Questions families often ask before making contact
Choosing to seek support is a significant decision. Most people contact us only after spending considerable time trying to resolve difficulties on their own. By the time they reach out they often have practical questions.
More importantly, they have understandable uncertainties. This page answers some of the questions we are most commonly asked. If your question is not answered here, we would be pleased to discuss it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Getting started
How do I know which service I need?
You do not need to decide before making contact. Many people are unsure whether family therapy, couples therapy, mediation, parenting consultation or another service is most appropriate. Our first conversation helps us understand your circumstances and consider together which pathway, if any, is likely to be most helpful.
What happens when I contact Changes?
Once we receive your enquiry, we will respond as promptly as possible. The first conversation is about understanding, not committing.
Do I need a referral?
No. Most people contact us directly. Some are referred by solicitors, healthcare professionals, schools or other practitioners. Both pathways are welcome.
02. Family therapy
Does everyone in the family need to attend?
Not necessarily. The people involved depend upon the questions we are exploring and what is likely to be most beneficial. Sometimes work begins with parents. Sometimes with a couple. Sometimes with the wider family. The process is tailored to your circumstances.
What if someone refuses to attend?
This is more common than many people expect. The absence of one family member does not automatically prevent useful work from taking place. We can discuss together the most appropriate way to begin.
03. Couples therapy
What if my partner is reluctant?
Many couples begin with different levels of motivation. A reluctant partner is not unusual. Rather than trying to persuade anyone, we encourage open discussion about concerns and expectations before beginning.
Can therapy help after an affair?
It can. Recovery depends upon many factors, including honesty, willingness to engage and whether both partners wish to understand what has happened. The aim is not to erase the past. It is to help couples make thoughtful decisions about the future.
04. Parenting
Is my child the person who needs therapy?
Sometimes. Often not. Children’s behaviour frequently reflects wider relational, developmental or contextual influences. We begin by understanding the whole family context before deciding who should attend.
Will you tell us how to parent?
Our role is not to replace your judgement. We help parents understand their children, strengthen relationships and develop approaches that fit their family’s unique circumstances.
05. Family mediation
Is mediation suitable for everyone?
No. Mediation is appropriate only where it can proceed safely, voluntarily and constructively. Part of the initial consultation involves considering whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances. Where it is not, we will explain why and discuss alternative options where appropriate.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation is generally confidential, subject to the legal exceptions that apply under the Mediation Act 2017 and other relevant legal obligations.
Can I still obtain legal advice?
Absolutely. Independent legal advice remains an important part of informed decision making.
06. High conflict family situations
My family situation is extremely complicated. Can you still help?
Many of the families we meet have already consulted several professionals before contacting us. Complexity does not automatically mean that support is impossible. The first step is understanding what has happened and considering what forms of intervention may realistically assist.
Do you take sides?
No. Our work is grounded in careful assessment, curiosity and professional judgement. Understanding different perspectives does not mean treating every situation as identical or ignoring important concerns about safety, coercion or abuse. Those issues require careful assessment and appropriate safeguarding.
07. Professional practice
Do you provide supervision?
Yes. Professional supervision and consultation are available for therapists, mediators and other practitioners working with individuals, couples and families.
Do you provide training?
Yes. Changes offers professional education, workshops, university teaching, consultation and bespoke programmes for organisations.
Do you supervise research?
Yes. Research supervision and methodological consultation are available for postgraduate students and practitioners undertaking research relating to family relationships.
08. Practical questions
Are consultations available online?
Yes. Online consultations are available where appropriate alongside in person appointments.
How long are appointments?
Appointment length varies depending upon the service being provided. This will be discussed when arranging your consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no standard number. Some people seek focused consultation around a specific issue. Others engage in a longer therapeutic or mediation process. The pace is guided by your goals and the complexity of your circumstances.
What does confidentiality mean?
Your privacy is treated with great care. Information shared during consultations is confidential, subject to professional, ethical and legal obligations. Any limits to confidentiality will be explained clearly at the outset.
The question people rarely ask. One of the questions people often carry, but seldom voice, is this (see next FAQ).
What if we have left it too late?
There is no universal answer. Some relationships can be repaired. Some cannot. Some families remain deeply connected despite years of conflict. Others require help navigating endings with dignity and care. The important point is that meaningful conversations become more difficult when they are postponed indefinitely.
Seeking support is not a guarantee of any particular outcome. It is, however, a decision to approach the situation thoughtfully rather than facing it alone.
Still unsure?
You do not need to know exactly what you need before contacting us. If you believe your family, your relationship or your professional practice may benefit from a conversation, we would be pleased to discuss your circumstances and help you consider the most appropriate next step.