Does Relationship Counselling Really Work? Here's What the Research Says (From Thrive Counselling Solutions Adelaide)

If you're feeling disconnected from your partner, stuck in the same old arguments, or just not sure how to move forward together, you're not alone. Many couples reach a point where the relationship feels harder than it used to. Sometimes, no matter how much you love each other, it’s just difficult to communicate or feel understood.

That’s where relationship counselling can make a real difference.

At Thrive Counselling, Carly works with couples from all walks of life, new parents, long-term partners, those on the brink of separation, and those simply wanting to reconnect. And the great news is, the research backs it up: relationship counselling works.

What the Research Says About Couples Counselling

• A recent survey by Verywell Mind found that 99% of couples who attended therapy reported it had a positive impact, and 76% said the impact was high or very high (Verywell Mind, 2023).

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a common approach in couples counselling, has shown a 70–75% recovery rate, with 90% of couples reporting significant improvements (Johnson, 2004).

• A meta-analysis published in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that 70% of couples in therapy improved their relationship satisfaction significantly, compared to couples who received no treatment (Lebow et al., 2012).

So if you're wondering whether couples counselling is worth it, the answer is yes. It can be a powerful reset, a safe space to explore long-standing issues, and a chance to rebuild what matters most.

Why Do People Seek Relationship Counselling?

At Thrive, Carly supports couples facing:

• Communication breakdowns

• Repetitive, unresolved conflict

• Emotional distance and disconnection

• Life transitions like parenting, moving, or work stress

• Trust issues or relational ruptures

• Desire for deeper connection and growth

In fact, a 2019 report by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) showed that over 75% of couples seek counselling for communication difficulties, with other common concerns including emotional distance, parenting disagreements, and navigating external stress (BACP, 2019).

The Power of Couples Workshops

If regular counselling feels like too big of a commitment right now, couples workshops can be an ideal option.

At Thrive, Carly runs 3-hour workshops (click here to learn more) designed to help couples build insight, learn practical tools, and reconnect meaningfully — in a safe, guided space.

Workshops give you:

• Structured support with evidence-based strategies

• Practical exercises and real-life examples

• A chance to focus on your relationship without distractions

• Tools to take home and use long after the session ends

Couples often leave feeling clearer, calmer, and more hopeful. Workshops have been shown to improve communication, increase emotional closeness, and reduce conflict — particularly when facilitated by a qualified practitioner (Gottman Institute, Counselling Directory UK).

Why Choose Thrive Counselling Solutions Adelaide?

We’re not a big clinic where you get assigned to a random practitioner. At Thrive, Carly takes a personal, compassionate approach. Whether you're coming for individual sessions or a couples workshop, you'll be met with genuine care and practical strategies that fit your relationship.

We offer:

• Private couples counselling sessions in Marion Gardens and Christies Beach

• Small, supportive workshops in a relaxed environment

• A focus on emotional safety, communication, and real-world tools

Thinking About Taking That First Step?

Reaching out for support is a big step, and it's normal to feel unsure. But you don’t have to wait until things fall apart.

If you’re looking for relationship counselling in Adelaide, couples counselling in Adelaide, or an accessible and effective way to reconnect, contact Carly today.