Relate is changing
 
Did you know that you can get the following from Relate?

• Initial Consultation
• Regular Counselling Sessions
• Psychosexual therapy
• A Range of Life Skill Courses 
• Counselling for people living with family violence and abuse
• Relationship and divorce counselling
• Relate for Parents - how and what to tell the children about separation/divorce
• Training in counselling, parenting and relationship issues 

Equal Opportunities

We see any individual or couple who would like to improve a relationship, or who would like to part amicably or to maintain a functioning relationship as parents even if they are no longer partners. We operate fully within an equal opportunities policy and promote anti-discriminatory practice. 
 
Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are regularly asked by clients:
 
Is it confidential?
Yes. Relate operates under a strict code of confidentiality which is discussed with you before you begin counselling. 
 
We are not married/We are gay. Are we eligible? 
Yes.
 
Can I come on my own?
Yes
 
Can you help me?
We counsel anyone who is distressed as a result of a relationship, whether current or past. We can work with you and/or your partner to help you to understand your relationship and your feelings and then empower you to make the decisions that are right for you both or for you as individuals. 
 
Is there a long waiting list?
Usually no one has to wait more than one week for an initial appointment. The waiting time for ongoing counselling depends on your availability. 
 
When can I come for counselling?
Counselling sessions are available at various times throughout the day and on four evenings a week until 9.00 p.m. You must make an appointment. 
 
My partner is violent/abusive to me. Can you help?
We do work with couples and individuals where violence is a feature of the relationship but only where we are confident that no one will be placed at risk by doing so. If your partner is the violent person, we suggest you come on your own for counselling which can be arranged confidentially. 
 
Is it too late?
Only you can make this decision. However if you both want to work together it demonstrates that it may be possible for you to develop or reform a relationship.
If your partner will not come with you, you can come on your own to work through your own emotions and make the right decisions for you. 
 
Do I have to pay?
There are fees involved, but as a registered charity we do all we can to make sure that the service is available to everyone. All clients are asked to donate what they can afford towards the full cost which is approximately £40 for each counselling session. Your personal contribution is negotiated between you and the counsellor when you come for your first appointment.
 
What happens when I come?
You will initially have a one hour session with an experienced counsellor. If you then require ongoing counselling you will be given a booking form to complete giving your availability. 
 
I want to meet other divorced/bereaved/separated people who are going through the same experiences as I am. 
From time to time we run courses for groups of people who would like to be able to re-build their lives outside of a relationship. If you are interested, please call the Centre for further details. We also run other special interest courses such as Anger Management and Assertiveness courses. 
 
I am not ready to meet face to face - are there any books I can read?
Yes, Relate has a range of books, listed below, which can help. You can order them from the local centre or obtain them from many good bookstores.

• The Relate Guide to Staying Together
• The Relate Guide to Starting Again
• The Relate Guide to Better Relationships
• The Relate Guide to Second Families
• The Relate Guide to Sex in Loving Relationships
• Stop Arguing Start Talking
• After the Affair
• Babyshock
• Loving Yourself Loving Another