Free Couples Therapy UK: How To Find Support
In recent years, the UK has seen a significant increase in interest in couples counselling. According to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), in 2020, nearly 33% of counsellors 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.
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 UK, and they typically have training in a variety of approaches to help improve relationships. Below, we’ll discuss couples therapy in the UK, types of couples therapy available, and options for free or low-cost therapy.
What is couples counselling?
Couples counselling doesn’t refer to one, specific therapeutic approach. Instead, it’s an umbrella term that encompasses many different modalities for helping couples address issues and enhance their relationship. Couples 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.
Free couples therapy UK: Are there options for free couples counselling?
Free couples 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 NHS services. For those who want or need to search outside the NHS, it may be possible to find a free couples therapy session through local counselling organizations.
For example, one option for free couples therapy exists through GroceryAid. GroceryAid allows some couples in need of support to receive six counselling sessions free of charge. GroceryAid funds these sessions through Relate, which has various counselling centers throughout the UK.
What happens during a relationship counselling session?
The format of a single session of relationship counselling 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 couples or marriage counselling methods?
Couples therapists may use a variety of counselling approaches to help the couples 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.”
- 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
Can couples therapy help with mental health challenges?
Couples therapy is typically designed to help couples address specific relationship concerns in their shared love life. However, a couples 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.
Exploring online couples therapy
Many couples therapists have now begun to offer their counselling service online. Online therapy allows couples to speak with a therapist remotely no matter where they are as long as they have an internet connection and a personal device. Online therapy platforms also typically offer a larger selection of therapists than what is available to a person locally.
With online therapy for individuals 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.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Is there free couples therapy (UK specific)?
Free couples therapy is often available through the NHS. Another possible option is to contact GroceryAid, which funds up to six sessions of therapy for some couples.
What are some common problems that couples seek counselling for?
In recent years, more and more couples in the UK have sought therapy 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 couples therapy 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 couples 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 couples counsellor.
How much does marriage counselling cost in the UK?
Outside of the NHS, out-of-pocket marriage or couples 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. Couples therapists with many years of experience may be in higher demand and have higher rates than other therapists.
Can a couple get a free relationship counselling session?
You may be able to receive a free relationship counselling session through the NHS. Or, you may find a counselling agency that provides one free session. For example, GroceryAid offers a free assessment through Relate, and some couples may qualify for five free subsequent sessions. Also, you may find affordable therapy through online couples counselling.
How many sessions are needed in couples 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 therapy cases are resolved within 20 sessions. Solution-focused brief couples therapy is one approach that may help couples address a specific issue quickly.
Can online couples therapy help couples with mental health?
Online couples therapists typically help people address relationship challenges. However, some couples seek help when one person experiences a mental health condition. In these cases, a couples 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 therapy for free in the UK?
For many citizens, the most available way to get free 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 therapy for every case. However, you can make an appointment with your GP to learn more about accessing services.
What percentage of couples survive couples therapy?
Couples therapy (sometimes called marriage therapy) is often considered highly effective when offered by a marriage counsellor with experience supporting couples to make positive changes. One study found that 70% of couples found couples therapy effective in helping them improve communication, anxiety, sexual identity, and other relationship challenges.
How does couples therapy work in the UK?
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 couples therapy modalities, such as one-session relationship therapy, can be practiced to receive guidance or advice for a 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 the right couples therapist in the UK?
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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