FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen when I come to my counselling session?
Well, we won’t ask you to lie on a couch and tell us about yourself. Your counsellor will help you identify the major concerns within your relationship. They will help you explore your feelings, attitudes and expectations and look at your relationship from a different perspective. Your counsellor will not tell you what to do, nor will they take sides or encourage you to stay in the relationship at all costs. Their aim is to give you the skills and insights to help you and your partner find your own way forward.

My partner won’t come to counselling. Can I come on my own?
Relationship couple counselling tends to be more effective if both partners are involved, yet many people do attend alone and still see positive benefits to their relationship. So if your relationship is in difficulties but your partner doesn’t want to attend counselling, or if you have been through a separation and are now adjusting to life on your own, counselling can help you.

Will we be forced to try and patch things up?
Staying together is not always the best option. Sometimes relationships do come to an end and your counsellor will be able to help you keep the lines of communication open through your break up. It is sometimes as important to be able to face separation in positive way as it is to try and work things out.

I don't want my friends or family to find out. Is it confidential?
Relate counselling is completely confidential. We will not give your name or any information about you to anyone outside Relate, unless someone's personal safety is at risk.

We think our problem is too trivial
If it is affecting your relationship, please call us. Many clients tell us that they wish they had called us sooner.

I know what the problem is, but I am too embarrassed to talk about it
Our counsellors are highly experienced and trained to deal with any issues you may bring. We understand that you may be nervous and may need time to get to know your counsellor before feeling comfortable discussing some of the issues.

What if I don’t like my counsellor?
We understand that this sometimes happens. We will always be pleased to arrange for you to see an alternative counsellor

What happens when I turn up for an appointment?
A receptionist will meet you and show you to a private waiting area.

Cost?
Relate has to rely on clients' contributions in order to provide its services. For any of the above services, we normally expect clients to make a contribution towards their sessions – this can range from £20 to £48. It is our normal practice to ask for pre-payment.

As a charity, however, Relate Somerset undertakes to provide counselling services to all clients, regardless of their ability to pay. Bursaries and supported programmes are available for some clients.