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Couples Counselling
In-person appointments available in Port Adelaide and West Lakes.
Support for couples experiencing conflict, disconnection or ongoing difficulties, with a focus on understanding patterns within the relationship, improving communication and restoring connection over time.
A Medicare rebate of $87.25 may be available for eligible clients with a GP Mental Health Care Plan.
How counselling can help
✓ Improved communication and ability to express needs clearly
✓ Better understanding of recurring patterns in your relationship
✓ Reduced conflict and less escalation in difficult conversations
✓ Greater emotional connection and responsiveness
✓ Increased sense of being heard and understood
✓ Practical strategies for navigating disagreements
✓ Clearer direction and confidence in how to move forward
Frequently Asked Questions
What can couples counselling help with?
Couples counselling can help with communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional distance, relationship stress, rebuilding connection, and working through unresolved issues within the relationship.
What happens in the first session?
The first session focuses on understanding the main concerns in the relationship, clarifying goals, and identifying the patterns or issues that need attention.
What happens in a couples counselling session?
Sessions are structured and focused. You will be supported to better understand patterns in the relationship, improve communication, and work through areas of conflict in a practical and constructive way.
What if my partner is unsure about attending?
It is common for one partner to feel more hesitant at first. If your partner is unsure, you are still welcome to get in touch to discuss the situation and whether couples counselling may be appropriate.
Is couples counselling only for relationships in crisis?
No. Many couples attend to address specific issues, improve communication, or strengthen their relationship before problems become more serious.
Can individual issues also affect the relationship?
Yes. In some cases, anxiety, stress, or the impact of past experiences may be affecting the relationship. Where appropriate, these factors can be explored as part of the work.
Couples Counselling
Fees & Rebates
A 50-minute session for couples seeking focused support with communication difficulties, conflict, disconnection, or ongoing relationship stress.
Current session fees are $150 per 50 minutes.
A Medicare rebate may be available where one partner has a valid Mental Health Care Plan and couples counselling has been approved by the referrer.
Select Medicare if couples counselling has been approved as part of your Mental Health Care Plan and referral.
Client Feedback
"From our first session, Shannon was so welcoming and genuinely interested in supporting us as a couple. He listened, gave advice, and trouble-shooted with us using real world examples, suggestions and advice. We loved how informal and easy to talk about our issues in the sessions were, and highly recommend Shannon to anyone seeking guidance and support."
Anita, 5-star Google Review
"Shannon is a professional, conscientious and diligent individual. I can highly recommend his services. He takes the time to understand and listen."
Alistair, 5-star Google Review
Improving Communication and Connection
Communication and emotional connection are central to a stable and healthy relationship. When these areas break down, couples often find themselves stuck in repeated patterns of conflict or distance.
The Gottman Institute is a well-established source of research on relationships. The following short videos introduce some of the key ideas around improving communication and strengthening connection.
1. Improving Communication
Difficulties in communication are one of the most common issues in relationships.
These can include misunderstandings, defensiveness, or conversations that escalate quickly.
This video outlines practical ways to improve how you communicate with your partner.
You will learn how to:
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Express yourself more clearly without escalating conflict
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Listen with greater understanding
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Approach disagreements in a more constructive way
2. Strengthening Connection
Feeling emotionally connected helps maintain stability and closeness in a relationship. When connection is reduced, couples often feel distant or disconnected from each other.
This video focuses on ways to rebuild and maintain connection over time.
You will learn how to:
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Increase emotional responsiveness
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Create more consistent moments of connection
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Strengthen trust and closeness