--- title: "Marriage Counselling vs. Relationship Counselling: Does the Name Really Matter?" description: "It can be confusing when you start looking for support. We explore the history behind terms like 'marriage guidance' and 'relationship counselling' and explain what really matters when you're seeking help for your relationship in Kent." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does couples counselling cost in Kent?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Couples counselling is £80 for a 60-minute session. Individual relationship counselling is £68 for a 60-minute session. Online and face-to-face sessions cost the same." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is each session?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every session is a full 60 minutes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do we need to commit to a set number of sessions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The number and frequency of sessions vary. Some couples attend for a small number of focused sessions, while others choose longer-term support. Sessions are booked individually with no obligation to continue." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is online couples counselling as effective as face to face?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Research suggests that online psychological and relationship therapy can be effective for many people. Suitability and outcomes depend on the couple, their circumstances, the therapeutic approach and the nature of the difficulties being addressed. Some situations, including active domestic abuse, acute risk or severe untreated mental illness, may require specialist or in-person support." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if only one partner can attend?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "That is fine. One-to-one relationship counselling is available at £68 per session. Where a therapist offers an individual session alongside couples work, the arrangements — including confidentiality between partners and the applicable fee — are agreed with the therapist before the session." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we cancel or reschedule?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice. Inside 24 hours the fee is charged in full because the slot has been reserved for you." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LocalBusiness", "@id": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/#organization", "name": "Relationship Counselling Kent", "url": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk", "description": "Accredited relationship and couples counselling across Kent — online UK-wide and face to face at rooms across the county.", "areaServed": [ { "@type": "AdministrativeArea", "name": "Kent, United Kingdom" }, { "@type": "Country", "name": "United Kingdom" } ], "priceRange": "££" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Marriage Counselling vs. Relationship Counselling: Does the Name Really Matter?", "description": "It can be confusing when you start looking for support. We explore the history behind terms like 'marriage guidance' and 'relationship counselling' and explain what really matters when you're seeking help for your relationship in Kent.", "image": "https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/marriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling-22cnq0.png?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80", "datePublished": "2026-09-03T12:45:32.345+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-09-03T12:45:38.08774+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Relationship Counselling Kent" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Relationship Counselling Kent", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/marriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Marriage Counselling vs. Relationship Counselling: Does the Name Really Matter?", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/marriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Marriage Counselling vs. Relationship Counselling: Does the Name Really Matter?" } ] } ] --- [![Relationship Counselling Kent](/assets/logo-CYGB2Hyi.webp)](/) - [Home](/) - [What To Expect](/what-to-expect) - We Can Help With - [Our Therapists](/therapists) [Locations](/locations)- [Blog](/blog) - [Fees](/fees) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [Contact](/contact) [Login](/auth)[Book Your Session](/find-your-therapist) 5.0 Rated Highly Qualified & Experienced Therapists Sessions Available Mon–Sun 8am–9pm [hello@relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk ](mailto:hello@relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk)[Call us: 01233 438 212 ](tel:+441233438212)[Book Now](/find-your-therapist) 1. [Home](/) - [Blog](/blog) - Marriage Counselling vs. Relationship Counselling: Does the Name Really Matter? [Back to Blog](/blog) # Marriage Counselling vs. Relationship Counselling: Does the Name Really Matter? September 3, 2026 ![Wooden signpost with arrows for "Marriage Counselling" and "Relationship Counselling" at a crossroads.](https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/marriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling-22cnq0.png?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80) One of you might have said it out loud, perhaps after another tense disagreement that ended in silence. Or maybe the thought just hangs in the air, unspoken, as you search online late at night: “Should we look into [marriage counselling](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/what-marriage-guidance)?” And so you start to look. You type ‘marriage counselling Kent’ into Google, and what comes back is a mix of terms. You see ‘[relationship counselling](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/relationship-counselling-guide)’, ‘couples therapy’, and maybe even ‘marriage guidance’. It’s immediately confusing. Are they all the same thing? Is one for more serious problems than another? Does being married mean you need a specific type of support? This uncertainty can be enough to make you close the laptop and decide to try again tomorrow. I’ve spoken with so many couples who felt that initial search for help was a hurdle in itself. So, let’s clear it up. ## A Little Bit of History: Where “Marriage Guidance” Came From The term that often feels most traditional is ‘marriage guidance’. It has a certain weight to it, doesn’t it? This phrase has its roots in the mid-20th century, most famously with the Marriage Guidance Council, which later became the charity Relate. At the time, society was structured very differently. Marriage was the predominant, and often only, socially-recognised form of long-term partnership. The support offered was, therefore, explicitly focused on preserving the institution of marriage. The language reflected the times. But relationships have evolved, and thankfully, so has the language we use to support them. Today, ‘marriage guidance’ is a term we see less and less in professional circles, although many people in Kent still use it when looking for [relationship help](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/finding-the-right-relationship-help) UK wide. ## The Shift to ‘Relationship Counselling’ The move towards the term ‘relationship counselling’ or ‘couples counselling’ wasn’t just a marketing decision. It reflects a fundamental and positive shift in how we view partnerships. It’s an acknowledgement that committed, loving relationships come in all forms. Couples may live together for years without marrying. Same-sex relationships are rightly recognised and celebrated. Some couples are in the early stages, trying to build a solid foundation, and might be looking for support even before they get engaged. We believe that if you Tags: Relationship Counselling Kent marriage counselling relationship advice couples therapy Kent marriage guidance Share: [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Frelationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fmarriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling&text=Marriage%20Counselling%20vs.%20Relationship%20Counselling%3A%20Does%20the%20Name%20Really%20Matter%3F)[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frelationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fmarriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Frelationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fmarriage-counselling-vs-relationship-counselling&title=Marriage%20Counselling%20vs.%20Relationship%20Counselling%3A%20Does%20the%20Name%20Really%20Matter%3F) ## More Articles ![Five professionals collaborating around a table with a wooden and rope structure model.](https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/what-a-relationship-therapist-8t2tos.png?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80) September 7, 2026 [ ### Not a Referee, Not a Judge: What a Relationship Therapist Really Does ](/blog/what-a-relationship-therapist) Wondering what to expect from couples counselling? A relationship therapist isn't there to take sides or declare a winner. We explore their true role: to act as a translator, helping you both understand what's really being said. [Read Article](/blog/what-a-relationship-therapist) ![Hands holding an antique clock with a question mark face over an old book.](https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/what-to-discuss-before-marriage-9luqk4.png?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80) September 1, 2026 [ ### More Than Jitters? The Quiet Questions Before You Get Married ](/blog/what-to-discuss-before-marriage) The wedding plans are sorted, but what about the marriage itself? Many couples have quiet worries about life after the big day. This isn't a sign of doubt, but a chance to build a stronger future together. [Read Article](/blog/what-to-discuss-before-marriage) [![Relationship Counselling Kent](/assets/logo-CYGB2Hyi.webp)](/) Professional relationship counselling services in Kent. 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