What if my partner doesn't want to come?

That happens often. You can start with an individual session — sometimes that lowers the threshold for the other person. Individual counselling on relationship issues can also achieve a great deal on its own.

Does the therapist take sides?

No. Couples and family therapists work impartially: they ensure that all perspectives have a place and do not align themselves with one side.

Does health insurance pay for couples therapy?

Pure couples counselling without medical necessity is generally not covered — it is usually paid for privately. It may be different if the sessions are part of the treatment of a diagnosed mental illness. It is best to clarify coverage with your insurance provider before beginning.

What does a session cost if we pay ourselves?

Depending on the practice and region, costs are often between around CHF 150 and CHF 250 per session. Counselling centres run by churches, municipalities or cantons sometimes offer income-dependent rates.

Can children also take part in family therapy?

Yes. Depending on the topic, children and young people are included in an age-appropriate way — sometimes in all sessions, sometimes only at certain points. The therapist will discuss with you which composition makes sense.

Can couples therapy help even if separation is already being considered?

Yes. It can help to clarify whether the relationship has a shared future — and if not, to arrange a separation fairly and respectfully, especially when children are affected.

Couples and Family Therapy — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

In couples and family therapy, the focus is not on a single individual but on the relationship: conflicts, entrenched patterns and communication problems are examined together — with the aim of understanding one another again and finding new ways of interacting. It helps couples and families in crisis as well as in coping with stresses that affect everyone, such as an illness.

Typical Areas of Use

Persistent couple conflicts and communication problems
Crises following significant events, such as infidelity or loss
Family tensions, including between generations
Stress caused by the illness of a family member
Questions around separation and its fair arrangement

How It Works

1In the initial session, all those involved present their perspective; the therapist gains an understanding of the situation and expectations — and clarifies whether everyone is participating voluntarily.
2Goals are agreed together: what should change between you, how would you recognise an improvement?
3In the sessions, everyone has a voice; the therapist remains impartial, makes recurring patterns visible and supports new forms of dialogue — sometimes with practical exercises.
4Between appointments, you try out what was agreed in everyday life; the experiences feed into the next sessions.
5At the end, what has proved successful is consolidated — sometimes with individual follow-up appointments at longer intervals.

How to Prepare

Consider in advance what you hope to gain from the sessions — even if those involved have different perspectives.
All participants should be fundamentally willing to attend; pressure on individuals is rarely a good start.
Clarify the cost question before beginning, as coverage by health insurance depends on the starting situation.

Side Effects & Risks

Conflicts are addressed directly — sessions can be emotionally intense, and at times it may feel as though things are getting worse before they get better.
There is no guarantee of success in preserving the relationship; sometimes the process leads to the realisation that going separate ways is the better path.
If individual participants only attend reluctantly, the benefit is limited.
Where domestic violence is ongoing, joint therapy is usually not the right setting — here, protection and individual counselling take priority.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

After the sessions, the conversations often continue to work — give each other time to process what was discussed, rather than continuing conflicts right on the way home. Small setbacks between appointments are normal and are part of the process. Contact the therapist if the conflicts escalate noticeably, if violence or threats occur, or if a person involved seems increasingly desperate — in acute situations, the emergency number 144, the police (117), or Die Dargebotene Hand (phone 143) can help immediately.

Cost & Insurance

A close look is worthwhile here: couples or family counselling without medical necessity is not covered by basic health insurance and is usually paid for privately; church-based and public counselling centres sometimes offer reduced rates. If, however, the therapy is part of the treatment of a diagnosed mental illness of one of those involved, it can be billed as psychotherapy through basic health insurance — with psychological psychotherapists requiring a doctor's referral. Some supplementary insurance policies contribute towards counselling costs. This is provided as guidance without guarantee — if in doubt, please ask your insurance provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my partner doesn't want to come?: That happens often. You can start with an individual session — sometimes that lowers the threshold for the other person. Individual counselling on relationship issues can also achieve a great deal on its own.
Does the therapist take sides?: No. Couples and family therapists work impartially: they ensure that all perspectives have a place and do not align themselves with one side.
Does health insurance pay for couples therapy?: Pure couples counselling without medical necessity is generally not covered — it is usually paid for privately. It may be different if the sessions are part of the treatment of a diagnosed mental illness. It is best to clarify coverage with your insurance provider before beginning.
What does a session cost if we pay ourselves?: Depending on the practice and region, costs are often between around CHF 150 and CHF 250 per session. Counselling centres run by churches, municipalities or cantons sometimes offer income-dependent rates.
Can children also take part in family therapy?: Yes. Depending on the topic, children and young people are included in an age-appropriate way — sometimes in all sessions, sometimes only at certain points. The therapist will discuss with you which composition makes sense.
Can couples therapy help even if separation is already being considered?: Yes. It can help to clarify whether the relationship has a shared future — and if not, to arrange a separation fairly and respectfully, especially when children are affected.