To ask about marriage counseling

[brightstar30]

Myself and my husband are planning on seeing a marriage counselor.
We've 3 dc and I'm wondering how do we get around this? We can't afford babysitters plus the appointments as I'm on unpaid maternity leave at the moment and whilst asking family to help is an option my husband wants to tell them why whereas I feel it is between me and him and we don't need anyone else knowing not to mention I know my in-laws wouldn't be discreet and before we know it everyone would know. His reasoning is if they're minding our children they have a right to know where we are.
How often do you go is it weekly and approx how many sessions is average?
My husband doesn't get home until 7pm. He barely made it to the important hospital appointments I had when I was pregnant so I'm just wondering how other people managed with work cos to be honest it's hardly something you could ask for time off for.
Thanks in advance.

I've never been in this position OP, but could you lie about where you're going?

'Hi PIL, so sorry if it's cheeky to ask but feel like my and DH/DW never see each other anymore and we're starting to feel the strain. Any chance you could keep an eye on the kids for an hour or two a week so we can grab some tea/a coffee? Thanks'

Some friends I know had a counsellor come to their house once DC in bed.

@nanbread I never thought of that even if it were more expensive it would probably still be cheaper than having a babysitter will definitely look at something like that. I did see one or two do skpe but I don't think I'd cope with that plus one of my issues is my husbands obsession with technology

My husband and I went to Relate years ago and, as I recall, they did offer early evening appointments. We went once a week for ten (I think) sessions, each one lasting an hour. But it does vary depending on the progress you make and how willing both parties are to engage.

we are having counselling at the moment. We've been going since January, and haven't got a finish date. She is amazing. She also does online counselling (Skype etc)....I'm not sure how widespread remote counselling is. But it would solve the babysitter problem. We also went to relate.....they were rubbish.

and she does evening appointments...I think the last one is at 8/8.30

Appts are flexible and we went 2 times a month for about 6 months and it really helped. You don’t have to tell them where you’re going - tell them that you have a joint appt finance etc for the first couple.