Frequently Asked Questions

Is Relate the right place to come for my problem?

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?

Our new Bristol centre is fully accessible: all on the ground floor with a shallow ramp to the entrance. Parking on site is limited, so please let us know if you will need to park very close by and we will make arrangements.
Please note that our Bath centre is only accessible via stairs.
If you have any requirements regarding accessing our service, please make us aware 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, Rachel Davies and Theresa Halliwell 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. Please be 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 happens if I cancel an appointment?

The more notice you can give us the better! To cover our costs we unfortunately have to charge for appointments cancelled with less that 48 hours’/two working days’ notice. We hope you understand the necessity for this.