Couples Counsellor or Relationship Coach?
- Catherine Christie
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 24

As an experienced psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and counsellor, based in Perth, Subiaco, I have worked with countless couples, navigating the complexities of relationships and helping individuals achieve personal growth. But over the years, I’ve also developed a strong belief in the power of relationship coaching. While both counselling and coaching have their unique strengths, I believe relationship coaching offers more lasting results for couples seeking deeper connection and resolution.
In this post, we’ll explore the difference between couples counselling and relationship coaching, and why I believe relationship coaching is often the most impactful approach for those wanting to transform their relationships. We’ll also delve into how relationship education can make all the difference—and why it's so sadly lacking in our society.
The Role of Couples Counselling: Understanding Emotional Challenges
Couples counselling is often sought when couples face significant emotional challenges, whether it's ongoing communication problems, infidelity, or loss of intimacy. As a psychotherapist, I use evidence-based clinical methods to help couples explore the root causes of their issues, often uncovering past traumas, unresolved conflict, or unhealthy patterns of behaviour. Counselling is powerful for those looking to understand the emotional and psychological layers of their relationship dynamics.
In couples counselling, the focus is typically on exploring the past to help clients understand why they may be repeating destructive patterns in the present. It’s about healing emotional wounds and improving communication to support the couple’s ability to navigate tough times. As important as this process is, it can sometimes feel like a prolonged journey to emotional recovery.
Why Relationship Coaching is a Game Changer for Couples
While counselling has its place, I have found that relationship coaching tends to be far more impactful for many couples. Unlike counselling, which tends to be more emotionally driven and retrospective, relationship coaching focuses on building solutions, empowering couples to actively create healthier and more fulfilling relationships. It’s not just about fixing issues; it's about equipping couples with the tools they need to make sustainable positive changes.
As a skilled relationship coach, I combine psychological insight with practical coaching techniques to teach couples invaluable relationship education. The approach is solution-focused, forward-thinking, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each couple. Coaching helps couples develop effective communication skills, better emotional intelligence, and stronger conflict-resolution strategies. By focusing on practical steps and actionable advice, coaching allows couples to make real and lasting changes in their relationships.
The Importance of Relationship Education: A Missing Piece in Society
One of the most significant reasons coaching is so effective is that it offers what I believe is an essential component missing from our education system: relationship education. Throughout the world, and particularly in Western societies, there is a severe lack of formal education on relationships. We are never taught how to build and maintain a healthy, fulfilling partnership—something that could greatly improve overall societal happiness and well-being.
If we taught relationship education from an early age—just as we teach basic life skills and financial literacy—imagine the impact it would have. Not only would individuals be better equipped to navigate their personal relationships, but society as a whole would be healthier, more compassionate, and more connected.
Couples Counselling Perth: A Solution-Focused Approach to Relationships
Here in Pert ,(and via Zoom,) where I offer couples counselling and relationship coaching, I focus on providing couples with a clear and structured path to improving their relationships. Using evidence-based methods from both clinical therapy and coaching, I help couples not only resolve conflicts but thrive. If you’re struggling with relationship challenges, it’s important to remember that both couples counselling and relationship coaching can offer great benefits. However, for couples who are ready to take proactive steps and gain essential relationship skills, coaching may be the key to unlocking a happier, healthier future together.
In conclusion, while couples counselling Perth can offer deep emotional healing, relationship coaching provides a more practical, solution-focused pathway to relationship success. The difference lies in the education you receive and the tools you gain to create lasting positive change. If you are seeking to build a better relationship, enhance communication, and learn the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges together, relationship coaching might be the transformative experience you’ve been searching for. So what are you waiting for, let's collaborate to heal your bond in 4 powerful double couples sessions! www.theedgecounselling.com.au
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