Frequently Asked Questions
Is Relate the right place to come for my problem?
Relate is all about relationships and helping you make changes for the better. We are here if you want to talk about your relationships (past, present or future) and how they affect you and your family. We know children thrive in families where relationships are positive and free from damaging conflict. We can work with you to improve relationships, manage a separation constructively or get over a break up. Relate is here to help.
How can counselling help me?
Counselling helps you take time out from your situation and see it from a fresh perspective. Working with a counsellor gives you, or you and your partner, or even your whole family, a chance to think about what you can do to change your situation for the better. It can also give you a chance to explore complex or difficult issues in a safe and confidential environment. Counselling is not just a matter of trying to fix problems - it can also help you develop your relationship in new ways.
Does counselling work?
Many people want to know if relationship counselling works. Our clients think so - but it depends on what is meant by ‘works’. Our role is not to ‘save’ relationships at all cost but to help you make choices that are right for you. In a supportive and safe environment we can help you gain insights and understanding, develop tools and techniques, and explore options. We will make sure you feel heard and supported whatever happens, and will help you to resolve difficulties, or at least cope with them better.
What is the cost of Relate services?
Relate Avon is a registered charity. We do not make a profit from our services but we charge a fee to cover the cost of each session. We aim to support everybody who can benefit from our counselling, irrespective of their ability to pay.
We charge £68 for an initial assessment. After this, the cost of ongoing sessions is agreed between you and your counsellor. Usually this is on a sliding scale, starting at £68 and according to your income. However, we offer reduced counselling fees to those unable to pay the full cost. We fund this through those clients able to pay higher fees and through dedicated fundraising. Please contact us if you would like to know more about this or how we can help.
In addition, many people are eligible for free counselling under one of our national partnerships - please have a look.
Can I see a Relate counsellor close to where I live or work?
We have centres in Bristol and Bath, and also provide counselling online.
If you are looking for a Relate Centre in a different area please use the national Relate ‘find your local centre’ service.
Do I have to be referred for counselling or therapy by my GP?
No. You don't need a referral to make an appointment for any of our services, just contact us by form, phone or email - Contact Us
Can I come to counselling on my own?
Yes. Our counselling sessions are for individuals, couples or families. You may want to come to some (or all) sessions alone, with a partner or with your family members. If you have questions about this call us on 01179 428 444, or you can contact us by email - Contact Us
Can I bring my children with me to my appointment?
Family counselling often involves both adults and children so, yes, it's sometimes recommended that they're brought along. Relationship counselling and sex therapy services are for adults only and it is not appropriate for children to be present. We don't have childcare facilities at our locations, so you will need to make arrangements for your children to be looked after during your appointment. This also applies to online appointments.
Can my child see a counsellor on their own?
At Relate Avon we cannot see children for counselling by themselves aged 16 or under. However, we can see them as part of family counselling.
Do we see people in LGBTQI+ relationships?
Absolutely! We welcome everyone regardless of how they identify in terms of sexuality and gender.
How accessible are your Centres?
Unfortunately our Bristol and Bath centres are only accessible via stairs. Please make us aware if you have any requirements regarding accessing our service when you book your appointment.
Is what I say confidential?
All our services are confidential. All records are kept securely and are only seen by authorised Relate personnel. These records are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation May 2018. We will not share information about you with anyone outside Relate unless we have reason to believe that either you or someone else is at serious risk of harm. We will discuss any proposed disclosure with you unless we believe that to do so could increase the level of risk to you or to someone else.
What if violence or abuse is an issue?
Violence and abuse is sometimes an issue for people who come to us for help with their relationship. We know from our experience that in this situation working with both partners together may not be safe.
We also know that it can be hard to admit there has been abuse in a relationship. If you’re concerned you can talk to a member of our Welcome Team or to your counsellor. Our specially trained staff will listen confidentially and help you find the best specialist support from Relate or another organisation.
How long is a session?
Counselling sessions are usually at a regular time each week and they last up to 50 minutes We know everyone has busy lives so your counsellor will talk to you about what days and times are best for everyone.
How many sessions will I need?
That all depends on you and your counsellor. You'll decide together how long you think counselling is helpful. Most people find between six and twelve sessions is about right for counselling, but many continue for more. Those coming to sex therapy can expect to attend for longer.
What training do Relate counsellors have?
We take our training very seriously and are proud that Relate is a national trainer of relationship counsellors. We have a dedicated team of over 20 counsellors, all have received special training in relationship counselling and many have expertise in related specialisms like sex therapy or family counselling. Many have first degrees, masters degrees or other post-graduate qualifications, and many have worked with us for many years.
The training doesn’t stop. All our counsellors undertake annual mandatory training as well as a minimum of 30 hours a year of ongoing professional development to ensure they’re prepared to offer the highest standard of help. Supervision is also important (see below) in maintaining and improving our service.
Because Relate is a training provider, your practitioner may be a student or a qualified practitioner who is now undertaking training in a different discipline. An example of this may be a qualified relationship practitioner who is now training in sex therapy.
All our counsellors have been assessed as competent to work with their clients on a wide range of issues.
Are Relate counsellors supervised?
In order to maintain the highest standards and to ensure consistency across the team, our counsellors participate in mandatory individual monthly supervision of their practice, as well as group supervision, and will consult with their supervisor and the supervision team where necessary.
The supervision team consists of Mary Everett, Barbara Kenton and Rachel Davies, who have a wealth of experience in counselling and counsellor supervision, and are themselves supported by the great depth of clinical expertise across Relate nationally.
All our counsellors are required to comply with the code of ethics and practice that is appropriate to their work.
Relationship counselling is covered by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy’s Ethical Framework for Good Practice.
Family counselling is covered by the Association for Family Therapy’s Code of Ethics & Practice.
Sex therapy is covered by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy’s Code of Ethics & Principles of Good Practice.
Relate personnel must comply with Relate practice policies and guidance which both complement the external codes and set specific organisational standards for ethical working in accordance with the above.
What if I don’t get on with my counsellor?
This doesn’t happen very often but if, for any reason, things aren’t working out with your counsellor, we’ll discuss the situation with you and can offer you a different counsellor.
How do I make a suggestion or complaint?
We want to hear your views. It helps us to learn, improve and provide the best service we can. Please Contact Us if you would like to give us any feedback or if you are unhappy with our services. Rest assured we will work to resolve any complaint you might have.
How do I book an appointment?
To find out more about any of our services or to arrange an appointment, contact us by form, phone or email - Contact Us
What do our clients say?
“We were very pleased with the service we received. We would recommend other people experiencing difficulties to take advantage of the Relate service.”
“I think Relate is absolutely the best. My counsellor ... was absolutely brilliant. The help and support I have received will enable me to move forward. First-class Relate staff have shown me kindness, care and respect. Thank you so much.”
“My counsellor evokes a strong sense of confidentiality and trust.”
“My counseller … allowed my to open the door to emotional communication and gradually understand tools and techniques to help manage my relationships. I am so much more aware of my self and impact on others, as well as the reverse. I feel this has helped my family stay bonded and even my children have commented that we are getting on much better. Thankyou.”
“It has helped hugely.”
“The counsellor, before the first session was over, became the person who was as keen as I to resolve my problems and I found it very easy going to ‘open up’ to him. I came to Relate because I thought I’d tried everything.”
“Thank you ..., you’ve been great!”
“I have found the experience has been helpful to us both and I have felt supported as an individual as well as one half of a couple.”