Face-to-face couples counsellor

Local couples paying privately, often found through word of mouth, GP and other professional referrals, and directory listings.

A fee per session. Renting by the hour keeps costs low, so you only pay for rooms when you have clients booked.

• Recognised counselling training, ideally with a couples element
• Calm, impartial listening
• Managing strong emotions in the room
• Keeping records and appointments in order

• Counselling is not a protected title in the UK, but clients and insurers expect proper training and supervision, so check what your insurer requires
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and check the room provider's own cover
• Data protection: you will hold sensitive notes, so check if you need to pay the ICO data protection fee and how to store records securely
• Safeguarding and domestic abuse risks in couples work, plus your own safety when seeing clients in person
• Room hire is a cost even if a client cancels, so check your cancellation policy
• Startup costs here exclude training, which can cost several thousand pounds

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on room hire, insurance and marketing. This excludes training, which can cost several thousand pounds. Room hire is a cost even if a client cancels, so check your cancellation policy.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many couples you see, your fees and the hours you work. Your income will also depend on how quickly you build referrals and a local caseload.

Counselling is not a protected title in the UK, but clients and insurers expect proper training and supervision. Check your insurance and the room provider's cover, the ICO data protection fee, record storage, and safeguarding, domestic abuse and personal safety arrangements.