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What is Relationship Counseling?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Relationship counseling is a form of counseling which focuses on addressing various types of relationships. It can be used to strengthen an existing relationship, to explore areas of tension in a relationship, and to deal with a variety of issues that come up in interpersonal interactions. There are a number of approaches to relationship counseling, and many communities offer several resources for people who seek this type of counseling.

The relationship in relationship counseling does not necessarily have to be romantic, although couples and marriage counseling is often a big part of a relationship counseling practice. It may take the form of a business relationship, as in the case of a professional and a client or an employer and employee. It may also be a family relationship, like a parent and child or a collection of siblings. Relationship counselors are trained to deal with a wide variety of people, situations, and relationships.

A relationship counselor tries to help strengthen a couple's relationship.
A relationship counselor tries to help strengthen a couple's relationship.

One of the key aspects of relationship counseling is that it is confidential. Historically, the role of relationship counselor was often filled by a friend, neighbor, or family member, with varying degrees of confidentiality. In the late 20th century, some people began to seek professional help with relationships to get a more informed perspective, and to ensure confidentiality, so that they could feel comfortable discussing a range of issues. Relationship counseling is also non-judgmental, conducted in a safe space where people will be supported and assisted with whatever they need.

A relationship counselor may help couples overcome communication problems.
A relationship counselor may help couples overcome communication problems.

Depending on the therapist, relationship counseling may be approached in a number of ways. Typically, the therapist makes appointments to meet with everyone involved both separately and together, to get a range of perspectives and to get a chance to observe interpersonal dynamics. A big part of the therapy is exploring the relationship and the contributions of the people in it, and seeing how the various parties perceive their roles and the activities of others.

Relationship counseling may be needed to explore tension within the relationship.
Relationship counseling may be needed to explore tension within the relationship.

When issues which appear to strain or test the relationship are identified, they can be explored with a relationship counselor. The counselor acts as a facilitator to gently guide people through the discussion, and to focus on keeping conversations productive.

Relationship counselors may be licensed psychological professionals, but they may also be members of the clergy, doctors, and other people who provide care to people when they are vulnerable, confused, or in need of advice. When seeking relationship counseling, people should be aware that confidentiality is only guaranteed from people in certain professions. Doctors, workers in the mental health field, and clergymembers, for example, will not discuss the content of relationship counseling sessions with anyone.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PublicPeople researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PublicPeople researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon34495

Relationship counseling is working at the meanings we live and share in with others. It involves compassionately opening up meanings and exploring other alternatives. All forms of counseling should involve a focus on relationships since no problems exist in a vacuum.

asare

I want the meaning of relationship. Also some quotations.

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    • A relationship counselor tries to help strengthen a couple's relationship.
      By: Burlingham
      A relationship counselor tries to help strengthen a couple's relationship.
    • A relationship counselor may help couples overcome communication problems.
      By: Kadmy
      A relationship counselor may help couples overcome communication problems.
    • Relationship counseling may be needed to explore tension within the relationship.
      By: merydolla
      Relationship counseling may be needed to explore tension within the relationship.
    • Therapists at community-based counseling centers often help people cope with family and marital difficulties.
      By: Rob
      Therapists at community-based counseling centers often help people cope with family and marital difficulties.
    • Couples don't have to be married to benefit from relationship counseling.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Couples don't have to be married to benefit from relationship counseling.
    • A couples counselor might have ideas on how a couple can spend more time together.
      By: puhhha
      A couples counselor might have ideas on how a couple can spend more time together.
    • Relationship counseling can help couples be more affectionate.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      Relationship counseling can help couples be more affectionate.
    • A big part of relationship counseling is exploring the relationship and the contributions each partner makes to it.
      By: Syda Productions
      A big part of relationship counseling is exploring the relationship and the contributions each partner makes to it.
    • Relationship counseling may help siblings who are not getting along.
      By: Vesna Cvorovic
      Relationship counseling may help siblings who are not getting along.