Couples in need of relationship counselling are more likely to turn to their family doctor than a professional counsellor.
A report from the Families Commission suggests people prefer to seek help from their GPs because they already know and trust them.
President of the Royal College of General Practitioners Jonathan Fox says many family doctors are trained in counselling.
Dr Fox says dealing with relationship problems does not put extra strain on GPs.
However, he says professional relationship services are scarce and often expensive, which can sometimes put further strain on relationships.
Relationship Services says free counselling - funded by the Family Court - is available for most couples.
