Q - How do I make an appointment?

A - You’ll find the number of the nearest Relate centre in the yellow pages or your local phone book. Our number is 01923 241803. You’ll speak to the administrator who will book you an initial appointment with a counsellor usually within two weeks. The administrator will be sympathetic but she is not a trained counsellor.

Q - What if my partner won’t come with me?

A - You may come on your own or as a couple for counselling.

Q - How bad does my problem have to be?

A - If you feel you need help then it’s available. It is much better to go before the problem gets very serious.

A - The wait depends very much on when you can come. If you can only come at a certain time on one day a week then you may have to wait up to 8 weeks. But if you can be more flexible on times and days then your wait for on-going counselling will be shorter.

Q - What happens at the first interview?

A - The counsellor will give you an opportunity to talk about your difficulties and will ask you questions to establish whether counselling may be helpful to you. The counsellor 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, details of previous relationships, how many children you have, how long have you been in your current relationship, your G.P’s name and if they have been referred by anybody. Then the counsellor will explain what happens if you decide to return for counselling.

Q - How many sessions will I need?

A - You will see the same counsellor for all your on-going sessions, although not always the counsellor you saw at the first assessment interview. The sessions will be at the same time each week and will last about an hour for as many weeks as you and your counsellor consider helpful.

Q- How much will I have to pay for counselling?

A - An hour of counselling costs £45 but you will receive the same service whatever your ability to pay. We do not refuse counselling to anyone on the basis of payment. You can discuss payment with your counsellor at your first session.

Q - Will Relate save my relationship?

A - Your counsellor will help you to make your own decision whether it is to stay in your relationship or separate.

Q - How long does a session last?

A - A session will last for up to an hour.

Q- How often do I have to come?

A - You will come at the same time each week for as long as you require counselling.

Q - Will the counsellor be male or female?

A - The majority of our counsellors are female, but if you have a preference then you can let the administrator know before you start counselling.

Q - Will anyone else be given information about my coming to Relate?

A - 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 Relate unless someone's personal safety is at risk. If you would like more information about this please contact us.