Couple / Relationship Counselling

​Relationships can be one of the greatest sources of joy in our lives, but they can also be where we experience our deepest hurts.

At St Peters House, we provide a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space for couples to better understand one another, improve communication, work through challenges, and strengthen their relationship.

People seek couple counselling for many reasons, including:

• Communication difficulties
• Frequent conflict or recurring arguments
• Trust issues
• Parenting differences
• Life transitions and major changes
• Stress affecting the relationship
• Grief and loss
• Emotional disconnection
• Rebuilding intimacy and connection
• Strengthening an unhealthy relationship

​Our team includes counsellors with specialist training in relationship counselling, including EFT and Imago Relationship Therapy.

What to expect 

Couple counselling provides an opportunity for both partners to be heard and understood in a safe and supportive environment.  While many couples seek support during difficult periods, counselling is not only for relationships in crisis. Some couples attend to strengthen communication, deepen their connection, or navigate significant life changes together.

The counsellor's role is not to take sides or decide who is right or wrong. Instead, they help couples understand relationship patterns, improve communication, develop greater empathy for one another, and explore healthier ways of responding to challenges.

Sessions are confidential, respectful, and focused on helping both partners work towards positive change.  Your beliefs, values and culture will always be respected.

What counselling at St Peters House looks like:

• Our counselling is short to medium-term, usually around 10 to 12 sessions.
• ​Sessions are 1 hour long and start between 9am and 3pm.  The more flexible you can be with your availability the sooner we may be able to offer you an appointment. 
• ​Our counselling is provided for Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty residents only (Waihi Beach to Pukehina).
• ​It is our practice to not have children in counselling sessions. Feel free to call us if you want to discuss your specific circumstances.

Is Couple Counselling right for us?

Our service is designed for couples who are seeking support to improve their relationship and are willing to participate together in the process.  Couple counselling is most effective when both partners are willing to reflect on their own contribution to relationship patterns, remain open to new perspectives, and practice what they learn between sessions.

It is important that there is commitment and consistency to couple counselling from both partners in order for progress to be made.  Please ensure that you are able to attend during our working hours and will be able to leave work, arrange childcare etc. ​

Is this service the right fit?

There are some situations where our service may not be the most appropriate or safest support option.  These may include:

• Relationships where there is ongoing family violence, coercive control, or concerns about the safety of either partner​
• Situations where one or both partners require specialist addiction support
• Acute crisis situations requiring urgent intervention
• People using Class A drugs or attending sessions while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Mental health concerns that require intensive psychiatric, specialist, or multidisciplinary care
• Separated couples seeking assistance with co-parenting arrangements, parenting plans, or mediation following separation
• Family relationship counselling (for example parent-child or sibling relationships)

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If you are unsure whether our service is the right fit, please contact us. We are happy to discuss your circumstances and, where possible, help guide you towards more appropriate support.

If you already know that your needs fall outside the scope of our service, you may find our 'Other Support' page helpful, as it contains information about a range of specialist and community support services.  

Payment Guideline for Couple Counselling 

A subsidised fee applies for this service based on your household income. 

As a charitable organisation St Peters House relies on funding and donations to be able to provide affordable counselling to our community.  We encourage you to consider making a greater financial contribution if you are able.   ​

Weekly Household Income	Session Rate	Subsidy	Your Rate
Up to $600	$160	$140	$20
$600 - $1000	$160	$120	$40
$1000 - $1500	$160	$100	$60
​$1500 and above	$160	$80	$80+

Request Couple Counselling

What happens after you apply?

1. Complete the counselling request form.
2. Our team will review your application
3. We may contact you if we need more information or if we feel we are not the right service for you.
4. We will be in contact, usually by phone or text, when an appointment becomes available. We have waiting lists for our counselling so you may have to wait up to 8 weeks for an appointment*. 
5. Your first session will focus on understanding what support you need and whether our service is the right fit for you.

* Waiting times can vary depending on demand and your availability.

Request Couple Counselling