About our counsellors

Relationship counsellors

Relate Nottinghamshire is a registered charity and is part of the Relate Federation. Relate counsellors are rigorously selected, and Relate counsellor training is acknowledged to be of very high quality. The service is BACP Accredited, and as such counsellors work within the Ethical Framework of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy). Counsellors receive ongoing supervision and Continuing Professional Development in accordance with Relate national standards.

Unlike most counsellors, Relate trained counsellors have extensive training and experience of working with couples as well as with individuals.

Sex Therapists

Relate Sex Therapists are experienced relationship counsellors who have gone on to train for the Relate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy. They are chosen for their ability to share peoples' problems sympathetically, and their proven professional skills and experience in relationship counselling. Sexual problems are difficult to talk about. Therapists know this and will quickly put you at your ease, helping you to talk about your sexual concerns.

Our Sex Therapists work to the Code of Ethics and Principles of Good Practice for members of the British Association of Sexual and Relationship Therapy.

Family Counsellors

Relate Family Counsellors are experienced relationship counsellors who have gone on to study for a further qualification in Family Counselling which is accredited by the AFT (Association for Family Therapy). They are chosen for their ability to share people's problems sympathetically, and their proven professional skills and experience in relationship counselling. Their specialist training is underpinned by what is known as a 'Systemic' theoretical approach, which means that counsellors will be looking at the relationships between people not at the individual. By exploration of the ways in which clients communicate and interact, the counsellor can help clients to make positive changes in the way they relate to each other.

Trainee Counsellors

Relate Nottinghamshire is part of a national training organisation. Some of the counsellors contracted to work in Nottingham are in training. They have gone through the rigorous national selection process and are undergoing professional training and supervision. Clients are informed if their counsellor is still in training, and have the opportunity to request an appointment with a different counsellor.

Prior to starting the formal part of their training Relate practitioners need to observe trained counsellors working. You may be asked for your permission to allow a newly recruited trainee to observe your first sessions. The trainee will have undergone a rigorous national selection process.