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Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing to begin a
course of counselling is always a hard decision. We hope to answer
many of the questions you may have on this page.
 1)
How do I know if Relate counselling is right for me?
Relate are concerned with all aspects of Relationship
counselling. If you have a problem which is directly connected to
your current relationship, a past relationship or to forming new
relationships then Relate can help you to work through the issues
surrounding it.
2)
In what ways can Relate Counselling help me?
Relate can help in a number of ways. It can
help to restore the communication between you and your partner,
it can help you to address issues from previous relationships which
are affecting your current situation and it can help you develop
increased confidence to deal with future problems as they arise.
3)
Who can apply for Relate counselling?
We work with all people, regardless of their
marital status, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or financial circumstances.
The minimum age to apply for Relate counselling is 16 but there
is no upper age-limit.
4)
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment with Relate call 01483
715285 or for appointments in the Elmbridge area call 01372 467046.
Our receptionists are friendly, helpful and will always treat your
call in the strictest confidence.
5)
What will happen when I call for an appointment?
Firstly, you will be told our procedure and
asked for some details. We will ask your name, your partner's name,
your address and whatever contact numbers you can give us. We will
also ask your availability for your initial appointment. We can
usually find you an initial Consultation within 10 ten days. The
more flexible your availability is, the quicker we can find you
an appointment.
6)
How much will it cost?
As we receive minimal funding we ask for £45
per session. If your relationship is good but have a specific sexual
problem and are referred for Sex Therapy (previously known as Psychosexual
Therapy or PST), we ask for £50 for each appointment, while
for Family Counselling sessions we ask for £45. The first
appointment in each kind of counselling we offer must be paid in
advance. We can take payment over the phone and accept all major
credit and debit cards. We also ask for 48 hours notice if you are
unable to attend your session. If we have less than 48 hours notice
you will be asked for the normal session fee for your missed appointment.
7)
I'm on benefit/unemployed - what if I can't afford to make the suggested
contribution?
We have a bursary fund which can help you.
We will still ask for £45 for your initial session but we
can supplement all of your subsequent sessions. The minimum contribution
you can make is £20 per session, so please ask us.
8)
What happens at my first session?
Your counsellor will listen to the issues and
concerns that you and your partner are facing in your relationship
and the rest of your lives. He or she will help you to consider
whether ongoing counselling is right for you. Your counsellor will
be impartial and will help you consider the best way forward.
9)
What happens next?
If you decide to attend Ongoing Counselling,
contact the office where you booked your initial appointment. When
we have a list of the days and times that best suit you we will
add you to our ongoing waiting list and offer you the first slot
that becomes available at a time and day that suits you. You will
then attend counselling at the same time, on the same day and with
the same counsellor each week, so please make sure when you accept
a slot that you will be able to commit to it for as long as necessary.
You will not necessarily see the same counsellor for ongoing counselling
that you saw for your initial appointment.
10)
How long will ongoing counselling last?
As each person's situation is vastly different
from the next, we cannot give an average number of sessions. Your
slot is yours for as long as you need it. Some people find that
one or two sessions will help them work through their problems and
help them to move forward, while others may find they need to attend
for several months. We will never put a limit on the number of sessions
you may attend so you can be assured you can attend Relate counselling
for as long as you feel necessary.
11)
What happens if my relationship is generally good but there is a
specific sexual problem?
You may be suitable for Sex Therapy. Our sex
therapy service has proven helpful to couples with vastly differing
sexual problems within their relationship. Sometimes a counsellor
will recommend sex therapy after a couple has been in ongoing counselling
where other issues have been helped but there is a sexual difficulty
that the couple would also like to address. Sometimes a couple will
also attend couple counselling after a course of sex therapy.
12)
My child has been affected by the breakdown of my relationship.
Is Relateen suitable for him/her?
Our Relateen counsellors have been trained
specifically to help children affected by the breakdown of a relationship
within the family. We offer a listening service to those between
the ages of 11-21. Relateen
13)
Can I discuss my son/daughter's case with their Relateen counsellor?
Relateen clients are treated with the same
confidentiality as those attending couple counselling or PST. While
it may be possible for you to pass on information that you feel
your son or daughter's counsellor will find helpful, their counsellor
cannot discuss any aspect of their case with you. Breaking the confidentiality
would break the bond of trust between client and counsellor.
14)
Is there a charge for the Relateen service?
Relateen counselling is free, although those
aged between 18-21 in full time employment are asked to make a contribution.
15)
Can Relate help if my problems are connected with other family members
rather than just between my partner and myself?
We now offer Family Counselling to assist family
members who are experiencing some difficulties in their relationships
with one another.
16)
How do I know if Family Counselling is right for me?
We use a carefully planned assessment to identify
whether Relate is the most appropriate agency to provide this help
for you or whether another source of help would be more appropriate.
17)
Who could be involved in Family Counselling?
Family Counselling is open to couples and other
family members seeking help with their family difficulties. 'Family
member' could be parents, children, siblings and extended family
members, including those from different generations and blended
families.
18)
What can we expect to gain from Family Counselling?
You may gain an increased understanding to
make choices about how you manage your relationships within the
family setting, develop more effective ways of managing areas of
difficulty within the family and develop better communication both
within a couple relationship and across generations. We can also
offer information on other courses of help which may further improve
your situation.
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