Want to know what a relationship coach is? 

You’re in the right place!

Here, you’ll learn…

• What a relationship coach is 
• The best relationship coaching techniques to get results
• How to become a successful relationship coach

…And much more. Let’s get started.

You’ll learn:

What relationship coaching is

What a relationship coach does

The difference between a relationship coaching and counseling

The benefits of relationship coaching

How much to charge as a relationship coach

The best relationship coaching techniques

How to become a relationship coach

The top relationship coaching podcasts and books 

What is relationship coaching?

Relationship coaching is a type of life coaching. The goal is to improve people’s relationships, be it with a partner, family, friends, or coworkers.

You give advice and support so that clients can have more meaningful connections.

Because ultimately, connection is one of our core needs. Without fulfilling relationships, people are more likely to suffer from obesity and mental health illnesses. 

So, helping people to find those relationships is one of the most impactful things you can do. 

Now, who needs relationship coaching?

Anyone, really. That’s because relationship coaches focus on all kinds of relationships. For example…

• Singles: Helping them build romantic relationships. 
• Married couples: Supporting them to work on their marriages, deepen intimacy, and build a healthy relationship. 
• Families: Giving advice on how to build emotional connection as a family, work through communication issues, and so on. 
• Work relationships: Offering guidance on improving relationships at work. 
• Friendships: Helping people find friends.
• Dating: Guiding clients to become more successful at dating. 
• Intimacy troubles:  Helping to navigate and improve challenges related to sexual intimacy.

…And so on. What it comes down to is that you help people build satisfying relationships. 

But how specifically do relationship coaches work?

That’s what we’ll look at next. 

What does a relationship coach do?

How do you as a relationship coach help your clients?

The best coaches help their clients get extraordinary results. And to do that, you need to know how to coach your clients. Here are the ways in which you help your clients succeed: 

Help identify obstacles and set goals 

As a relationship coach, you help clients figure out…

• What goals does your client have for their relationships?
• And what obstacles are they experiencing?

You create a roadmap based on their goals and challenges and tailor the plan for them. For example, someone might need to work on their confidence. In that case, you help them work around that thing that is keeping them back.  

Active listening and effective communication

A good coach communicates effectively with their clients – and a key skill you need to develop as a coach is to be candid. What does your client need to hear? For example, you might need to call someone out on not doing the work or self-sabotaging. 

You also need to be able to listen well and offer advice based on your experience when that’s appropriate and helps your clients get to their goal in a more sustainable way.

Conflict resolution and empathy

Conflicts are bound to happen in any relationship. The trick is knowing how to deal with them.

By promoting empathy, you help clients work through disagreements. You encourage them to consider and care about other people’s feelings and viewpoints.

Self-awareness and reflection

Understanding oneself is key in relationships.

Relationship coaching encourages clients to reflect on their feelings, actions, and choices. This increased self-awareness can lead to more positive interactions with others.

Ability to form deeper connections

Studies show that strong bonds make our lives better. In relationship coaching, you teach clients how to cultivate such connections.

With this in mind, what’s the difference between relationship coaching and counseling? That’s what we’ll look at next. 

What is the difference between a relationship coach and a marriage counselor?

What’s the difference between a relationship coach and a relationship counselor?

Let’s clear up the confusion:

• Relationship coaching focuses on different types of relationships and supports their clients. They don’t give advice on their mental health – and that’s why relationship coaching doesn’t require the same qualifications as a therapist. As a relationship coach, you can work as a dating coach, marriage coach, divorce coach, and so on.
• Marriage counseling is for people who are getting married or are married. It’s typically a short-term solution, focused on specific issues. Counselors need specific licenses to practice. 
• Dating coaching focuses on enhancing a client’s dating skills. The goal is to make their dating experience more enjoyable. Just like coaching in general, you don’t need specific qualifications to become a dating coach. 
• Couples therapy is more formal. Here, the discussion mainly revolves around deeper issues in a romantic relationship. It’s more about problem-solving and overcoming challenges. Therapists need licenses to practice. 

Each approach has a unique way of supporting relationships. And relationship coaching has its own benefits.

We’ll look at those next.

What are the benefits of a relationship coach?

Why is relationship coaching important? And are relationship coaches worth it?

