Free Couples Therapy UK: Finding Relationship Counselling
In recent years, the United Kingdom has seen a significant increase in interest in couples mental health support. According to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), in 2020, nearly 33% of providers reported a rise in the number of inquiries about couples counselling. According to the same survey, 58% of therapists reported an increase in individuals reporting relationship issues over the past year. Relationship challenges often affect couples’ emotions and other parts of their lives, but counselling services can help them find healthy ways to cope.
Couples counselling can have a significant impact on a couple’s emotional health and well-being as well as the health of their relationship overall. Couples counsellors work in numerous settings all over the United Kingdom, and they typically have training in a variety of approaches to help improve relationships.
Below, we’ll discuss relationship support options in the United Kingdom, types of therapy available, and options for free or low-cost therapy.
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What is relationship or couples therapy?
Couples therapy doesn’t refer to one, specific therapeutic approach. Instead, it’s an umbrella term that encompasses many different modalities for helping partners address issues and enhance their relationship.
Counselling may help partners at any stage of a relationship, whether they’re young people just getting to know each other or an older couple who have been together for many years.
Why couples seek support
Couples turn to therapy for a variety of reasons. They may desire an objective third party’s support in resolving conflict, navigating financial issues, learning to cope with bereavement, or developing effective communication skills, for example. Rebuilding after infidelity, improving intimacy, managing life changes, and discovering new ways to express emotions can also be reasons to attend couples therapy together.
Organisations offering free relationship therapy UK: Are there therapy options?
Free relationship therapy is typically available through the NHS. However, it may take time to be connected with a provider, or some people may not meet requirements to receive no-cost NHS services. For those who want or need to search outside the NHS, it may be possible to find a free session through local therapy organisations.
For example, one option for free relationship therapy exists through GroceryAid. GroceryAid allows some relationships in need of support to receive six counselling sessions free of charge. GroceryAid funds these free sessions through Relate, which has various therapy centers throughout the United Kingdom. Attending free sessions can help couples learn how to explain their thoughts and feelings more constructively.
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What happens during a relationship or couples therapy session?
The format of a single session of relationship therapy may vary depending on the couple involved and where they are in the therapeutic process. In early sessions, individuals typically have the opportunity to openly express the conflict or concerns they’re experiencing to the therapist in a non-judgmental space. The therapist typically allows each person ample time to share their thoughts and feelings.
Over time, the therapist may introduce frameworks or techniques that could help the partners address what they’re struggling with, which may include anything from role-playing exercises to improve empathy to communication strategies to reduce conflict.
What are some effective marriage therapy methods to use in a counseling session?
Therapists may use a variety of therapy approaches to help those they work with. One common approach is the Gottman method, which is named for founders Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
The Gottman Institute states that the goals of the Gottman Method are “to disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.”
The following are some other methods and techniques that couples therapists might use in free couples therapy (UK-based):
- Behavioral couples therapy (BCT)
- Cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy
- Cognitive existential couples therapy
- Congruence couples therapy
- Couple dialectical behavioral therapy
- Hope and forgiveness-focused therapy
- Problem-focused therapy
How can marriage counselling help with mental health challenges?
Couples therapy is typically designed to help partners address specific relationship concerns in their shared love life. However, a therapist may also be able to help a couple navigate the challenges that a mental health diagnosis may present to their relationship. Talking therapy may help the partner of an individual with a mental illness gain a better understanding of the condition and develop strategies to help support the person while also caring for their own emotional well-being. It can be important to note that progress often takes time and consistent effort. Having a counsellor who can explain the best ways to support each other can be beneficial for many couples.
How therapy can support emotional growth
Therapy isn’t just about solving problems, resolving conflicts, or treating mental health disorders. It can also be a resource to help individuals and couples build resilience, deepen their understanding of healthy relationship dynamics, and learn to manage strong emotions during difficult times. Relationship therapy can affect couples positively by teaching them skills to relate to each other more constructively, and it can show them how to cope with frustration without contributing to unnecessary conflict.
