FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS {FAQ}
What should my partner and I expect?
I support couples and individuals to reach a deeper understanding of themselves, their lives and their relationships. I support you in connecting with your spouse, family and friends in meaningful ways. To create strong, resilient family units. To do this effectively, there needs to be more than a counselling component to your experience. My mission is to teach effective, practical, evidence-based interventions. The educational component of your counselling sessions will empower you as a couple and an individual to take control. You will gain the knowledge to feel confident in creating the relationships you want.
In between our sessions, I encourage you to attend to the educational and personal growth component of your journey and complete all the exercises I give you to do at home. This is to help you both take control of your relationship, both personally and as a couple. This will also help you to learn how to work as a team. My promise to you is to provide a safe space. That will be as positive as previous therapeutic journeys. Or it will allow new growth that was stifled by a prior unhelpful experience. Counselling will be difficult at times, and at other times, the most enjoyable part of your week.
What issues can couples counselling with Sharron Brandon help with?
Couples therapy can support you through communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts, trust issues, intimacy concerns, parenting disagreements, and navigating major life changes together. I also support couples through infidelity, separation and divorce.
How long does couples counselling usually take?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and challenges. Some couples see positive changes in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
What if my partner is hesitant about counselling?
It’s common for one partner to feel unsure. In the first session, we’ll create a safe, non-judgmental space to explore any concerns and focus on building mutual understanding.
Is everything we say confidential?
When you attend session with a therapist, strict confidentiality laws protect the information you share. Without your written consent and permission, I am unable to disclose whether you are a client of mine or discuss any information from our sessions with a third party.
The following are exceptions to this rule: If one of you poses an imminent danger to yourself, your partner, or a third person, I am allowed to disclose information to law enforcement personnel or hospital staff to keep you safe and coordinate care. Suppose you talk about events that led me to believe that a child under the age of 18 or an elderly or disabled person is at risk of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation. In that case, I am required to report such abuse.
If you disclose sexual misconduct by a previous therapist, I am required to make a report to their licensing board. If a judge in a court of law orders me to release information, or if I need to respond to a lawfully issued subpoena.
How many sessions will we need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — every couple’s journey is unique. Some couples find they’re back on track after just a few sessions, while others benefit from more time and support. In my experience, most couples start to notice real shifts in their communication and connection around the eight-session mark. That’s why I offer an 8-session package at a discounted rate — it gives you the time and space to create lasting change.
Many couples choose to continue beyond their initial sessions, checking in periodically to maintain their connection. I still see couples who first came to me over five years ago, returning for a “top-up” when life throws new challenges their way.
Do you see both partners together or separately?
Most of our work will be done together, as the goal is to improve your communication and understanding in real time. At times, I may suggest an individual session for one or both of you to explore personal experiences or patterns that are impacting the relationship.
Can we come if only one of us wants counselling?
It’s not uncommon for one partner to feel more ready than the other. If that’s the case, it can still be helpful to begin the process — often, when one person starts making changes, the other notices and may feel more open to joining in.
Do you work with couples in crisis or on the verge of separation?
Yes, I do. In fact, I offer a dedicated package specifically designed for couples in this very situation. When a relationship is at breaking point, time is precious — you need focused, compassionate support that helps you stabilise things quickly and decide on your next steps with clarity.
This package provides more frequent sessions in the early stages, so we can address the most urgent issues right away. Together, we’ll slow things down, reduce the emotional intensity, and create space for calmer, more constructive conversations.
Whether you ultimately choose to rebuild the relationship or part ways respectfully, my role is to guide you through this difficult period with care, fairness, and understanding helping you make decisions from a place of thoughtfulness rather than crisis.
Please refer to the services page to find this offer.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I offer both in-person sessions at my Mordialloc practice and online sessions via secure video call. Online therapy can be especially helpful for busy schedules, travel, or if you and your partner are in different locations.
What is Emotionally Focused Couples therapy?
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is designed to help you, and your partner understand each other on a deeper emotional level and strengthen your bond. Most couples who come to therapy aren’t just dealing with surface disagreements — they’re caught in repeated patterns of behaviour that leave both people feeling unheard, unloved, or disconnected.
In EFT, we gently explore these patterns together. We look at the “dance” you and your partner do when you’re hurt, stressed, or feeling misunderstood. Perhaps one of you withdraws while the other pursues, or you both get caught in a cycle of criticism and defence. These patterns aren’t about either of you being “the problem” — they’re the ways you’ve learned to protect yourselves when your deeper needs aren’t met.
By slowing things down in session, we create a safe space for each of you to share what’s really going on underneath — the fears, longings, and needs that can be hard to express in the heat of the moment. You’ll learn how to reach for each other in new ways, respond with compassion, and repair the emotional breaks that have built up over time.
The goal of EFT isn’t just to stop the old patterns — it’s to replace them with new, more supportive ways of connecting, so you can face life’s challenges side-by-side with trust, warmth, and emotional security.
What if we argue during the session?
It’s completely okay — and it’s not unusual. Sometimes strong emotions come to the surface when we talk about important or sensitive topics. That’s part of why you’re here — to have a safe space to work through the things that feel too difficult to manage on your own.
If tensions rise, I’ll guide the conversation, so it stays respectful and productive. We’ll slow things down, make sure each of you has the chance to speak without interruption, and help you listen to understand — not just to respond.
In fact, some of the most powerful moments in therapy happen when we take a heated exchange and use it as a live example to explore what’s really going on underneath. It’s in those moments that you can start to break old patterns and practise new ways of communicating — right there in real time, with my support.
Can therapy help if there’s been infidelity?
Couples therapy can help you navigate the deep hurt, confusion, and broken trust that comes with infidelity. While it’s not a quick fix, it provides a safe, structured space for both partners to explore what happened, and what is needed to heal and grow a strong relationship again. Whether that’s rebuilding the relationship or finding closure.
I have designed a specific program for couples who are struggling with infidelity in their relationship and have witnessed many couples heal and grow stronger than before. Please refer to my infidelity package on the services page.
Will you take sides?
In my work with couples, I’m not here to decide who’s right or wrong — that’s not what heals relationships. My role is to create a safe, balanced space where both of you feel equally heard, understood, and supported.
When I stay neutral, it allows us to focus on the patterns between you, rather than getting stuck in blame. This way, you can both explore what’s really going on beneath the surface — your feelings, needs, and hopes — without fear of being judged or “ganged up on.”
I’m on the side of your relationship, helping you work together toward a stronger, more connected partnership.
How much does it cost and is it covered by Medicare or insurance?
A Medicare rebate is not available to Therapists or Psychologists for Couples Counselling. Although, you will find that there is not much difference to your out-of-pocket expenses if you see a psychologist who provides the Medicare rebate, Sharron does however offer some concessions please chat with her about your needs. Some insurance companies will cover therapy.
