What is Relationship Coaching?

Relationship coaching is a specialized form of life coaching focused on enhancing personal relationships. A relationship coach assists in setting relationship goals, understanding your current partnership, flourishing within a marriage, coping with the loss of a loved one, or elevating a long-term romantic relationship to the next level.

Relationship coaches are experienced and trained in various relationship dynamics, encompassing everything from romantic partnerships to family connections and friendships.

For some relationship coaches, working with both partners isn’t necessary. They help clients release painful thoughts and develop their own vision for their relationship, enabling clients to enjoy a fulfilling relationship even if their partner isn’t involved in the coaching process.

Additionally, relationship coaches support individuals who aren’t currently in a relationship. They assist singles with a history of troubled relationships, those unsure about what they want in a relationship, or those seeking to maintain focus on their goals to find a meaningful connection with someone. Other coaches work with both partners in a relationship, teaching them communication skills, conflict resolution, and other tools for couples.

Like life coaches, relationship coaches aim to transform healthy individuals into high performers. A relationship coach can swiftly help you identify what you want from a partnership, navigate through painful issues, and provide a safe space for facing fears and discovering true desires.

Is Relationship Coaching the Same as “Couples Therapy?”

Relationship coaching is distinct from “couples therapy,” just as life coaching differs from psychotherapy. If therapists are likened to surgeons, then coaches can be compared to personal trainers.

A relationship coach might help clarify your thoughts, offer a new perspective, or set inspiring relationship goals if you’re experiencing relationship troubles. However, for more severe issues like debilitating mental illness, couples therapy is more appropriate.

Similarly, if there are unresolved childhood wounds, a relationship coach may recommend seeing a therapist who specializes in past trauma.

Unlike therapy, relationship coaching usually doesn’t delve into your childhood stories but instead focuses on helping you find peace with your current situation.

Can a Relationship Coach Save My Marriage?

While relationship coaching can untangle complex aspects of love, it doesn’t claim to “save” marriages. Coaching helps clarify relationship issues by distinguishing between what can and cannot be controlled. It sheds light on the often-hidden issues of resentment, fear, and avoid

Even if only one partner opts for coaching, the individual’s reduction in mental suffering can positively affect the marriage.

Marriages can benefit from coaching, but as each marriage is unique, it’s impossible to guarantee that coaching will always strengthen a marriage.

Cost of Relationship Coaching

The cost of relationship coaching varies widely. Rates can range from under $50 to over $300 per hour, depending on each coach’s pricing structure. Coaches may bill by the hour, half-hour, week, or month. Group coaching sessions are another option. Some coaches operate on a monthly retainer, offering their services throughout the month for a set fee.

Many coaches offer discounts for purchasing multiple sessions in advance. Additionally, some provide email coaching or online group classes, each possibly billed separately.

Coaching practices vary, but as an example, the median rate for life coaching in New York City is approximately $150 per hour.

Difference Between Various Types of Relationship Coaches

Each type of coach – relationship, marriage, dating, love, or family – specializes in different aspects of relationships. There’s overlap among these specializations, just as in life where love intertwines with marriage, and dating intersects with relationships.

For example, if you’re single and seeking a partner, a dating coach might be appropriate, reserving a marriage coach for later stages. If you’re experiencing ongoing conflicts with a family member, a family or relationship coach could be suitable, while a love coach, who typically focuses on romantic relationships, might not be the best fit.

Each coach is unique, but most can offer guidance in various areas of your life. Generally, a relationship coach addresses any type of relationship issue; a marriage coach specializes in assisting married individuals; a dating coach helps singles; a love coach focuses on romantic aspects; and a family coach deals with family-related challenges.

Check out Relationship Coaches within our United Global Coaches Directory: