How to Get More Marriage Counseling Clients

Posted by Onassis Krown on June 23, 2025

The Ultimate Guide on How to Get More Couples Therapy Clients

In the realm of mental and relational health, few professions hold as much impact and importance as marriage counseling. Helping couples rebuild trust, communicate effectively, and rediscover intimacy is noble and transformative work. Yet, as with many helping professions, having the skill is only part of the equation—success also hinges on your ability to attract clients consistently. Whether you’re just launching your private practice or seeking to grow an established one, this ultimate guide will provide a detailed roadmap to getting more marriage counseling clients.

Everything You Should Know About Growing Your Marriage Counseling Business:

1. Clarify Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Your Unique Value Proposition is what distinguishes your practice from others. In a saturated market, clarity about your niche is crucial.

Ask yourself:

What makes your marriage counseling approach different?
Do you specialize in a certain demographic (e.g., newlyweds, military couples, Christian couples)?
Do you incorporate specific therapeutic modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, or Imago Relationship Therapy?

A compelling UVP becomes the backbone of your marketing message. Use it across your website, social media, and advertising platforms to ensure consistency and brand alignment.

2. Develop a Strong Online Presence

In today's digital world, your online footprint is the new business card. It's how potential clients vet you before making contact.

a) Create a Professional Website

Ensure it’s mobile-friendly and optimized for speed.
Highlight your specialties, credentials, testimonials, and session details.
Include a blog with SEO-optimized posts about topics like conflict resolution, communication, intimacy, and relationship maintenance.
Add a clear call to action (CTA) on every page—"Schedule a Free Consultation" or "Book Your First Session Today."

b) Utilize Google Business Profile

Set up and verify your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
Include photos of your office, client testimonials, and business hours.
Encourage clients to leave reviews—these are gold in the digital era.

c) Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimize your website with keywords like “marriage counseling in [your city],” “relationship therapist near me,” or “help with marital problems.”
Use alt text on images, internal linking, and consistent blog posts to enhance visibility.

3. Leverage Social Media to Connect and Educate

Social media is not just for influencers—it’s a powerful client attraction tool when used strategically.

a) Choose the Right Platforms

Instagram: Great for visuals and short quotes on love, healing, and communication.
Facebook: Ideal for longer posts, live Q&A sessions, and community building.
TikTok: If you're comfortable, short videos explaining relationship concepts can go viral and drive traffic to your site.
YouTube: Deep-dive into common couple issues, share case studies (anonymously), and present solutions.

b) Content Ideas

Tips for improving communication
Signs of healthy vs. toxic relationships
Red flags and green flags in marriage
Behind-the-scenes of your therapy room (respecting confidentiality)
Client success stories (anonymous, with permission)

Use consistent branding—colors, fonts, tone—and post regularly. Always include a link back to your website or booking page.

4. Build Referral Partnerships

Word-of-mouth referrals are the lifeblood of many counseling practices, especially in tight-knit communities.

a) Collaborate with Professionals

Doctors and OB-GYNs: Often the first to notice stress in relationships, especially post-birth.
Clergy and Religious Leaders: Frequently called upon for marital support within congregations.
Divorce Attorneys and Mediators: These professionals often deal with couples in crisis and may refer those who still want to reconcile.

b) Network with Other Therapists

Individual therapists, addiction specialists, or child therapists may refer couples they believe would benefit from your help.

Create a referral packet (digital and physical) with your bio, services, ideal client profile, and contact info. Stay top-of-mind by checking in periodically.

5. Offer Free Resources to Build Trust

People are more likely to pay for your services once they’ve received value from you for free.

a) Free Consultation

Offer a free 15–30 minute initial consultation to reduce barriers for hesitant clients. It gives them a risk-free opportunity to get to know you.

b) Lead Magnets

Create downloadable guides such as “10 Communication Tips for Married Couples” or “How to Rebuild Trust After Infidelity.”
Offer these in exchange for an email address, helping you build a mailing list.

c) Webinars and Workshops

Host free virtual events on Zoom or in person:

“How to Strengthen Your Marriage in 30 Days”
“Parenting Without Losing the Romance”
“Healing from Betrayal Together”

These position you as an authority and gently funnel attendees into becoming clients.

6. Get Comfortable with Video Marketing

People connect with faces, voices, and stories. Video humanizes you beyond text and builds trust quickly.

a) Types of Videos to Create

Explainer videos on marriage issues
Client FAQ responses
Introductions to your therapy approach
Behind-the-scenes videos about your process

Post these on your website, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Keep them authentic, helpful, and no longer than 2–5 minutes.

7. Create and Maintain an Email Marketing Strategy

Email remains one of the highest converting digital marketing tools. Unlike social media, you own your email list.

a) Monthly Newsletter Ideas

Relationship tips
Highlight upcoming workshops
Inspirational stories
Book recommendations
Articles you’ve written

b) Drip Campaigns

Set up automated email sequences for new subscribers:

Email 1: Welcome & Your Free Resource
Email 2: About You & Your Approach
Email 3: Client Success Story
Email 4: Invitation to Book a Session

This nurtures cold leads until they’re ready to become clients.

8. Encourage and Collect Reviews & Testimonials

Positive reviews create social proof, which increases trust and conversions.

a) How to Collect Reviews

Ask satisfied clients after successful milestones (e.g., “Would you feel comfortable writing a quick review of your experience?”)
Use platforms like Google, Psychology Today, or Healthgrades.

b) Use Testimonials Strategically

Add them throughout your website
Use quotes in your social media content
Create short “Success Story” highlight videos or blog posts

Always ensure client confidentiality if sharing detailed stories.

9. Join Online Counseling Directories

Therapy directories are a powerful source of referral traffic.

Popular ones include:

Psychology Today
TherapyDen
GoodTherapy
Zencare
ReGain (for relationship therapy specifically)

These platforms are optimized for SEO and make it easier for clients to find you by location, specialty, or insurance coverage.

10. Invest in Paid Advertising

If you have a marketing budget, paid ads can boost your exposure significantly.

a) Google Ads

Target keywords like “marriage counselor near me” or “couples therapy [your city].” Google Ads ensures you appear at the top of search results for relevant queries.

b) Facebook & Instagram Ads

These allow highly specific targeting based on interests, relationship status, age, and location.

Ad examples:

A free webinar invite
A relationship quiz funnel
A video ad introducing your services

Make sure your ads lead to a well-designed landing page that converts.

11. Write a Relationship Blog

A blog is an organic, long-term strategy to build traffic and authority.

a) Topic Ideas

“Why Marriages Struggle After Kids—and How to Thrive Again”
“What to Do When Your Partner Shuts Down During Arguments”
“The Truth About Love Languages and Compatibility”

Blogs establish your thought leadership and improve SEO rankings, helping you get discovered more often.

12. Engage in Public Speaking and Media

Getting in front of audiences can elevate your visibility and credibility.

a) Opportunities to Seek

Guest speaking at churches, schools, or parent groups
Podcasts or YouTube interviews
TV or radio segments on relationships

Prepare a media kit with your bio, headshots, and a few sample topics you can speak on.

13. Offer Flexible Scheduling and Virtual Sessions

With today’s busy lifestyles, flexibility matters.

Offer evening or weekend sessions
Provide virtual sessions for long-distance or convenience
Use HIPAA-compliant platforms like SimplePractice, Zoom for Healthcare, or Doxy.me

Highlight this flexibility in your marketing and on your website—it’s a major client consideration.

14. Focus on Client Retention and Referrals

Don’t just look for new clients—nurture your existing ones.

a) Follow-Up

After a client completes sessions, send a friendly check-in email 3–6 months later. This shows you care and reminds them of your availability.

b) Referral Program

Offer current or past clients a small incentive for referring others, such as a discount on a future session.

15. Practice What You Preach

Finally, the most powerful marketing tool is your authentic alignment with your values. Be the embodiment of the emotional intelligence, communication skills, and balance you help others achieve. People gravitate toward practitioners who live the very principles they teach.

Final Thoughts: Attracting More Ideal Relationship Couple Clients

Growing a marriage counseling practice isn’t just about being a great therapist—it’s about being seen, trusted, and remembered. By implementing a multifaceted marketing strategy, consistently delivering value, and connecting with your ideal clients on a deep level, you can build a sustainable and impactful practice that touches lives, heals relationships, and leaves a lasting legacy.

Your next client is out there right now—searching for hope, clarity, and a path forward. Let your voice be the one they find, trust, and choose to walk that journey with.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur, musical artist A.L.I.A.S., and Travel Partner #20735937284 for discounted & free vacations!

Tags: couples therapy, marriage clients

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