Absolutely! The benefits of coaching include: 

• Better relationship skills: Most clients report that coaching improved their relationships (73%) and interpersonal skills (71%).
• Improved human interaction: Clients notice and understand social signs that they might have missed before. This makes interactions with others better and more meaningful.
• Better conflict resolution: Clients learn how to handle conflicts, so they can build more harmonious relationships.
• Enhanced listening: Great listening skills are crucial for the health and success of any relationship. Relationship coaches offer tools that improve those skills.

These are some of the many ways you help your clients build successful relationships. At the same time, you also build a thriving business. 

Let me explain what I mean by that.

How much do relationship coaches charge?

Do relationship coaches make money?

Yes!

But only if they offer their clients REAL value. 

Now, what does a dating coach cost?

Or in other words: how much can you charge as a relationship or dating coach? And is it possible to become a six-figure relationship coach?

Let’s dive into some numbers.

The International Coach Federation (ICF) did a recent study that shows that the average income for part-time US coaches is around $67,800. More specifically, American coaches charge an average hourly fee of $272, and their average hourly revenue is $98.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t earn more though. In fact, when done right, it’s very likely that you will.

Most of my students end up earning six figures or more with their coaching businesses.

That’s because your earning potential increases as you build your skills and client base.

The real worth in coaching is how you change clients’ lives. This is PRICELESS, and many are willing to pay for it.

To make such a transformation happen, you need the right relationship coaching techniques.

The best relationship coaching techniques

What makes a good relationship coach?

A great coach delivers a transformational experience. They help clients improve their relationships and personal lives.

Here are three coaching techniques to achieve this:

• Coach-sulting
• Being frank with your clients
• Motivating your clients

Let’s take a closer look at what each one means.

Coach-sulting (actionable advice)

Coach-sulting is a mix of coaching and consulting. Traditional coaching lets clients discover their own answers, while consulting gives expert advice. Together, they ensure clients not only discover their answers but also take action.

For example, you might have a client who struggles with constant arguments.

First, you’d coach them to understand why these arguments happen and how they make them feel. You ask thought-provoking questions. This is where they find their own answers.

Then you shift to consulting. You share advice on how to communicate better or manage disagreements. And finally, you teach them how to put these new ideas into action.

This strategy gets your clients better results in less time.

In this video, I explain the idea more in-depth:

However, coach-sulting only works if you really believe in your clients…

Motivating your clients (belief)

Motivation is a powerful tool in relationship coaching.

A great coach does more than just cheer from the sidelines. They believe in their clients’ potential and help them see what they can truly achieve.

You’re like a supportive friend who also shows the way with practical steps.

For instance, if a client is struggling to find a partner, you wouldn’t just say, “Don’t worry, you’ll find someone someday.”

Instead, focus on improving the client’s interpersonal skills. Guide them in recognizing unhelpful patterns in past relationships. And give practical advice on how to build healthier connections in the future.

Similarly, if a family is having trouble getting along, don’t say, “Things will get better over time.”

Rather, actively help them improve their communication skills and understanding. Uncover patterns that cause conflicts. And teach them how to listen and respect each other’s perspectives and feelings.

Of course, being direct should always be done in a supportive way.

That’s how you keep your clients motivated AND help them achieve the results they’re after.

Yet, for the best outcomes, you’ll also want to add some candor to the mix.

Being frank with your clients

Your clients come to you because they believe you’ll help them grow.

For this, you need to be honest and straightforward.

You have to spot when a client isn’t making progress and then speak up — even if it’s hard to hear.

This might include pointing out when they are not keeping to their goals and then guiding them to find solutions.

For example, if a client remains stuck in a cycle of unhealthy relationships, you might say,

“I’ve noticed you’re repeating some patterns that aren’t serving you. You came to me wanting a loving and respectful partner. But right now, it seems like some choices are standing in the way of finding that kind of love. Let’s talk about this and find ways to move closer to what you truly want.”

Clients need this kind of direct and clear communication. It lets them see where they need to improve and how to move forward.

These four relationship coaching tools guide your clients toward happier and healthier relationships. And that’s what they hired you for, after all.

Next up, how can you become a successful relationship coach?

How to become a relationship coach

Can anyone be a relationship coach?

Kind of.

While coaching is open to everyone, you do need to have the right experience – and work on becoming a great coach. 

Coaching is a skill. That means that it can be nurtured and improved. The most important thing is that you always set out to deliver value and results.

That said, becoming a relationship coach isn’t overly complicated.

