Becoming a couples therapist or marriage and family counsellor in France

Relationship crisis, communication problems, infidelity, plans for a child, sexuality, separation: many couples look for a professional to help them. But behind the term « couples therapist » lie very different professionals, whose training ranges from a few days to several years. This profile explains what the job covers, who can practise it and under which title, and how to train seriously. It is part of our guide to careers in psychology.

What does a couples therapist do?

The professional who supports couples sees them together, sometimes separately, to understand what is blocking their relationship. They help them communicate better, express their needs, get through a crisis, make a decision, or organise a separation that respects everyone. They often draw on the systemic approach, which sees the couple and the family as a set of interacting relationships.

Who can practise, and under which title?

This is the key question, because the vocabulary is confusing:

• Psychologist: a title protected by the French law of 25 July 1985, reserved for holders of a state-approved master’s degree in psychology. A psychologist can specialise in couples and family therapy.
• Psychotherapist: a title protected since 2010, reserved for doctors and psychologists who have completed specific training in clinical psychopathology, listed on a national register.
• Marriage and family counsellor: a job governed by regulated training, practised notably in family planning and information centres.
• « Couples therapist », « couples coach », « marriage counsellor » in private practice: these titles are not protected. They may cover very well-trained professionals as well as practitioners trained in a few days.

To understand these differences, see our page psychologist or psychiatrist: what is the difference?

The marriage and family counsellor

The marriage and family counsellor welcomes, listens to and supports individuals, couples and families on questions of emotional, relational, sexual and family life. They work in individual or couple interviews and run group sessions, especially with young people. Their training is governed by the order of 3 December 2010: about 400 hours of teaching over two years, plus placements, offered notably by the Planning familial and approved providers.

Skills and qualities of a couples therapist

The job requires strong listening skills, neutrality (not taking sides with either partner), solid knowledge of couple and family dynamics, and regular work on oneself, under supervision. You also need to recognise situations that call for other professionals: domestic violence, mental disorders, addictions.

How to train seriously

No diploma is required to call yourself a « couples therapist »: the title is not protected.

However, the titles of psychologist and psychotherapist are reserved by law, and marriage and family counsellor posts in family planning centres require the training set out in the order of 3 December 2010.

We recommend a two-stage path: solid training in psychology, ideally up to master’s level, then a specialisation in family and systemic therapy or in marriage and family counselling, with supervised practice. Be wary of very short courses that promise a « therapist » title in a few weeks.

Studying at ESPÉ

ESPÉ’s programmes prepare for this path: the MSc in Clinical Psychology trains students in clinical psychology from an integrative perspective (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and humanistic approaches), with many hours of placement and supervised practice. ESPÉ degrees do not grant the protected titles of psychologist and psychotherapist (see our degrees and their recognition); they make it possible to go on to a specialisation, for example in marriage and family counselling.

Pay and working conditions of a couples therapist

Salaried marriage and family counsellors often work part-time in associations or family planning centres, with pay depending on the employer’s collective agreement. In private practice, income depends on the number of consultations and the fees charged.

Why become a couples therapist?

Supporting a couple or a family through a difficult period can change the lives of several people for the long term, children included. It is a demanding job that requires serious training and real work on oneself, and suits people who are passionate about human relationships.