Find a Marriage Counselling Therapist Near You

Marriage counselling can address common relationship concerns, including ongoing conflict, communication challenges, emotional distance, or difficulty making decisions together. It may also be helpful for couples who are not currently experiencing major problems but want to prepare for future life changes.

For more specific concerns affecting one individual in the relationship, such as trauma, depression, or significant substance use concerns, individual therapy may be more appropriate than marriage counselling.

There is no single “right” time to start marriage counselling, but certain signs may suggest that counselling could be helpful. For example, a couple may benefit from counselling if many conversations end in conflict, if negative interactions are becoming more frequent, or if relationship stress is affecting other areas of life, such as sleep, work, parenting, or friendships.

Some couples also seek counselling proactively. Premarital counselling, for instance, allows couples to discuss communication styles, finances, family dynamics, and future goals before getting married. Other couples may start counselling before a major life change, such as becoming parents, relocating, or navigating a stressful career transition.

Marriage counselling may still help even if one partner is more hesitant to attend, as long as both people are ultimately willing to participate in sessions. Once counselling is underway, the more hesitant partner may become more open to sessions that can strengthen the relationship and build coping skills and communication strategies. If one partner refuses to attend, individual therapy may still help the other partner understand their needs, set boundaries, and decide how to approach the relationship.

There are differing opinions on the best format for marriage counselling. While some studies show that online marriage counselling can be as effective as in-person counselling, some argue that in-person counselling is more effective because it allows the therapist to better pick up on context and body language cues. In addition, in-person counselling may be a better fit for couples who are working through high-conflict issues. Ultimately, the “best” format depends on the couple’s specific needs and concerns.

Faith-based marriage counselling incorporates a couple’s religious or spiritual beliefs into counselling. It may be a good fit for couples who want to discuss their relationship, values, and marriage within the context of their faith.

For example, Christian marriage counselling may appeal to couples who want a counsellor familiar with Christian beliefs about marriage. Other forms of faith-based counselling may incorporate Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or other religious perspectives into sessions.

Marriage counselling in South Africa is usually paid for privately, and sessions often cost around R900 to R1,500 or more. Fees depend on location, counsellor experience, session length, and practice setting. Some medical aid plans may cover part of the cost, particularly if counselling is provided by a registered psychologist or other covered mental health provider; however, benefits vary by plan and it is important to check with your medical aid provider about any available coverage.

Lower-cost options may be available through sliding scale fees, which adjust the cost of counselling based on income, as well as through community services or non-profit organisations.