How to check a counsellor is qualified for relationship work

You've found someone recommended or spotted a profile online, and they say they specialise in relationship work. Before you book, it makes sense to verify their actual qualification, not just their claim. Plenty of people call themselves counsellors without the formal training or registration that matters when two people are sitting in a room with real problems to solve.

Search the professional registers first

Start with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Visit their website and search for the counsellor by name. If they're registered with HPCSA as a Counsellor, you'll see their registration number and the year they registered. This tells you they meet minimum training standards and are bound by a code of conduct. Don't assume registration just because they're practising; some people work without it, which isn't necessarily illegal but raises questions about accountability.

Also ask whether they hold membership with a body like the South African Counselling Association (SACA) or similar professional association. These aren't compulsory, but membership suggests they've undergone peer review and commit to ongoing development. Request their membership certificate or ask them to show you online verification. Don't take their word for it.

Ask what training they've done in couples work specifically

General counselling training and couples-specific training are not the same thing. Someone qualified to counsel individuals might not have studied relationship dynamics, communication patterns, or the particular challenges couples face. Ask them directly: "What specific training have you completed in couples and relationship counselling?" Listen for mention of recognised post-graduate qualifications, accredited courses, or supervised placements in couples work.

Good answers might include a diploma or master's in couples therapy, completion of specific modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or Imago, or years of supervised practice with couples. Vague answers—"I've worked with lots of couples" or "I studied general counselling"—should make you cautious. You're looking for evidence of deliberate, structured learning in this particular field, not just experience.

If they list a qualification, you can sometimes verify it by contacting the training provider or the institution that awarded it. Don't feel awkward asking; qualified practitioners expect this.

Check references and talk to past clients

Ask whether they can provide contact details of past clients willing to speak with you. Not everyone will have given permission, so they might offer only one or two names. That's reasonable. What matters is what you learn when you call.

When you speak to a reference, ask:

• How long they worked with this counsellor and what the issue was (broad terms)
• Whether they felt heard and whether the counsellor seemed genuinely trained in couples work
• If the counsellor explained their approach upfront and stayed neutral between both partners
• Whether they'd go back to this person or recommend them
• What didn't work, if anything

Past clients won't reveal clinical detail—that's confidential—but they can tell you about the counsellor's professionalism, clarity, and whether they felt safe. Trust your gut on what you hear. If someone sounds hesitant or has concerns they're reluctant to articulate, that's worth noting.

You might also ask your GP, trusted therapist, or family lawyer if they have referrals; professionals often know who delivers solid work and who doesn't.

One more practical step

Before your first session, have a brief conversation with the counsellor—a phone call or WhatsApp chat. Ask about their approach to couples work, whether they remain neutral when seeing you both together, and how they handle confidentiality if they see either partner alone. How they answer tells you whether they've thought through these issues and whether you'll feel comfortable with them.

When you're ready to book, Strove lets you compare verified counsellors in your area, read their qualifications and client reviews, and contact them directly with questions. That extra layer of verification before you commit time and money makes the process clearer for both of you.