Relationship help and marriage counselling
All relationships are unique, with their own complex challenges. As a relationship evolves it is not uncommon for couples to feel overwhelmed when trying to balance a healthy relationship with everyday life.
As priorities change, such as personal interests, work, children, family and friends, a relationship may suffer from breakdowns in:
- communication or understanding
- physical intimacy or affection
- attention or interest
- care or respect.
The sooner a couple address these challenges, the easier it can be to:
- improve communication and problem solving skills
- deal with the impact of conflict or separation on children
- develop positive parenting strategies.
Where there has been a relationship separation, couples may also need help to:
- develop workable parenting arrangements after family separation
- understand the family law system and family separation issues.
There are support services including relationship and marriage counselling available to help couples to work through their issues to achieve long, healthy and rewarding relationships.
Find services and support
Getting help and advice can be a great way to tackle relationship issues before they become overwhelming.
Anyone can access help like:
- relationship and parenting skills workshops
- sexual health and advice services
- individual or couple counselling
- phone or online counselling
- emergency support
- family mediation.
While most phone services are free, face-to-face service costs vary. You should talk to the service provider about the costs they charge and whether or not you may be covered by Medicare.
You can access immediate support and advice by phoning:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
For information and advice about services in your area, try:
- Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277
- Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.
Young couples can access information and advice about family relationships and care.
If a service is not what you are looking for, they can usually refer you to:
- family relationship centres and dispute resolution services
- alternatives for people unable to attend a family dispute resolution service
- other services to help with family relationship and family separation issues.
