What’s the average cost of Relationship and Marriage Counselling?

What does a Relationship and Marriage Counsellor do? 

Various counsellor types specialise in areas such as bereavement, eating disorders, and trauma. A marriage or relationship counsellor works specifically with couples to help them resolve issues that are causing unhappiness within the relationship. Some counsellors may also generalise across several specialisms, so it’s always worth asking if your counsellor specialises in an area that’s related to the issues you are dealing with.

What’s the average cost of a Relationship and Marriage Counsellor? 

Counsellors will charge different rates depending on the counsellor’s experience and location. Though $135 an hour is usually the national average.

Many counsellors offer a free consultation or offer sessions in blocks which may reduce the cost overall. 

Considerations 

Accepting that you need help in the form of a counsellor is a brave and constructive step. However, as marriage or relationship counselling involves another party, it’s important to confirm with them that they are happy to go ahead with it before committing to anything. 

Many counsellors will offer a free or reduced-price first session, which is a great opportunity to see if you are a good fit for each other, or not. Keep in mind that as counsellors vary in experience and approach, you may have to consider a few different practitioners before you find the right help for you. Even when you do find the right person, it’s also wise to prepare yourself for what lies ahead.  

Most people find that counselling doesn’t resolve their issues after one session, and real change only comes after you have worked through some uncomfortable issues. It is going to take commitment and understanding from both sides to truly get a good resolve. Here are some key considerations and how they can affect the price: 

• Your goals 

• Experience of Counsellor 

• Time 

• Location

• Follow up sessions

Your goals

Be clear to your counsellor about what you want out of the sessions, as this will ensure they are best placed to support you. For example, improved communication, better trust, or being able to co-parent effectively. Depending on your goals, this may impact the cost of counselling. However, if you are upfront from the start then your counsellor can tailor a plan which will be most effective for the time that you do have with them.

Experience of Counsellor

Your counsellor may be fresh out of university or have years of experience under their belt. The level of their experience will determine how much they charge. Though be aware that newly graduated counsellors will not have years of experience which you may benefit from if the problem is extremely deep-rooted.

Relationship or marriage counselling performed by a graduate therapist is the most affordable overall, starting at just $70. While graduate counsellors are fully qualified, they may lack experience, particularly with more complex issues. However, if they do not have the skills to help you they will normally advise you of this during your consultation.

The average counsellor will charge between $85 and $155 per hour. Most counsellors recommend 6 sessions, which would bring the average cost of relationship counselling to $510 and $930 overall. 

The most experienced counsellors can charge anywhere up to $200 per hour, though usually this high figure is reserved for super-experienced counsellors. Likewise, if the therapist is particularly well known or deals with high profile clients, they are more likely to command a higher fee. 

Time

As most counsellors charge by the hour, the number of sessions you require will be one of the biggest factors influencing cost. Usually, a counsellor will recommend how many sessions you are likely to need based on what is discussed in the first session.

The average number of sessions a couple will have is between 6-8 sessions.

If it’s possible to split the cost between you both, then this will make counselling more affordable for both parties. If you try to save money by reducing the number of sessions you have, remember that counselling is only effective after several sessions in most cases. There’s no point in spending money on just a couple of counselling sessions that won’t make a difference. 

Location

Another price consideration is where you live. It’s perhaps not a surprise that counsellors based near major cities will charge more. Some counsellors in Sydney charge as much as $170 per hour for relationship counselling. 

Follow-up sessions

Remember that you may need to have follow-up sessions every once in a while after your counselling has formally ended. This could be to check in on your progress, or if old issues have cropped up again. A follow-up session doesn’t mean you have failed either, it’s just a helping hand should you need it. Follow up sessions will usually be charged at your therapist’s hourly rate. 

Relationship and Marriage Counselling - is it worth the cost?

Relationships are complicated, and several factors can contribute to them becoming strained or breaking down completely. When you are trying to work out your issues between you, it can be difficult to find some middle ground.

However, a relationship counsellor will act as a neutral party. They will help you to develop a way through your issues. Many people find that relationship and marriage counselling helps them to have a healthier and happier long-term relationship.

Compared with splitting up, seeking the advice of a relationship counsellor can be of huge benefit, both on a personal level as well as how you function as a couple. 

Strengthen your relationship with a trusted Relationship or Marriage Counsellor on Bark.