How can Relate counselling help?

Most people have times in their lives when difficulties seem hard to cope with.  Counselling can help you explore a way forward, work toward solutions and increase your understanding of your own and other people's needs.  Clients come for counselling on a weekly basis, at a regular time, for a 50-minute session, with the same counsellor.  Counselling takes place in private and is totally confidential.  It is Relate policy, however, to take appropriate action if it believes any adult or child is at risk.

What is the first step?

Relate will ask you to come for a Consultation with a Counsellor.  This session is to talk about your difficulties and explore ways of dealing with them.  The counsellor will explain what counselling involves and answer any questions you might have.  If at the end of the consultation it is agreed that Relate counselling or therapy may be helpful the counsellor will explain the next steps.  A consultation does not commit you to counselling.  If we are unable to help you, we may suggest other services that would be available to you.  If you decide to continue with counselling we will ask you for details of your availability and will contact you when an appointment becomes available.

It is very important that you keep your appointment.  If you are unable to attend, we require 2 working days' notice and there is a 24-hour answer-phone available to leave any messages.

Please note that for adult couple counselling, children are not allowed to attend.

Special Needs?

For Disabled Access or other Special Needs, such as a translator, please speak with a member of staff by telephoning Relate on the number opposite.

Relate Worcestershire services

We have several different counselling services which can help you.  Whether you are seeking counselling for relationship breakdown, divorce, separation, parenting or family issues, or forming new relationships, we are here to help with the following services to clients:

• Face-to-face counselling
• Sex Therapy
• Family Counselling
• Young People's Counselling (for 11-18 year olds)

Cost

Relate Worcestershire is a registered charity and a not-for-profit organisation.  It has to rely on clients' contributions in order to provide its services, as it receives no government funding.  For any of the above services, there is a fixed charge of £37 per one-hour session.  Hardship bursaries are available to subsidise the cost of some sessions.  Also it is our normal practice to operate a strict pre-payment scheme. 

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.

And finally...

Even if you still are unsure about counselling, please call us in confidence on the number above.  We feel sure we can help you - and also find a counsellor who is right for you.