Need some help working through any stumbling blocks in your marriage or relationship? Read our handy guide to find out how much a counsellor will charge depending on your requirements.
Relationships aren’t always a walk in the park. There’s no doubt that you love your partner deeply – but with the challenges that life throws your way, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Romance may dwindle or communication could break down. In this situation, a marriage and relationship counsellor is invaluable. Around 70% of people who attend relationship counselling describe an improvement. It can help you to:
Communicate clearly
Prevent arguments
Rediscover romance and appreciation
Manage conflict when it happens
Say things you find difficult
Get a fresh perspective from your counsellor
Independent research found that counselling of any type is most popular with people under the age of 54. It’s certainly been embraced by the younger generations – but it can truly benefit people of all ages. If you’re unsure whether you’ve got the budget for marriage and relationship counselling, or what’s included in the fee, then you’re in the right place.
These prices are based on our research and data across the UK. For the most accurate price, get a personalised quote from a relationship counsellor near you.
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 various specialisms. This may be an advantage if they specialise in an area that’s related to any of the issues you’re facing.
The average price of marriage and relationship counselling is £75 per session. This usually lasts for one hour. On the lower end, you’ll find counsellors offering sessions for £60. On the higher end, it can go up to £100 per session.
Most counsellors want a free consultation before starting long-term sessions. Your challenges and goals will impact the style of sessions. For instance, if one person is struggling with PTSD, or another has been diagnosed with depression, then this can push up your price.
Most couples attend counselling once per week. This means that over a year, the price is roughly £3,900. But you may be able to negotiate a discount if you book bulk sessions up-front. And some parts of the country are less costly, too.
| Number of sessions | Average price |
| 1 | £75 |
| 5 | £375 |
| 10 | £750 |
| 20 | £1,500 |
| 50 | £3,750 |
| 100 | £7,500 |
Your marriage and relationship counselling price will vary based on:
Your goals
Experience of counsellor
Time
Location
Bulk sessions
Some of these elements affect price more than others. You can see a summary below.
A counsellor is going to want to know what you want to achieve from the sessions. 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’re 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.
Counsellors range from those who are newly graduated, to those who have over 40 years of experience. The more experienced your counsellor is, the more they will charge. Though be aware that newly graduated counsellors won’t have years of experience which you may benefit from if the problem is extremely deep-rooted.
Relationship or marriage counselling done by a graduate therapist is the most affordable overall, starting at just £50. While graduate counsellors are fully qualified, they may lack experience in particularly complex issues. However, if they don’t have the skills to help you they will normally advise you of this during your consultation.
The average counsellor will charge between £70 and £80 per hour. Most counsellors recommend at least 10 sessions, but it often goes much higher.
The most experienced counsellors can charge anywhere up to £200, though usually this high figure is reserved for locations such as Harley Street. Likewise, if the therapist is particularly well known or deals with high profile clients, they’re more likely to command a higher fee.
Counsellors normally charge by the hour, and the more sessions you require, the more expensive this will be. Usually, a counsellor will recommend how many sessions you’re 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.
The location of your counsellor will also impact the cost. It’s perhaps not a surprise that counsellors based near major cities (especially London) will charge more. Some counsellors on Harley Street in London charge as much as £200 per hour for relationship counselling.
After you’ve completed your relationship counselling, it’s good to keep in mind you may require follow up sessions periodically. 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.
| Location | Average price per session |
| London | £90 |
| South-east England | £80 |
| North-east England | £65 |
| North-west England | £65 |
| South-west England | £70 |
| Midlands | £75 |
| Scotland | £60 |
| Wales | £60 |
| Northern Ireland | £55 |
Relationship counselling is supposed to reduce your stress – but that doesn’t happen if your costs have shot through the roof. It’s thus worth exploring a couple of ways to keep your prices down.
To start with, make sure to look at al counsellors in your area. They’ll each have different rates. And some will be open to negotiation, especially for bulk bookings.
It could be worth looking for someone with slightly less experience, too. A newly graduated counsellor will often have the same qualifications, and can do the same job. If your needs aren’t particularly complex, then this could be a cost-effective solution.
You should research counsellors offering online sessions if you’re open to this, too. Not only is this less expensive, but if you find a professional operating in a less pricey part of the country, it can save you even more. This gives you a counsellor to speak to at a fraction of the price.
Relationship counselling can give you and your partner a clear path to resolving difficulties. This is useful if your relationship has been fractured for a while.
It can also enable both of you to develop great skills. Your counsellor can often advise on this. Examples could include communicating clear, managing anger, or reminding yourself of things to be grateful for.
You’ll get a fresh, independent perspective on the troubles you’re facing with a relationship counsellor.
On the other hand, relationship counselling is best when both parties are fully on-board. If one of you resents going, it can have the opposite effect, if someone feels that they’re making more effort than the others.
You’ll need to budget for relationship counselling, too. This is sometimes tricky as there’s not often a clear ‘end date’ – you’ll continue indefinitely until progress is made.
Some people find relationship counselling extremely difficult. It’s not easy to open up to someone else about your feelings. In some instances, it may increase stress or anxiety.
| Pros | Cons |
| Resolve difficulties | Tricky if both aren't on-board |
| Develop useful skills | Can be pricey |
| Get an independent perspective | Difficult to open up |
You should take your time to explore all your options before jumping into counselling. In some cases, another route may be equally effective. You should speak to an expert about which of these is worthwhile.
There is lots of literature available on dealing with relationship difficulties. Many of these are written by trained psychologists and counsellors, sharing their insights. You and your partner may benefit from this.
Weekend retreats, or workshops, are common too. This is popular amongst people who want to get away from the kids and reconnect with each other. You’ll be surrounded by other couples in a similar scenario, which creates a safe space.
You could explore other ways for you and your partner to reconnect. Mutual hobbies is a great idea, such as yoga, cooking, or dancing. Regular date nights may build intimacy and affection as well. Some people recommend mindfulness sessions.
There’s no shame in speaking to your friends and family. They can give you a fresh perspective. All opinions should be taken with a pinch of salt, but it can feel great to share your feelings with someone not involved in the situation.
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, they must be on board before you sign up.
Many counsellors will offer a free or reduced-price first session, which is a great opportunity to see if you’re a great 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.
Although a harmonious relationship is the overall goal, counselling can still feel confronting, especially as you look to work through particular issues. It’s going to take commitment and understanding from both sides to fix.
Relationships can become strained or break down completely for all sorts of reasons. When you’re 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 counselling can strengthen their relationship long term. 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.
Yes, this is technically possible. The NHS website states that you can join a waiting list for talking therapies in your area. This may involve a considerable wait though, which isn’t ideal if you feel that you need support immediately.
You should speak to local bodies to confirm whether couples counselling is included in this. They may also be able to signpost you towards other useful resources. And priority seems to be given to cases where depression, anxiety, PTSD or other mental illnesses are involved.
Yes, this can be useful. Speaking to an independent third party allows you to ‘get things off your chest’ and hear a new perspective.
Experts have varying opinions on whether you should inform your partner about this. And a partner’s refusal to join you in counselling, forcing you to go alone, can sometimes be seen as a warning sign as well. Context and circumstances have a huge difference, so speak to a counsellor near you for guidance.
There’s no set number of sessions after which everything will be ‘fixed’. In many cases, counselling is indefinite and represents an ongoing commitment to improving things. But you’re not always guaranteed that the situation will get better – it depends on the circumstances.
Sessions are usually once a week, although you can pay for more regular slots if you wish. Often, couples draw it to a close when they feel that progress has been made, and they’ve said everything they wanted.
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