There is no clear definition of what a relationship coach does, as the profession is not federally protected and coaches are very free in the design of relationship coaching sessions. As a rule, a relationship coach primarily listens to the client, mediates, leads the conversation, asks targeted questions, helps to process injuries and promotes mutual understanding and finding solutions and compromises.

The training in relationship coaching as well as partner, couple and family counseling is designed to be part-time. This means that prospective couples therapists can continue at least 80% of their previous professional activity and continue their education on the side.

The training to become a couples therapist is not a federally recognized qualification, but it is recognized by the Swiss Association for Counselling (SGfB). In addition, this degree offers the opportunity to obtain a Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) to become a counselor in the psychosocial field with a federal diploma. Only 272 hours are required before the AFPE, of which only around 72 hours are face-to-face lessons, which take place in nine modules of eight lessons each and last around nine months. The course in couples therapy therefore provides the ideal basis for continuing your training to become federally recognized if required.

What you earn as a relationship coach depends on various factors - especially as you are usually charged per session and work independently in your own coaching practice:

• Degrees and diplomas
• Size of the clientele
• Number of sessions

In Switzerland, the cost of a session is between approx. 120 and 500 francs.

The title "relationship coach" is not yet protected, so it is possible to offer coaching for couples without the appropriate training. However, sound training is highly recommended so that you have the necessary tools to conduct successful relationship coaching sessions.

You should have the following qualities:

• Ability to think analytically
• No fear of confrontation and conflict
• Neutral and diplomatic stance
• Ability to reflect on oneself
• Openness with regard to the development of personality

Over a period of 1.5 years, you will attend a certificate course that will train you as a relationship coach and earn you a certificate, on the basis of which you will complete a diploma course to become a partner, couple and family counselor. This also lasts 1.5 years and concludes with a diploma thesis and diploma examination. During your training to become a couples therapist, you will attend fixed modules as well as freely selectable seminars, conduct your own counseling sessions and take part in supervisions. The entire continuing education, further training therefore lasts three years, but it can also be extended to a longer period if the scheduled learning load is too high for you. Please discuss this point directly with the individual schools.

If you are already working in counseling or psychotherapy, you can continue your education, further training and become a couples therapist in this field. However, if you are looking for a basic training course that will provide you with in-depth training in family, couple and partner therapy, we recommend a longer course that will also give you recognition from the SGfB, the Swiss Association for Counseling. With training recognized by the association, you can become self-employed and start working as a counsellor.