessions will we need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and the challenges you are facing as a couple. Some couples find that a few sessions provide enough support and clarity, while others may benefit from longer-term work of around 6 to 8 sessions or more to address deeper relationship patterns and create lasting change.
We will regularly review progress together and tailor the process to your individual needs and goals as a couple.
Can I claim couples counselling through Medicare?
No, couples counselling is not currently covered under Medicare. However, some private health funds may provide rebates for couples therapy depending on your level of cover and provider, so it is worth checking directly with your health fund.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, online counselling sessions are available for individuals and couples across Australia. Telehealth appointments offer a flexible and convenient way to access support from the comfort and privacy of your own home, while still providing a safe and connected therapeutic experience.
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. You can book an initial appointment via my Booking Form, phone me, or send an online enquiry to discuss your needs and arrange a suitable time.
The first session provides an opportunity to explore your concerns, relationship goals, and the areas you would like support with, while also ensuring you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.
Helping couples communicate, understand, and reconnect
Let's start the conversation to coming back together.