9 Sources for Excellent Relationship Advice to Send to Your Relationship Coaching Clients 

Successful relationships require effort, understanding, and effective communication. In relationship coaching, it’s your role to guide your clients on their journey to a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.  

To help you in this endeavor, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of sources that you can recommend to your clients for valuable relationship advice. These resources cover a range of topics, from communication and intimacy to conflict resolution and personal growth. 

1. Relationship books 

Books are a great source of advice for clients who like to read. You could either recommend passages from a book that are contextual to a client’s challenges, or you could recommend entire books for them to read over the course of a few weeks, to inspire behavioral change. 

• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman  
  Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, offers seven principles that can transform struggling relationships into harmonious ones. 

• Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson 
  Dr. Sue Johnson explores the power of emotional connections and offers practical tools for couples to strengthen their bonds. 

• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman 
  This book helps couples understand and communicate their unique love languages to foster a deeper emotional connection. 

• Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray 
  A classic exploration of the differences between men and women in relationships and how to bridge those gaps. 

2. Relationship experts and coaches 

Who better to provide your clients advice (beyond the advice you’re already providing) than other experts in the field? You can find videos of lectures, (excerpts from) research papers, even simply quotes, from famous relationship experts that have worked extensively in a particular area of challenge of your client. 

• Esther Perel: A prominent psychotherapist and relationship expert, Esther Perel has authored several books, such as “Mating in Captivity,” and hosts the podcast “Where Should We Begin?” which offers an intimate look into real couples’ therapy sessions. 

• John Gottman: Known for his research on marital stability and relationship analysis, Dr. John Gottman provides insights through books, workshops, and online resources. 

• Brene Brown: With her work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy, Brene Brown’s writings and TED Talks offer valuable insights for building trust and intimacy in relationships. 

3. Therapists and psychologists 

Relationship coaching is not the same as therapy, and if you come across a client who could better benefit from a therapist, it makes sense to refer them to a qualified professional you may know. 

If needed, encourage your clients to seek the guidance of licensed therapists and psychologists who specialize in relationships. These professionals can provide tailored advice and support based on their training and clinical experience. 

BetterHelp, Talkspace, 7 Cups: These platforms offer online counseling and resources on relationships, making it more accessible for your clients to seek the right professional help. 

4. Online relationship forums and communities 

Websites like Reddit’s r/relationship_advice and Quora have active communities where people share their experiences and seek relationship advice. Encourage your clients to participate, gain different perspectives, and ask questions. However, forums could have a negative impact – you don’t want your clients to take on the anxieties of others. They can share their discussions with you, so you can add your perspective to their takeaways and ensure that their learnings stay positive and beneficial. 

5. Relationship podcasts 

Relationship podcasts are a great way to consume information on the go. You can recommend podcasts that will add value to your clients’ journeys and they can easily listen to them on the way to work, while doing house work, and so on. 

• Where Should We Begin?  
  Esther Perel’s podcast offers a unique insight into the dynamics of real couples’ therapy sessions. 

• The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby 
  Dr. Bobby delves into topics like self-improvement, personal growth, and relationship success. 

6. Relationship videos 

Videos are one of the most impactful and memorable ways in which content can be consumed. Follow YouTube channels like The School of Life, Psych2Go, and The Gottman Institute, and then recommend singular relationship videos that are relevant to the stage of journey in which a particular client is. These channels offer informative videos on bettering relationships, communication, and personal development, so you have a wide array to choose from for different challenges and phases of change. 

7. Academic and research-based resources 

In addition to relationship books, encourage your clients to explore articles and resources from reputable sources like the American Psychological Association (APA) and academic journals in psychology and relationship studies. These sources provide evidence-based insights into relationship dynamics and best practices, and will complement your relationship coaching well. 

Even better, subscribe to them and bookmark them so their content crops up often for you and you can share relevant pieces for your clients. The evidence-based research will help add an additional layer of motivation to your client’s behavioral changes and goal progress. 

8. Blogs and online articles 

Websites like Psychology Today and MindBodyGreen often feature articles and blog posts on relationships, communication, and personal growth. These resources can offer valuable insights and advice on various relationship topics. Consider subscribing to their newsletters so you get the content straight in your inbox and can share relevant readings with clients! 

9. Social media groups and pages 

Suggest to your clients that they join relationship-focused groups and pages on social media platforms like Facebook. Just like on online forums, they can participate in discussions and access additional resources that cater to their specific interests and concerns. Just like forums, however, beware of toxic sharing – it’s always a good idea to discuss your client’s interactions and takeaways to ensure they are positive. 

In using these sources with your clients, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of discerning between credible and less credible relationship advice, as well as considering their unique situation and needs. When it comes to forums and social media, encourage them to explore multiple sources and methods to find what resonates best with their relationship goals and dynamics. By leveraging these resources, your relationship coaching clients can work towards building stronger, more harmonious relationships. 

About the author

Vaidehi Mirashi

Content Marketing Consultant @ Simply.coach

Vaidehi is a content marketing consultant with a decade’s experience handling over 80 brands and multiple award-winning campaigns under her belt. When not working, you’ll find Vaidehi spending time with family, binge watching Netflix shows, and baking.