Exploring online therapy options
Many therapists have now begun to offer their therapy service online. Online therapy allows partners to speak with a therapist remotely no matter where they are as long as they have an internet connection and a personal device. Online platforms also typically offer a larger selection of therapists than what is available to a person locally.
With online therapy forindividuals or couples, you can communicate with your therapist via audio, video, or in-app messaging. Plus, research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy in many cases.
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Does free relationship counselling (UK specific) exist?
No-cost couples therapy is often available through the NHS. Another possible option is to contact GroceryAid, which funds up to six sessions for some users.
What are some common problems that people seek couples counselling for in the UK?
In recent years, more and more couples in the UK have sought support over disagreements about social media. Social media can lead to arguments about one partner “liking” a post by an ex-partner or others. It can also lead to misinterpretation about comments made by one’s partner or their contacts online or a text message sent or received.
Other common causes for seeking relationship help may include a desire to pursue open relationships, disagreements about children and parenting, and stress related to finances and the cost-of-living crisis. Also note that counselling isn’t just for those experiencing relationship problems. Partners not facing an immediate conflict may also find that they can enhance their communication skills or sense of intimacy with the help of a counsellor.
How much does marriage counselling or couples counseling cost in the UK?
Outside of the NHS, out-of-pocket marriage counselling can cost between £60 and £100 per session in the UK. However, rates may vary according to the region. For example, rates may be higher in the southeast of England. Also, rates may vary by the provider’s experience level. Relationship therapists with many years of experience may be in higher demand and have higher rates than other therapists.
Can you get a free couples therapy (UK-based) session?
You may be able to receive a no-cost relationship counselling session through the NHS. Or, you may find a counselling agency that provides one no-cost session. For example, GroceryAid offers a free assessment through Relate, and some users may qualify for five subsequent sessions. Also, you may find affordable options through online relationship counselling.
How many sessions are needed in relationship counselling?
The number of sessions required to address challenges can vary based on the needs of each couple. According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), marriage and family therapists tend to see couples for an average of 11.5 sessions. The AAMFT also states that approximately 65% of marriage and family cases are resolved within 20 sessions. Solution-focused brief therapy is one approach that may help users address a specific issue quickly.
Can online counselling help with mental health?
Online relationship therapists typically help people address relationship challenges. However, some couples seek help when one person experiences a mental health condition. In these cases, a relationship therapist may be able to help partners adapt to the new mental health diagnosis and use strategies to manage the mental health of both people involved.
How can I get counselling for no-cost in the UK?
For many citizens, the most available way to get no-cost therapy in the UK is through the National Health Service (NHS). This option lets you speak to your general practitioner or self-refer to a therapist on the NHS website. You will then be given a therapist when one becomes available. If you want a specific therapist, working with your GP may be helpful, as they can help you coordinate availability and other points of concern. NHS may not offer couples counselling for every case. However, you can make an appointment with your GP to learn more about accessing services.
What percentage of relationships survive marriage counselling?
Couples therapy (sometimes called marriage therapy) is often considered highly effective when offered by a marriage counsellor with experience supporting partners in a relationship to make positive changes. One study found that 70% of couples found counselling effective in helping them improve communication, anxiety, sexual identity, and other relationship challenges.
How does couples therapy work (United Kingdom specific)?
Couples therapy in the UK is similar to couples therapy in other areas. Clients may be a married couple, dating partners, or family members in session, such as parents discussing divorce. Multiple modalities, such as one-session relationship counselling, can be practiced to receive guidance or advice for a relationship difficulty. Clients can expect to work with some form of couples therapist, whether a marriage and family counselor or a general couples therapist. In addition, couples may choose between in-person, video, or phone sessions, depending on the type of session most comfortable for them.
How do I find a good counselling or therapy provider in the United Kingdom?
To find a couples therapist, search online and work with your general practitioner for a potential referral. You can also try an online therapy platform, which may be more accessible.
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