The Key To a Happy Relationship? Ben and Marina Fogle say is Regular Couples' Counselling

Is a 'marriage MOT' the key to a happy relationship? Ben and Marina Fogle say regular couples' counselling has helped them combat the stresses of parenthood

    Ben Fogle and his wife Marina admit their marriage needed 'maintenance'
    The pair say they had never argued when they married in 2006
    In recent years, the couple have faced more challenges than most including having a stillborn son in 2014   and the loss of a family pet
    Marina runs antenatal classes and is urging parents to consider therapy

Adventurer Ben Fogle and his wife Marina have said that regular 'MOT' therapy sessions with a marriage counsellor have helped them to cope with the pressures of childcare and strengthen their relationship.

The pair, who married in 2006 and have two children, have urged other couples to invest time in their marriage as a preemptive measure 'before it's too late'.

Marina, who is founder of antenatal courses The Bump Class, told The Telegraph, 'The most compatible couples will struggle when into the mix you throw an exhausted, emotionally volatile woman who is physically vulnerable after giving birth, and a new father, equally tired and overwhelmed by his new responsibility.

Seeking guidance: Ben and Marina, who married in 2006, have two children, Ludo and Iona (pictured). They have urged other couples to invest time in their marriage as a preemptive measure, 'before it's too late'

'Wrapped up in just getting through each day, the parents have little time left for each other, and the communication breakdown begins.'

Marina has been keen to stress the importance of communication in a successful marriage, and has said she can see how couples can easily get so busy that they leave no time for each other.

Whilst many of her toddler-raising friends agree that marriage counselling is a good idea, Marina suggested that most couples who receive therapy make the decision too late.

Long periods apart: Marina has suggested that many couples become increasingly busy during parenthood, and leave little time for each other


Often, Marina says, this is due to a lack of time.

She added: 'We spend a day deliberating about which sofa to buy, but we can’t relinquish an hour for the sake of our marriages?' 

And the Fogles' marriage has faced more challenges than most in recent years. Last August the pair were left devastated after Marina almost died giving birth to their stillborn son.

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