Both are certified by the Relational Life Institute in the same model, and both can hold the + and ++ levels. The difference is what they’re qualified to do.

• RLT Relational Coaches focus on practical relationship skills, communication and patterns of behaviour. Coaches aren’t licensed health professionals, so they don’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and their training doesn’t include RLT’s deeper trauma work.
• RLT Couples Therapists complete the full RLT training, including its clinical and trauma methods, and can work with mental health concerns as well as relationship skills. The Institute now requires anyone training to the therapist ++ level to hold a professional licence, such as psychologists registered with Ahpra and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers.

I’m a registered psychologist, so I can assess, diagnose and treat mental health concerns alongside the relationship work.