Relationship counselling

A young heterosexual couple look at each other as they talk to the female counsellor

Couples come to relationship counselling for a variety of reasons including conflict, the impact of affairs, financial stress, fertility issues, sexual difficulties, addiction and for many other reasons.

Couples can sometimes fall into the trap of not listening to one another or one person may assume they already know what the other is thinking. Some couples expect each other to be mind-readers, while others may not have communicated healthily from the outset of their relationship and are struggling to change.

Relationship counselling seeks to support you to improve how you communicate, to explore and express your feelings in a healthy way and to resolve the difficulties that bring you to counselling in the first place.

The role of the counsellor is not to tell you what to do or to referee arguments. Typically, your counsellor will work with you to facilitate improved communication, help you to explore your options and support you to come to your own conclusions. You may be given tasks or pieces of ‘homework’ to complete between sessions.

There is no set number of sessions as different couples will have different needs. The number of sessions you have will be agreed with your counsellor.

If you think relationship counselling could help with you and your partner’s relationship, please contact us.

What is counselling?

Counselling offers the space to talk with a trained professional about whatever is happening in your life as well as offering support through challenging times. Counselling can help to bring new perspective, opportunities for change and healing of emotional wounds.

Is your counselling service confidential?

Yes, confidentiality is assured. The only exception to this is when there is clear likelihood of harm to you or another person.

How much does counselling cost?

Protem operates a sliding-scale contribution scheme based on your annual income, so that no one is disadvantaged; as we believe counselling should be affordable for everyone. The fee will be discussed and agreed when you first call.

Is it possible to choose a male or female counsellor, or a counsellor trained in a specific therapeutic approach?

We have a diverse team of counsellors, male and female, who are trained in a range of therapeutic approaches. We endeavour to meet clients’ preferences, however at times, this may involve waiting longer to see a particular counsellor.

Do you offer emergency appointments?

Protem offers a range of appointment times. Every effort is made to give priority to those in most need. However, Protem is not a crisis service and anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should consider contacting their GP or attend A&E.

How long is a typical counselling session?

A typical session is approximately 50 minutes in length and would usually take place once a week at the same time, on the same day.

Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can have?

Unlike many other services, Protem believes that counselling should be made available for as long as it is needed. For some people, this may mean six sessions while for others this may mean a year or more. The number of sessions is always discussed and agreed directly with the counsellor.

Do you have disabled access?

Yes – the building has a mobile ramp to counselling rooms and a disabled accessible toilet.

Is Protem affiliated to a professional body?

Yes – we are affiliated with both the Association of Christians in Counselling (ACC) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within the ethical framework of each professional body.

Is Protem easy to find?

Yes, we are easily accessible by many transport links and not far from the centre of Didsbury. See map

Affiliated to The Association of Christians in Counselling (ACC) and The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).