Relationships are beautiful, but they can feel incredibly heavy when communication breaks down or trust starts to slip. Finding the right guidance matters, whether you’re trying to work through deep conflict, prepare for marriage, or navigate a fair separation. 

While sorting out your future might involve practical steps like life insurance or even speaking with divorce lawyers, repairing your bond often starts with the right professional support. 

Having a safe space to talk things through can really change the direction things take. Here’s a look at the best marriage counselling services in Christchurch to help you and your partner find your way forward.

Practitioner Type	Estimated Cost Per Session
Registered Counsellor	$150 – $180
Psychotherapist	$170 – $200
Clinical Psychologist	$190 – $230

1. Elixir – Masters of Counselling

Website: https://emc.org.nz/

Address: 40 Hinau St, Fendalton

Contact: 272 296 750 | 274 324 267

Hours: 

• Monday – Friday: 10:45 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:45 AM – 3:00 PM

Therapy can feel daunting at first, but having the right professionals makes a real difference to how supported you feel throughout the process. 

Elixir – Masters of Counselling offers tailored support that explores deeper underlying issues like trauma, co-dependency, and shame, rather than just focusing on surface-level conflict. 

The clinic is run by clinicians who hold post-graduate Master of Counselling degrees from the University of Canterbury, so their approach to relationship care is firmly grounded in research-backed methods. 

I actually chatted with Darryl about how they structure their sessions, and was quite impressed by how calm and down-to-earth he is.

Couples appreciate that they can choose between face-to-face sessions and remote options, which makes it easier to fit therapy into different lifestyles.

The only drawback is that they’re a very small team with just 2 practitioners, so you might find yourself waiting a bit longer for an available slot when demand is high.

Experienced counsellor

Louise has been a blessing and inspiration since I first met her. My life has transformed in radical ways and I am still stunned by the beneficial impact her work had and continues to have on me. It’s hard to find the right words to actually capture this exceptional, professional, wise and experienced counsellor and personality. She has enabled me to truly heal. If you look for counselling and have the chance to see her, go for it, you won’t leave without being genuinely touched, positively challenged and enriched.

• Ira S. | Google Review 

Incredibly empathetic, non-judgemental

Louise is an incredibly empathetic, non-judgemental, and skillful counsellor. She helped me to navigate through a very difficult time and situation in my life, for which I will be forever grateful to her. She has given me the tools I need to conquer life’s challenges and put past trauma to rest. Thank you Louise ❤️

• Helen Kok | Google Review  

2. Winchester Counselling

Website: https://winchestercounselling.co.nz/

Address: 156 Bealey Ave 

Contact: 274 376 497

Hours: 

• Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Winchester Counselling takes a focused approach to relationship therapy, using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) to help partners reconnect, improve communication, and rebuild emotional closeness. 

The practice is led by Andrew Winchester, who brings more than 2 decades of experience to the table. He’s also certified by the International Centre of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

That specialised background means couples receive practical, structured support, whether they’re trying to work through ongoing challenges or simply want to build a stronger foundation before marriage. 

They also offer both in-person and online sessions, which makes fitting counselling into a busy schedule a lot easier.

One thing worth noting, though, is their strict 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel at short notice, the full session fee may still apply.

Our whole marriage now is so much different 

My wife and I have just finished couples counseling with Andrew and I can honestly say it has changed our lives. The tools we have been provided with and the knowledge learned has been invaluable. We are closer than ever and our whole marriage now is so much different it really is amazing. We went in to “fix” a couple of issues and left with a life ahead we never knew existed.

• Jonny L | Google Review 

Overall helped us deal with our problems

My wife and I saw Andrew for help with dealing with conflict between us and trauma that we had experienced while together. Throughout our time seeing him he was non judgmental, understanding and overall helped us deal with our problems. We highly recommend Andrew for any issue you may have.

• john smith | Google Review  

3. Positive Psychology & Psychotherapy

Website: https://www.positiverelationships.co.nz/

Address: 43 Aotea Terrace, Huntsbury 

Contact: 342 119 26

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sometimes relationship challenges are closely tied to individual struggles, which is why a broader clinical approach can be so helpful. 

