Relationship Counselling
When is it helpful?
Relationship counselling can be helpful at any time if communication becomes difficult or breaks down. This may be:
- because of an affair
- as a result of families re-forming, such as stepfamilies
- after a bereavement or major life change
- because of a sexual problem
- as a result of repeated rows or misunderstandings
Relationship counselling can also help parents cope better with difficulties which are impacting on their children.
How does it work?
Couples can come for relationship counselling either together or individually, although there is a greater chance of success if they come together. If they do come as a couple, they will be offered a joint initial interview to talk about the difficulties they are experiencing and the options available to them. Sometimes it is clear after this interview that another service is needed, such as sexual therapy, but usually the couple will be put on a waiting list and will start their counselling sessions as soon as a counsellor is available.
In quite a few services it is the practice to offer each partner a separate session before their joint couple work begins, to ensire that individual perspectives are taken into account. Once counselling starts, a timescale for the sessions will be agreed between couples and the counsellor. The average is four to eight sessions, each lasting an hour, though there is usually no limit to the number of sessions that can be attended. Some services also offer telephone counselling, if this is more convenient.
What about children?
Relationship counselling is different from family counselling, in that it does not normally involve children. It can, however, have a big impact on any children in the family and is often sought out for that reason, particularly where families are re-forming after a second marriage. Some local services in the Relationships Scotland network do provide specialised counselling for children and young people and their details can be found on the website.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Our counsellors are bound by a duty of confidentiality, unless circumstances suggest that the issues being discussed may pose a risk to clients or the wider community. Such issues include domestic abuse, child protection, money laundering and terrorism. In all circumstances, care is taken to protect confidentiality and no disclosure will be made without discussing the issues first, unless there is an urgent risk of harm. All our counsellors and therapists work to the ethical standards of the national professional bodies.
Who are the counsellors?
Relationship counsellors are trained to diploma level over a three year period and have to achieve 200 hours of supervised practice before they are eligible for accreditation with Relationships Scotland. All our counsellors work to professional standards and have to go through an annual renewal process to demonstrate that they have met the required standards of supervision and Continuing Professional Development. You may be offered an appointment with someone who is working towards their accreditation. You will always be advised of this.
Is there a waiting list?
Waiting times vary depending on where you are - we will advise you of the waiting time when you call. Some services have fast-track options for a set fee. We are acutely aware of the distress that marital or relationship problems can have on children.
