How can I get relationship counselling?

[ToooOldForThis]

I'm hoping that covid restrictions might have opened this up a bit more in terms of going online etc...I looked into relate a few years ago but the nearest place was miles from me.
I'd like individual sessions to start with and then possibly with DH...can anyone recommend an online service?

Bumping for evening traffic!

We've just started counselling and a lot of therapists are doing zoom calls. Have a look on the website happiful. Hope this helps x

Thank you! It's hard to know what's legit and what's not so recommendations are helpful!

Try counselling directory website or the BACP website

The government specifically said right at the beginning of the pandemic it was fine to go for medical appointments including mental health - lots of therapists are doing face to face as well as Zoom

(I'm a couples therapist and have worked all the way through)

Oh my goodness I bet you were busy all the way through @LaurieFairyCake this WFH has been intense is there any couple who haven't been struggling??
Its day 1 of Jan and we too are going for counseling- I'm nervous already as don't like to air dirty linen but now at the point of going round is circles so much theirs no choice.
It feels so surreal I can't believe we are at this point after 20 years.
Good luck xxxx

Relate do counselling sessions via video and phone now

Thank you all!
@laurieFairyCake do you have any advice on how to find a good "fit" is it just trial and error?
@WorkHardPlayHard1 how did you find yours?

The fit is slightly less important than it is for individual counselling - when it's just you the relationship is really important - in a couple you're all working on the space between the couple rather than the space between counsellor and couple.

Every therapist does this differently according to their training so I'm not saying this is the best way - I give plenty of (agreed ) homework - loads of it practical, if they're not having sex I have them run an intimacy programme towards it if they want to. And really importantly for me as I'm really full in practice I try to move them towards being 'better than functioning' within 3-4 sessions. If you're not functioning at all at the beginning (ie. affairs/one foot out the door in behaviour/loads of conflict expressed or unexpressed) then it can take longer.

I'm sure you know this but most people go for couples counselling when the relationship is over. And in that case you can still work on splitting up 'well' and doing the best job for your family.

Lots of luck with finding someone

Relate are working via Zoom, you can get details of how to book on their website.

That's all so helpful, thank you so much! I think there are some issues I'd rather explore alone 1st, then see if DH would be up for couples sessions.

@ToooOldForThis

Thank you all! *@laurieFairyCake* do you have any advice on how to find a good "fit" is it just trial and error? *@WorkHardPlayHard1* how did you find yours?

Sorry for delay! Glad to say that we sent in a form to relate and they matched us well. They do a preliminary session then a one on one then back to couples therapy. The lady we had we hit it off with immediately so progressing well even if there's lots of tears as not used to opening up. My advice is just do it. What have you got to lose by doing it and at least you get a new friend to talk to in isolation 😘its£67.50 per session so quite reasonable for 50 mins xx