Frequently Asked Questions

•    Is there a charge?

In most cases Relate makes a charge for its services to clients but does not aim to make a profit.  Ask about charges when you contact the Centre. 


•    What happens during a counselling session?

Firstly you will meet with a counsellor for a consultation.  The counsellor will explore with you what you want to achieve or change in your relationship.  Where Relate can help, you will have a short wait until a regular appointment with a counsellor becomes available.  You will then have regular sessions with a counsellor where you’ll talk about what is affecting your relationship and agree the best way forward.


•    How do I make an appointment?

You can telephone the Centre on 01926 403340 and make an appointment.  If you ring out-of-hours or we cannot answer because we are on another call, please leave a message on the answer phone and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

You can visit our Centre in Warwick during opening hours.  See Contact page for address and opening hours.

You can email us on        southwarksrelate@aol.com

You can fax us on        01926 402823


•    What happens during a counselling session?

Firstly you will meet with a counsellor for a consultation.  During this session the counsellor will explore with you what you want to achieve or change in your relationship.  Where Relate can help, you will be offered regular counselling sessions with a counsellor. 


•    Will the counselling be confidential?

Relate counselling is confidential.  The only time we make an exception would be if someone’s personal safety were at risk. 

•    Will my counsellor be trained?

All Relate counsellors have received special training in working with couples.  It then takes a further two to three years to become fully qualified.  After this some counsellors choose to specialise in associated fields such as sex therapy or family counselling.  In line with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy guidelines, all Relate counsellors continue to receive ongoing professional training throughout their counselling career.

Each year our Centre has one to two Counsellors in Training.  They have been trained, but are working towards becoming fully qualified.  You may be asked if you would mind seeing a Counsellor in Training.  When counsellors are ‘in training’ you they receive very close professional support.


•    What if I don’t want other members of my family to know I’m having counselling?

We are used to this at Relate.  You may have children, a partner, work colleagues or other people whom you do not wish to know you are attending counselling.  When you contact us initially to book your appointment please tell us.  We will then make special arrangements with you to ensure your privacy is maintained at all times.


•    I’ve heard there is a long wait for couple counselling, is this true?

We aim to offer you an initial consultation with a counsellor within 1 – 2 weeks.  There is not normally a long wait for ongoing counselling provided you are able to be flexible in when you can attend.  However, if for example, you are only able to attend on a Thursday after 7.00 p.m., you may have to wait significantly longer.