NHS to give marriage guidance

By Jamie Lyons, 22/11/2009

ROWING couples are to get free relationship therapy on the NHS, ministers will announce this week.

Those who have hit a rocky patch will receive psychological counselling in a bid to stop them falling into depression and taking time off work - and to prevent their kids being caught up in the fallout.

Last night, Health Secretary Andy Burnham told the News of the World: "Trouble at home can lead to depression and anxiety, but a bit of help and support can stop it spiralling out of control.

"Professional therapy can help people rebuild relationships or separate amicably - that's why I want couples' therapy widely available on the NHS."

He said the counselling provided a safe setting where partners could explore their relationship.

The programme will begin next April and health chiefs are braced for a deluge of couples seeking therapy. To meet demand, the NHS will train more than 4,000 therapists over the next five years.

Mr Burnham will announce the policy in a major speech on mental health on Thursday.

Experts say psychological counselling for relationship problems is as important as helping people get over drug addiction.

Dr Chris Boyce, from Warwick University, said: "Therapy is a very effective way of increasing people's wellbeing. The importance of money for bringing happiness is vastly overvalued in society - people do not realise the powerful effect that therapy can have."

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This article has 3 comments

Children are more likely to be harmed in the long run if their parents are continuing rowing and are unhappy within their marriage by forcing the parents to stay together for their sake.
If their parents are not getting on the children are contantly in the middle of war zone. Better altogether if the parents split up. The parents then at least should be able to find a happy medium which works to benefit children in the long run.
I speak from experience.

By Lorna.. Posted November 22 2009 at 11:26 AM.

I think it's a good idea, a lot of the children from these relationships may end up damaged and perpetuating the same problems within their own relationships. I think this is a move forward in ensuring stable upbringings for otherwise troubled children, and of course happiness for the adults.

By KK.. Posted November 22 2009 at 9:08 AM.

Hmmm. Good thought. But how long would the waiting lists be??

By Gillian.. Posted November 21 2009 at 8:39 PM.

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