There are three important steps:

1. Finding your niche
2. Deciding whether you want to get certified
3. Starting your coaching business

Here’s what each one involves.

Find a niche

The first step is finding your niche.

Yes, relationship coaching is already one, but you should specialize even more.

You see, that’s how you craft a unique selling proposition.

This makes you the “go-to” person in that field and it makes it clearer for people to understand why they should work with you. 

Plus, you’ll earn more too. Your clients will get better results because your coaching is more specific for them. And so they are more likely to give you a testimonial and refer new clients to you. 

But what are the different types of relationship coaches? Here are some examples:

• Single parent: Supporting single parents in managing parent-child relationships effectively or finding a new partner.
• Divorcees: Guiding clients in navigating divorce and finding love again.
• Couples: Helping long-term couples work through things like communication issues.
• Men: Working with introverted men who want to find love. 
• Women: Working with 40+ career-driven women who want to find a partner.

The key is to identify the specific area where your expertise aligns with the needs and demands of potential clients.

For example, my student Ruby previously worked as a matchmaker at eHarmony. Now she helps single men find love through her own business.

You can discover your niche by following these four steps:

1. Brainstorm: What are the different relationship topics you could focus on?
2. Identify your WHO: Who’s your target audience? Think singles, new parents, co-workers, or families.
3. Name the problem: What issues can you solve? What help do your clients seek?
4. Answer why YOU: Why should clients choose you? Think about what makes your approach unique and effective. In other words: How will clients get better and faster results by working with you?

In this short video, I explain the steps in more detail:

Get a relationship coaching certification

Next, decide if you want to get certified or not.

I’ll start by saying that this is completely optional.

The coaching industry is largely unregulated. This means that you don’t need a certificate to start your business. (Although some niches, mainly in the health/mental health industries, do require certifications, licenses, or similar.)

What matters much more? Offering clients results that change in their lives.

I’ve seen it myself.

My coaching business grew to six figures in less than six months. I didn’t have a certification. But I was able to help people start and grow their businesses thanks to my decade of experience in my industry. 

This practical expertise is worth much more than simply attending relationship coaching courses.

If you do decide to get a certificate, choose carefully. Pick a program that truly helps you improve as a coach. To do so, look for courses that are approved by reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Or find programs offered by well-known universities.

To save you time, I’ve collected three ICF-accredited relationship coaching certifications:

• Relationship Coaching Institute: This is a big name in relationship coaching. They offer a comprehensive course that you can do at your own pace. (Costs: $3,997 to start, with some extra fees)
• Coach Training Alliance: Their couples coaching training is a short four-week course that offers practical tools to help couples improve their relationships. (Costs: $149)
• Academy of Creative Coaching: Their relationship coaches specialization covers different forms of interpersonal relationships, including intimate, parent, friendship, and professional relationships. (Costs: starting at $1,195)

Next, let’s see how you can start your own relationship coaching business.

Start your relationship coaching business

Starting your relationship coaching business might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually quite straightforward.

With the right approach, you can launch your coaching practice in a matter of days.

Here’s a simple breakdown to kick-start your journey:

1. Choose a business idea
2. Pick your marketing strategy
3. Get your first paying clients

Business idea

What relationship coaching services will you offer?

Answering this question is your starting point.

Finding a business idea is simpler than it seems.

You already have skills and experiences.

Think about your job, hobbies, or challenges you’ve overcome. These can be the basis of your coaching services.

• Professional skills: What did you learn in current or past jobs? Maybe you’re good at communication, problem-solving, or giving advice.
• Personal interests: Think about hobbies or interests that help in understanding relationships. Perhaps you’re good at listening, or you read a lot about relationships.
• Education: Use what you’ve learned from courses or degrees. Maybe you studied psychology, social work, or something related.
• Life challenges: Use personal experiences or challenges you’ve overcome in relationships.

Look at these areas to find what unique relationship coaching services you can offer.

Next, you’ll want to figure out if your idea is profitable.

Is there a demand? And is your target audience able AND willing to pay for your services?

For instance, if you offer relationship coaching to college students, they might not be able to afford your services even if they want them.

Getting your idea ready is the first step.

You’ll also have to tell people about your services and find your first clients.

Marketing

Whether you’re offering relationship coaching online or in person, you have to market yourself.

Luckily, it’s easier than it seems.

Attracting customers isn’t about having a magical strategy. You simply need to know who your clients are and where to find them.

