How do I make an appointment?
You’ll find our number on the contact page of this website. You’ll need to speak to one of our appointment organisers who will register you and offer you an initial appointment with a counsellor, usually within two weeks. S/he will ask you to pay for your first session in advance.
What if my partner won’t come with me?
You may come on your own or as a couple for counselling.
Does Relate only offer counselling to heterosexual couples?
No, we also provide counselling for same sex couples.
How bad does my situation have to be before contacting Relate?
If you feel you need help, we are available to provide support at any stage in your relationship.
What happens at the first session?
The counsellor will give you an opportunity to talk about your difficulties, and ask you questions to establish whether counselling may be helpful to you. S/he may assess whether it would be useful for you to see other people such as a doctor, a solicitor or someone from the Citizens Advice Bureau. A history of your relationship will be taken, such as your age, if you have children, how long you have been in the relationship, details of previous relationships, and if you have been referred by anybody. Then we’ll explain what happens if you decide to return for regular counselling.
How long will I have to wait for a regular appointment?
The wait depends very much upon when you can come. If you are only available at a certain time on day a week then you may have to wait a while. But if you can be flexible on times, days and location then your wait for a counsellor will be shorter. You will see the same counsellor for all your ongoing sessions, although it is unlikely to be the same counsellor who you saw at your initial consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
Counselling will continue for as many weeks as you and your counsellor consider it helpful. On average, clients attend 8-10 sessions, but this can vary greatly between clients and their specific circumstances.
How long does a session last?
A session will last for up to an hour.
How often do I have to come?
Counselling is most effective when undertaken on a regular basis. We therefore ask clients to commit to attending on a weekly basis, at the same time each week, for as long as you require counselling.
Will the counsellor be male or female?
We have both male and female counsellors. For the vast majority of clients the gender of the counsellor is not an issue. However if you feel strongly that you would prefer to see either a male counsellor or a female counsellor, please discuss this with the appointment organiser before you start counselling, and we will try to accommodate your wishes.
How much will I have to pay for counselling?
A session of counselling costs £50, or £55 on a Saturday. We have some bursaries available for people who are on benefits or suffering from financial hardship, which may mean that you are entitled to a discount. All clients receive the same service regardless of the amount that they pay.
Will Relate save my relationship?
Your counsellor will help you to make your own decisions about whether to stay in your relationship or separate. Over 90% of our clients feel that by the end of counselling they understand their problem better and are more able to deal with it.
Will anyone else be given information about my coming to Relate?
Counselling is a private and confidential form of help. This means we will not give your name or any other information about you to anyone outside of Relate unless someone’s personal safety is at risk.