How to Make Sure Your Counsellor is Well Trained in Couples Work

Many counsellors genuinely desire to help individuals and couples escape pain and disappointment in relationships so as to develop fulfilling, healthy and loving partnerships.

Yet it is important for you as a consumer to be informed and educated about how to find the best counselling and therapy for you when you are looking for it.

Many people do not realise that not all counsellors, therapists and psychologists are specifically trained in relationship counselling.

Specific post-graduate training in couples, marriage or relationship counselling is necessary and important to achieve effective results with couples. General counselling training only covers at most one or two units related to working with couples.

I encourage any individuals or couples that are seeking relationship counselling, coaching or therapy to interview the prospective counsellor (via telephone or email) before making a first appointment. Ask the counsellors that you interview what training and how long they trained to work specifically with couples and relationships. If they are appropriately qualified, their answers should reassure you.

Your relationship is important. It is your right to make sure that you only work with someone that is specifically trained in couples and relationships work, so that you have the best chance of getting the results you want.

It is unfortunate that some therapists and counsellors in Australia are working with couples without having specific training or skills in this area.

I have undergraduate and post graduate training specifically in couples counselling and couples therapy using the following approaches:

Emotionally Focused Therapy – established by Dr. Leslie Greenberg & Dr.Susan Johnson and further developed by Dr. Michelle Webster.

Developmental Approach to Couples Therapy – devised by Dr. Ellyn Bader & Dr. Peter Pearson.

In addition, I have many years of experience in working with relationship issues for individuals and couples and am always engaged in furthering my skills by attending workshops and trainings, as well as reading books, articles and research written and conducted by leaders in the field of relationship work.

To ask about my training in couples work, feel free to call me on (02) 9516 4399 or email me with any other questions you have.

If you’re not ready to book an appointment, call me on (02) 9516 4399 to book a FREE 10 minute phone consultation to discuss how I may be able to assist you.

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Vivian Baruch is a therapist, counsellor and psychotherapist who offers relationship therapy, couples counselling, marriage counselling, singles counselling, relationship coaching, and supervision services for individuals and couples at 8/134 King Street, serving the Sydney CBD, Newtown, the Eastern Suburbs, the Western Suburbs and North Sydney — including Surry Hills, Bondi Junction, Bondi, Darling Point, Woollahra, Edgecliff, Kings Cross, Double Bay, Paddington, Bellevue Hill, Potts Point, Darlinghurst, Central, Broadway, Chippendale, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Petersham, Redfern, North Sydney, Lavender Bay, McMahons Point, St Peters, Marrickville, Enmore, Erskineville, Maroubra and Botany. For more information contact 9516 4399.