People looking for relationship advice are everywhere — Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, Google.

You just have to pick the platform that works for your specific audience.

Here are my four tips:

Tip #1: Understand your customers

Before choosing your marketing methods, know why clients might choose you.

Talk with your ideal clients to understand what they’re looking for in a relationship coach. 

This lets you create a marketing approach that speaks directly to them.

Tip #2: Choose your platforms carefully

Not all platforms will fit your coaching style or attract your ideal clients.

Choose the ones where your potential clients already are. If your target audience is active on Instagram, there’s no point in focusing on LinkedIn.

Tip #3: Be consistent and focused

Your marketing needs to be regular and targeted.

Don’t spread yourself thin trying to be everywhere. Instead, pick one platform and master that one first.

Tip #4: Pick strategies that fit your business stage

If you’re new to coaching, prioritize strategies that bring immediate results.

Long-term strategies like SEO and content marketing are not the most effective at this point.

You want to attract clients as quickly as possible to gain experience and improve your services.

Let’s cover this next.

Get your first paying clients

The third step is to get your first paying clients.

The mistake you want to avoid here is to aim too big right away. Immediately expecting a six-figure income if you don’t have any coaching experience is unrealistic.

However nice the idea might sound, it sets you up for disappointment.

Believe me, I’ve been there, setting big goals, like earning $30,000 in a month, without having made any money yet.

Here’s the thing:

Ambitious goals are good, but when they’re too high they become counterproductive.

Instead of pushing you forward, they make you feel like you’re never quite good enough.

So, keep it simple: start with one client and offer them a transformative experience.

With each glowing testimonial you receive, your social proof grows. When people see you’ve helped others, they’re more likely to trust you and choose you as their coach.

Plus, starting small lets you improve your coaching offer. You learn with every client.

Now, how do you find these first few clients? Here are two ways:

• Ask around: Reach out within your community. Friends or acquaintances may be seeking guidance in their relationships. Or they might know others who need relationship coaching.
• Attract: As mentioned above, you need to be where your potential clients are. Join relevant groups, answer questions, and share useful advice. This lets potential clients see how your coaching could make their lives better.

In the beginning, getting your first clients takes some time. But as your reputation and skills grow, clients will start coming to you.

Want to learn more about securing that first client? Then take a look at this video that I put together for you:

The best relationship coaching podcasts and books

Want to learn even more about relationship coaching? 

Relationship coaching podcasts and books are a great way to gain new insights.

They offer practical advice and strategies that you can apply in your own coaching. You also learn from experienced coaches who resonate with you. 

Here are five top relationship coaching podcasts to dive into:

• Esther Perel – Where Should We Begin?: Relationship therapist Esther Perel navigates real-life relationships. She dives deep into various aspects of connection and intimacy.
• Brené Brown – Unlocking Us: Brené Brown explores vulnerability, courage, connection, and relationships. Each episode gives tips on improving your mindset and understanding people better.
• Chase and Sarah Kosterlitz – I Do: I Do Podcast interviews top relationship experts, therapists, and couples. They help young couples enhance their connection and keep the relationship exciting.
• Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby – The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Dr. Lisa dives into topics about love, career, happiness, and personal growth. She offers helpful advice and strategies.
• Suzanne Oshima – It’s Never Too Late: Suzanne Oshima is a dating and relationship coach who focuses on women over 50. She offers advice on navigating the dating world, from creating online profiles to finding love after loss.

Books on relationship coaching include: 

• Relationship Coaching: The theory and practice of coaching with singles, couples and parents (Yossi Ives, Elaine Cox): This book focuses on how coaches successfully help singles find love and parents build better relationships with their children.
• Marriage Coaching: Heart, Hope and Skills for a Great Relationship (Jeff and Jill Williams): This book is written for couples who want coaching, but as a coach, you can learn more about marriage coaching. 

Note: My recommendations are based on reputation and reviews of these books and podcasts. 

Next steps

That’s it! Now you know what it takes to be a successful relationship coach.

Through relationship coaching, you guide clients to find, build, and maintain fulfilling relationships. And by building the right type of business, you create flexibility and freedom in your own life. 

But how do you build the right type of relationship coaching business? 

That’s what I’ll show you in my free blueprint for building a six-figure relationship coaching business.

Get it now: 

Read more: 

How to Become a Coach

How to Start a Successful Coaching Business

What is One-on-One Coaching?