Even if a psychologist, if the area of expertise is Accredited 'relationship counselling', then the 'focus' is the relating between the 'couple', their transition from single to becoming a family, their transition to parenthood, dealing with In-Laws, values about child rearing practices, expectations of marriage, adjustment to stages of life and so on. It looks at how the 'couple' negotiate the various stresses and frustrations at home, work and life in general. Some relationships can grow, some get stuck, some come to an end. Very complex area in itself. The focus is not individual assessment for personality disorder or diagnosis of mental illness. If one suspects that a diagnosis is required, then one needs to refer out to other expertise for individual assessment etc. Given this, the 'safety' of spouses is crucial, as sometimes, Intervention Orders are already in place by the time the couple access Counselling. In Accredited Relationship Counselling, the Counsellor usually makes an assessment as to the 'safety' of any partner in a DV situation and intervenes accordingly. If an IVO is in place, then this is taken into account in determining the Counselling approach. If this has been concealed from the Counsellor, then any assessment would not be accurate. Depending upon what type of marriage counselling was accessed, sometimes it is privileged information, even in a Court of Law. May be, in this case given one of the partner's was murdered, we could say that her 'safety' was in jeopardy and the files may need to be supoenaed? I hope that this is helpful.