It is important to choose a relationship counsellor who has the qualifications and skills to help you.
Your counsellor should belong to a professional organisation, such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). PACFA sets the highest training standards for the profession in Australia, and checks that your therapist is appropriately qualified, ensuring that they are insured, complete annual supervision and professional development, and abide by our Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice.
Within PACFA, there are a group of relationship therapists who have specialised training and belong to the Australian College of Relationship Counsellors (ACRC). Members of ACRC have met the PACFA Training Standards, as well as having completed additional hours of clinical practice, professional development, and supervision specifically in relationship counselling.
Choosing a relationship counsellor is a personal decision. Consider making an initial appointment as an exploration to find out if you feel comfortable with the counsellor and if it is an environment where your concerns can be heard and addressed. At the same time, it is helpful to talk to your partner about the concerns and considerations that you each have about taking this step towards seeking help.
How to find the right relationship counsellor for you
Belonging to a family or being part of a couple is not always a harmonious and loving experience.
Seeking the help of a counsellor can make all the difference.
There are two crucial factors to consider when deciding on a therapist: you need to feel comfortable speaking openly with that person, and you need to have the sense, even from the first session, that the therapist can help you to address your difficulties. Does the therapist “get” you? These two issues can be more important than the qualifications of the therapist, because you need to feel comfortable in order to be open and honest about yourself. This might mean that you have to try a number of therapists before settling for the one you prefer. When seeking counselling as a couple, both partners need to feel they are choosing someone they can work with.
Enquire about fees in advance, but it is important to note that good therapists do not necessarily charge the highest fees. Find out whether a rebate is possible through a private health fund.
Personal recommendation is often the best way to find a good therapist. You may know of a friend who is having counselling and feels positive about the process.
Use PACFA's Find a Therapist Directory to find a PACFA-registered therapist near you (or one who offers telehealth) and can provide relationship counselling.
Most importantly, don’t give up. Counselling can be life changing.