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FAQ's - some questions answered
 Do
you use or prescribe any medications?
No. Only psychiatrists or other medically
qualified professionals can prescribe medications. I may ask you
what medications you are taking (prescribed and over the counter)
to understand their likely emotional impact, but will make no comment
on their appropriateness or otherwise. This is the responsibility
of your prescribing doctor.
Who
is it for?
This services is open to everyone aged over 16. Whether you are
married, living together, in a same-sex relationship, separated,
divorced or single, our confidential service can help you to deal
with your relationship difficulties.
What
if I am already in another type of therapy?
I am happy to work with people who are engaged on other types of
therapy, however I would only proceed after an assessment and would need to keep a
clear boundary between our focus on relationships, and other therapists
work.
What
happens if I have a complaint about Relate relationship counseling?
We always welcome feedback and are keen to improve our services.
Relate has a complaints procedure which aims to make the process straightforward
and fair. Should you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance,
please do let me know - it is always possible I am not aware of the issue or have missed something important. If you wish to take it further please contact Relate on 0300 100 1234 and ask for the complaints officer. All client feedback and complaints are taken seriously. Complaints are all investigated and you will receive a reply within
four weeks.
Can
I come on my own?
Yes. Whether you are single, or if you have a partner who doesn't
want to come or you simply want to discuss things alone you are
welcome to bring any aspect of your current, past or future relationships
to Relate by yourself.
Do
I have to be referred to Relate services?
No. Many organisations and GP's do refer people to Relate but you
can contact Relate directly if you would like to talk about anything
to do with relationships.
Is
Relate relationship counseling confidential?
Our counseling is completely confidential. I will not give
your name or any information about you to anyone outside Relate,
unless someone's personal safety is at risk. This is explained at
your first assessment session.
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
with both partners together may not be safe. If this is the case
then we would help each partner get individual specialist support
from Relate or another agency.
Does
Relate keep records of our sessions?
Relate keeps confidential records and statistics about our clients.
Records are kept for a limited period and are then destroyed. Relate
complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
I will give you more information about this when you come for your
first session.
Does
Relate have to comply with any recognised standards?
Relate works to the relevant ethical framework of the British Association
of Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the British Association
for Sexual and Relationship Therapy (BASRT) or the Association for
Family Therapy (AFT).
How
bad does my relationship have to be to come?
If you want to change some aspect of your relationships and feel
you have not succeeded with your own resources, then talk to a relationship
professional. While it is true that some clients present as a consequence of sad
and deeply destructive behavior patterns, others come to help them
move onto the next level, or meet personal goals or challenges in
their lives.
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