Positive Psychology & Psychotherapy brings together a multidisciplinary team of registered psychologists and psychotherapists who provide Imago Relationship Therapy, with treatment plans tailored to each couple’s specific situation.

What makes them a little different is the range of support available under one roof. Along with relationship counselling, they also help individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, and trauma.

They even offer animal-assisted therapy for couples who feel more comfortable opening up with a trained therapy animal present. 

A friend of mine actually booked a weekend session here and said the calm atmosphere made it much easier to have difficult conversations during a particularly tense period.

But the clinic works with such a broad range of clients, including children and families. Some couples may prefer a practice that focuses exclusively on relationship counselling.

Has a lovely way of connecting with people

Lee has a lovely way of connecting with people, blending thoughtfulness with genuine kindness and curiosity. The clinic space has been carefully put together and feels really peaceful. If you’re needing a Christchurch therapist, I highly recommend seeing Lee.

• Jared Gallagher | Google Review 

Felt like talking to someone who honestly cares

Lee helped me through a tough time by truly listening, being present, offering real support, and just being a friend. His approach to therapy is compassionate, down-to-earth, and genuinely personal. It felt like talking to someone who honestly cares, I never felt judged, just understood and supported. Thanks, mate, for your guidance and kindness

• Francisco | Google Review 

4. Luma Counselling Christchurch

Website: https://counsellingchristchurch.nz/

Address: 691 Colombo St

Contact: 643 567 4340

Hours: 

• Monday – Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

If your partner is hesitant about counselling, Luma Counselling Christchurch offers a gentler way to get started. 

One of the things that sets them apart is that a single partner can attend sessions initially, which gives people a chance to explore the process without feeling pressured into jumping straight into couples therapy. 

It can be a helpful first step when one person is ready to seek support, while the other is still unsure. From there, the focus shifts towards helping couples move from disconnection to a deeper understanding of one another. 

I love how their team uses practical, evidence-based strategies tailored to each situation, whether you’re dealing with trust issues or emotional distance. 

They also offer both in-person and remote sessions, making support accessible across a wide range of Christchurch neighbourhoods.

Just take note that they’re closed on weekends, while Thursday appointments are offered online only.

For couples counselling or anxiety counselling

I have been looking for counselling in Christchurch for awhile. I have struggled with anxiety which also made my relationship difficult. If you are looking for couples counselling or anxiety counselling in Christchurch it’s well worth the sessions.

• Infratek Diskominfo Bontang | Google Review 

Navigating the new changes in my life

I have been struggling with depression on and off over the years, never really did anything about it so trying counselling was a big step for me. Counselling has given me a pathway to managing my depression, especially around work and navigating the new changes in my life.

• Le’Anthony Wade | Google Review 

5. BEAM Counselling

Website: https://www.beamcounselling.co.nz/

Address: Level 2, Burwood Health Centre, Mairehau Road, Parklands 

Contact: 273 677 137

Hours: 

• Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

For those who need support quickly, BEAM Counselling is well worth considering. Relationship challenges can feel even more overwhelming when you’re waiting weeks for an appointment, so their little-to-no waitlist is a major advantage. 

In many cases, you can connect with a qualified therapist almost immediately and start working through issues before they become more deeply entrenched.

Their couples counselling approach blends several evidence-based modalities, including Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, they tailor sessions to suit each couple’s unique dynamic and goals. 

The practice also prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to all relationship types. One practitioner even offers walk-and-talk sessions around Travis Wetland, which can feel less intimidating than a traditional office setting.

Another benefit is that at least one therapist holds ACC accreditation for sensitive claims, an ideal support when past trauma is affecting a relationship.

Do take note, though, that they still don’t offer virtual counselling services.

Have enjoyed attending the sessions 

I do couples counseling with Matt both my partner and I have enjoyed attending the sessions and have learnt a lot about ourselves and each other and we still are learning as we go. We would recommend as we have tried couples counseling before and was unable to stick with it. Winz are able to help as well.

• Lena Tekii | Google Review 

Understanding really stood out to me

If you’re looking for counsellors that values personal connection and true care, I highly recommend reaching out to BEAM Counselling, I think you’ll be in good hands. Matt’s warmth and understanding really stood out to me – especially when it comes to relationship counselling

• Titus Kam | Google Review