Relate Avon FAQs
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.
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.
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.
Relate Avon charge £65 for an initial session. After this, the cost of ongoing sessions is agreed between you and your Counsellor according to your income.
We aim to support everybody who comes to us for help and we can offer reduced rates if you are unable to pay the full cost. Please Contact Us if you would like to know more about our services.
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 search the national Relate map.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment for any of our counselling or therapy services please Contact Us by phone or Email.
What is our cancellation policy?
The usual expectation is that you will meet your counsellor every week. You need to give us at least two working days notice if you can't attend your appointment. Please be aware that if you cancel less than two working days before your appointment, you may still be asked to pay for the cost of the session.
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 phone or Email.
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 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.
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?
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 access requirements when you book your appointment.
Is what I say confidential?
All our services are completely 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 give your name or any other information about you to anyone outside Relate unless someone's personal safety is at risk.
What if violence or abuse is an issue?
Violence and abuse is an issue for some people who come to us for help with their relationship. We know that in this situation working on the issue together may not feel safe. If this is the case, then we would help each person get individual 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 your counsellors have?
Relate is a national trainer of relationship counsellors. This means that the practitioner you see 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. They are in ongoing professional clinical supervision for the work they undertake and are required to comply with the code of ethics and practice that is appropriate to their work.
But the training doesn’t stop there. All our counsellors continue with ongoing training and consultation with other professionals to ensure they’re prepared to offer the highest standard of help.
Relationship counselling is covered by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy’s Ethical Framework for Good Practice. You can find more about this here.
Family counselling is covered by the Association for Family Therapy’s Code of Ethics & Practice. You can find more about this here.
Sex therapy is covered by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy’s Code of Ethics & Principles of Good Practice. You can find more about this here.
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.
How do I make a 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.
Do you offer placements for student counsellors?
Demand for Relate couple counselling is high. We offer placements to suitable people who have a place on a Relate approved counselling course, and are aiming to qualify as counsellors and work for our charity.
Do you have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy?
Yes - you can read our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy here.
How do I book an appointment?
To find out more about any of our services or to arrange an appointment, contact us via Email, call Relate Avon direct on 0117 942 8444 or complete this enquiry form.