Most Asked Questions About Relationship Coaching and Couples Therapy

If you’ve ever found yourself asking questions like “Do we need couples therapy?” or “What does a relationship coach actually do?”—you’re not alone.

As a relationship coach, I hear these questions often, and I understand the vulnerability it takes to even consider getting support.

Below, I have answered the most common questions I receive with honesty and empathy, to help you, whether you’re on the fence or ready to take the first step.

Q1: How do I know if we need relationship coaching or couples therapy?

Many couples wait until things feel really hard before seeking support—but you don’t have to. If you’re experiencing recurring arguments, emotional distance, breakdowns in communication, or just feel stuck, relationship coaching or therapy can help.

Sometimes, couples also come when things are going okay, but they want to deepen their connection or navigate a life transition more smoothly.

If you're wondering whether your relationship is "bad enough" to warrant support—please know that the question itself often means it’s the right time.

Q2: What’s the difference between a relationship coach and a couples therapist?

Great question—and one I get asked a lot.

As a relationship coach, I focus on present and future-focused tools and strategies to help couples communicate better, reconnect emotionally, and create the kind of relationship they want. Coaching is practical, action-oriented, and works well for couples who are committed to making changes. My coaching focuses on each persons needs, and where they are being met, or lacking.

Couples therapy often explores more of the emotional undercurrents, past patterns, and deeper relationship dynamics—especially if there’s trauma, long-standing hurt, or issues that need space to process.

The two approaches can overlap, and I offer both depending on your needs. We can talk about what you are aiming for during your initial consultation.

Q3: What if my partner doesn’t want to come?

This is incredibly common—and understandably frustrating. If one of you is open to support and the other is hesitant, the best thing you can do is start the process yourself.

In fact, one partner doing individual relationship coaching can create real change. When your communication shifts, the dynamic often shifts too.

And often, after seeing the positive changes, partners who were resistant become more open to coming along.

Q4: We’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work. What makes this different?

Not all relationship support is created equal. Timing, fit, and approach matter.

What makes my coaching and therapy style different is that I bring both structure and empathy. I give couples tools you can use straight away, while also helping you understand the deeper patterns underneath your disconnection.

There’s no sitting in silence or endless venting—each session has a purpose, a plan, and support that fits your real life.

Q5: Will you tell us if we should stay together or not?

No. That’s not my job—my job is to help you make the most of your relationship. My role is to help you find clarity, reconnect, and make intentional choices.

Whether you’re hoping to repair your relationship or just need space to talk honestly, I’ll guide you without judgment or pressure.

I work with couples who don't want to separate but do not know how to make their relationship work or move forward.

Q6: What if we argue in front of you?

That’s okay. It happens.

You’re not expected to be perfect in the room. In fact, conflict can be incredibly useful—it shows me the dynamics at play, and we can work through things in real time.

Part of what I do is help couples learn how to argue differently. You’ll gain tools to navigate conflict with more calm, clarity, and teamwork.

The sessions are a safe space and I will contain any conflict from going beyond what is not purposeful.

Q7: How many sessions will we need?

It depends on your goals, how long the issues have been present, and how much you’re able to work on things between sessions.

Some couples see significant improvement in 6–8 sessions. Others continue longer to build on progress or deepen their connection over time.

We’ll review your progress regularly and make sure you’re getting what you need.

The couples who do 'the work' get the best results. Applying what you learn, seeking to understand and resolve, and implementing what we agree upon in sessions with consistency, will help you to achieve your goals quickly and effectively.

Q8: What happens in a typical session?

Sessions are tailored to your relationship, but they usually include:

A check-in about what’s working or not
A focused topic, need, or skill, (like communication, rebuilding trust, or reconnecting emotionally)
Guided conversation to practise new approaches together
Tools or strategies to use between sessions

Most importantly, sessions are a space where both partners feel heard, respected, and supported.

Q9: What if we’ve grown apart and don’t know how to get back to each other?

This is one of the most painful places to be—and one of the most common reasons couples reach out.

The good news? Disconnection doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means life has likely gotten in the way of connection, and it’s time to re-prioritise your relationship.

Through relationship coaching, I’ll help you rebuild emotional safety, create shared goals, and remember what brought you together in the first place.

Q10: What benefits can we expect to see after coaching?

Every couple is different, but most clients I work with experience some or all of the following benefits after relationship coaching or couples therapy:

Better communication – Less interrupting, more listening, and fewer misunderstandings
Stronger emotional connection – You’ll start to feel like a team again
Reduced conflict – Fewer repetitive arguments and more calm, productive conversations
Clearer boundaries and expectations – Especially around parenting, finances, and roles
More intimacy – Both emotionally and physically, as trust begins to rebuild
Shared goals – A renewed sense of direction, purpose, and partnership

And perhaps most importantly, couples often say they feel more hopeful—like they finally have the tools to move forward instead of staying stuck.

These results take practice and commitment, but with the right support, they are absolutely achievable.

Q11: What is your success rate?

I completely understand why this question comes up—it’s natural to want to know if this is going to work.

While relationship coaching isn’t about quick fixes or guarantees, I can share that the vast majority of couples I work with report significant improvements in communication, connection, and confidence in their relationship—often within the first few sessions.

Success looks different for each couple. For some, it's rekindling intimacy after years of disconnection. For others, it's learning how to navigate conflict without spiralling. And sometimes, it's making a clear, kind decision about what’s next.

What I can promise is that I bring honesty, structure, empathy, and years of experience to every session—and I’m fully committed to helping you create the kind of relationship you want.

Relationship coaching involves making changes, if you are prepared to make those changes and do the work then it is likely a good fit for you.

Final Thoughts

Getting support doesn’t mean your relationship is broken—it means you care enough to grow.

Whether you’re navigating challenges or simply want to feel more connected, relationship coaching can help you move forward with clarity and care.

If you have more questions or want to talk through your situation, I offer a complimentary consultation. We’ll chat about what’s going on and whether I might be the right fit to help.

Book your free consultation today and take the first step towards a stronger, more connected relationship.