Family and couples therapy: how to choose a therapist and compare terms
What brings couples to therapy
Common themes: constant arguments, growing distance, jealousy, trust after infidelity, different views on money or parenting, life after a move or the birth of a child. Sometimes a couple comes to decide whether to stay together, and that is a perfectly valid reason too. A therapist does not decide for you and does not take sides: they help you hear each other and reach agreements.
Family therapy can be broader: parents with children or several generations take part. For a child on their own, see psychologist services.
Approaches and format
Therapists work in different methods: systemic family therapy looks at the family as a connected system, emotionally focused therapy works with attachment and feelings, and the cognitive-behavioural approach works with habits and thoughts. None is “the best” for everyone, so ask what approach the professional uses and what the first session will look like. Sessions can be in person or online; online is handy if the partners are in different cities or countries.
A session usually lasts about an hour, and how often you meet is discussed at the start. Before booking, make sure both partners are ready to attend: forcing someone into therapy rarely works.
What to include in your request
- issue or theme — conflicts, trust, a child, a move;
- who takes part — a couple, a family with children and their ages;
- format — online or in person;
- number of sessions, if you have thought about it;
- therapy method, if you have a preference;
- the professional’s background — family psychotherapist, specialisation;
- time and schedule — for example, on Saturdays;
- language — English or another language you need;
- city and budget per session, if you want to state it.
Example: “I am looking for a family therapist for a couple, aged 30 and 32, with frequent arguments. Online on Saturdays, 5 sessions to start with, systemic family therapy, in English. A family psychotherapist if possible. Johor Bahru. Budget up to RM 98 per session.”
What to ask before you agree
- What education and training the professional has specifically in working with couples.
- Whether there is a trial or introductory session, and whether it is paid.
- How confidentiality works, and what happens if the partners see the situation differently.
- Whether the price is per session or a package, and what happens if you miss or reschedule.
If there is violence in the relationship or fear for your safety, couples therapy is not the right first step: tell the professional separately, or contact a helpline or support service. In an emergency, call 112.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request, and therapists reply in chat with a session price, free hours and their approach. The platform shows the best-value offer first, with reviews next to each one. Therapists see where they stand among the others and can improve their terms. Your phone number is hidden: only the professional you choose gets your contacts. More on the “How it works” page.
