Frequently Asked Questions
Relationship Counselling
• What happens at a counselling session?
• How can counselling help me?
• How do I make an appointment to talk to a counsellor?
• Do I have to be referred to Relationships Scotland?
• Is Relationships Scotland the right place to come for my problem?
• Do I have to pay for Relationship Scotland services?
• Can I come on my own?
• Is Relationships Scotland counselling confidential?
• Do Relationships Scotland counsellors have special training?
What happens at a counselling session?
At your first session a counsellor will talk with you for up to one hour.
Some people find this session is all they need to clear their thinking
and help them decide what to do and no further counselling is necessary.
You and your counsellor will talk through how relationship counselling
might be able to help and, if appropriate, your counsellor will recommend
a counselling service, sex therapy or another service.
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, 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.
How do I make an appointment to talk to a counsellor?
To find your nearest Relate Centre click here or call Relationship Scotland General Enquiries on 0845 119 2020 (local rate applies).
Do I have to be referred to Relationships Scotland?
No. Many organisations and GPs do refer people to Relate but you can contact Relate directly if you would like to talk about anything to do with relationships.
Is Relationships Scotland the right place to come for my problem?
Relationships Scotland is all about relationships and helping you make changes for the better. If you want to talk about your relationships past, present or future, how your family is affected by your relationship, how you can improve your relationship, how you can manage a separation constructively, how you can get over a break up, we are here to help.
Do I have to pay for Relationship Scotland services?
You will normally be expected to pay a fee. Relationships Scotland is a charity and doesn’t make a profit from the services we provide. The fee is to cover the cost of sessions. Some Relationships Scotland counsellors work under license in private practice and set their own fees. Your Relationships Scotland office or counsellor will let you know the costs of services.
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 Relationships Scotland by yourself.
Is Relationships Scotland counselling confidential?
Relationships Scotland’s counselling is completely confidential. We will not give your name or any information about you to anyone outside Relationships Scotland, unless someone's personal safety is at risk.
Do Relationships Scotland counsellors have special training?
Counsellors have all received special training in couple counselling. It takes two to three years to become a fully qualified counsellor. They undergo further training to specialise in areas such as family counselling and sex therapy. All counsellors continue with ongoing training and consultation with other professional to ensure they give you the highest standard of counselling.
