Relate Dacorum

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't see the answers you want on this page please call or email us.

Can I come on my own?
Can my partner join at a later date?
What if I can't make a particular appointment?
How much does each counselling session cost?
Can I speak or have contact with the counsellor/therapist in-between sessions?
Can We / I make comments on the counselling services received?
Do I have to pay for counselling?
What happens if I have a problem with the service I receive?
What happens when I come to Relate for counselling?

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Crisis helpline


1	Can I come on my own?
	YES, quite often people come on their own because the partner does not wish to attend with them. As long as your concerns or difficulties are about relationships then we may be able to help you.
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2	Can my partner join at a later date?
	YES, again it often happens that initially one partner or the other does not wish to come, but changes their mind. There may be some updating to be done and special arrangements to be made, but this can all be accommodated without any difficulty.
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3	What if I can't make a particular appointment?
	It is important that you let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to keep your appointment. Unfortunately, Relate has a large number of clients waiting for appointments so if you are able to give us 48 hours or more notice there may be the possibility of offering the lost appointment to other clients. Should you be unable to give us this 48 hour notice there is a £10 cancellations charge.
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4	How much does each counselling session cost?
	We have a particular leaflet that explains more fully our contribution scheme {‘Why we ask you to contribute’}. We do receive a grant from Dacorum Borough Council – Community Services to offset some of our costs. Unfortunately, this does not cover the full cost of running the service. The cost to Relate to provide each counselling session is £45 and we would expect you to make this level of contribution if you can afford it. We do maintain the principle that no-one is refused counselling just because they cannot afford to contribute the full amount. However, we do expect clients to make a reasonable contribution for the service that they receive. Where you cannot afford the full contribution the level of contribution can be negotiated with the counsellor. Do not let finance prevent you from seeking counselling with us.
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5	Can I speak or have contact with the counsellor/therapist in-between sessions?
	NO, this is not our normal practice although we understand that issues may arise at times outside of your scheduled appointments. If things do become difficult between sessions or whilst waiting for your ongoing counselling/therapy we do have a crisis help-line. This is accessible by contacting us on HH 262618 during office hours to arrange a designated time slot with one of our counsellors. This is a free service, apart from the cost of your local call charge. A special phone number will be given to you.
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6	Can We / I make comments on the counselling services received?
	YES, in fact we encourage and appreciate any comments whether positive or (constructively) criticising our services - we would like to hear of any recommendations you may have. At different stages of your contact with us we will ask you to complete one or more evaluation forms. This should take no more than five minutes and will certainly help us to evaluate, maintain and improve the quality of our services.
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7	Do I have to pay for counselling?
	Relate centres rely on payments from clients to keep their services open to everyone and expect users to contribute according to their income. The service provided is not affected by the amount paid. At your first meeting, your counsellor will discuss with you how much you can pay for each session.
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8	What happens if I have a problem with the service I receive?
	Relate Dacorum welcomes feedback from people and asks clients gto comment on their experience of all aspects of contact with our Centre and its personnel and services. We would hope to resolve any concerns at the earliest opportunity. However, we also have a procedure for dealing with any complaints. We can provide you with more information on request.
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9	What happens when I come to Relate for counselling?
	Counselling and therapy takes place in Relate's own private consulting rooms. Once counselling begins, you will normally see the same counsellor each week and the sessions will usually be an hour long. The counsellor will help you identify your major concerns. During counselling discussions will focus on the relationship and its difficulties by exploring feelings, attitudes, values and expectations. The counsellor will aim to offer support with communication between partners, helping them to consider different options and new possibilities. Don't leave contacting Relate until the last moment. Help sought early is more likely to have a favourable outcome. Your counselling will continue for as long as both you and the counsellor feel it is helpful. Counselling is a private and confidential form of help. This means that we will not give your name or any information about you to anyone outside Relate unless someone's personal safety (particularly a child) is at risk.
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