Phone Coaching for Relationships: Does It Work?
There have been many advances in the way we do marriage and relationship counseling in the last decade. A newer idea is moving away from the psychoanalytic model of couples therapy. Most couples who come into marriage counseling do not have mental illness. They just need help to communicate. Relationship coaching over the phone is a new idea that focuses on communication and skill development while solving a single problem.

How does Relational Coaching work?
First, you make an appointment for telephone counseling for you and the person with whom you are in conflict. Second, the relationship coach calls you and the other person at the agreed time. The initial information is taken and the dialogue begins. The relationship coach guides you through the conversation, making sure everyone can express themselves, keeping the conversation on track and focused. The relationship coach makes sure that all parties have the opportunity to communicate their thoughts and feelings, and also to listen to the other person. When necessary, the relationship coach takes the opportunity to teach communication skills and guides clients through the use of those skills.

Does coaching really work over the phone?
In short, Yes! Relationship coaches are trained to listen to the breath of the people they are talking to. They know when the pauses and hesitations in the conversation mean something. They pick up the inflections of the voice and the way things are said. They are experts at communicating and know how to help someone through a difficult conversation. Relationship coaches can help clients move a conversation or conflict forward quickly and effectively.

Also, some people are embarrassed to seek face-to-face advice. Telephone coaching allows people to feel more secure and anonymous with the coach. They may focus more on their interaction with their partner than on their interaction with the coach.

Telephone coaching is also more convenient. People today are busy. Sometimes it’s hard to find a time to take both people to a marriage counselor. Telephone coaching can take place anywhere. The couple doesn’t even need to be in the same room or state. We have counseled couples while one is away on business and the other is at home. No need to find a babysitter for the kids, no need to drive through traffic, a phone counseling session is a convenient alternative for busy couples.

Telephone counseling is also less expensive than traditional marriage counseling. As we said before, most couples in conflict do not need psychotherapy. Many couples just have a problem that they are stuck on and they need help to talk about it. If a couple can resolve a single issue in a conversation with a Relationship Coach, this will be much less expensive than ongoing marriage counseling.

Relationship Coaching Isn’t Just For Married Couples
Also, relationship coaching over the phone is not limited to married couples. There are many people in your life with whom you may have a conflict. You may have a co-worker or family member with whom you have an unresolved conflict. Telephone coaching can give you the opportunity to communicate effectively with a variety of people in your life.

Do you need Marriage Counseling?
If you really need marriage counseling, see a marriage counselor or make an appointment for marriage counseling over the phone. However, if you simply have a problem that you need to talk to someone else, possibly a spouse, parent, friend, or co-worker. Consider Relationship Coaching as a convenient and affordable alternative.