What is Counselling?

Counselling provides an opportunity for you to talk about personal issues that may be bothering you. This is done in private, with someone who is trained to help you and on whom you can rely to keep the matter completely confidential.

What good does that do?

It can help you deal with those problems that can be solved, and help you to come to terms with others that can't.  In other words, it can help you to move on and get on with your life.

My family or friends can do that!

Family and friends can sometimes be of great help.  However, there are some things we may prefer that our family and friends do not know, especially if we feel they may be shocked or disappoinited.  We may worry about being a burden to them, or that they may get fed up of hearing about our troubles.  Sometimes, our family and friends are part of the problem.

What sort of things can I discuss with a Counsellor?

You can discuss anything with a Counsellor, however big or small the issue might be.  It may be a current issue or something from the past which still bothers you.

What actually happens?

You will be given an appointment to see a Counsellor for about 50 minutes.  The Counsellor will listen to you and ask appropriate questions in order to try and understand how you are feeling and will help you to reflect on your own experiences and thoughts.  You may find that one session is enough for you to gain a different perspective and help you to cope.  However, you will be given the opportunity of further sessions and the Counsellor will arrange these with you.

Some of the issues for which Counselling can be useful are:

• abuse
• adjusting to student life
• anxiety and stress
• bereavement
• bullying and harassment
• concerns about your course
• crises and traumas
• depression
• eating disorders
• family problems
• homesickness and loneliness
• low self-confidence
• lack of direction
• making important decisions
• panic attacks
• problems with alcochol or drugs
• relationship difficulties
• secret or confidential concerns
• sexual orientation
• suicidal feelings

It sounds like an opportunity to have a chat!

A Counselling session is more than that.  It is a working session which can sometimes be quite challenging.  When issues and feelings are brought to the surface it can hurt a lot.  However, the relief of sharing your worries can make you feel much better very quickly.

Will I ever be sent to see someone else?

We do not 'send' anyone to another agency.  Occasionally, if we feel it would be useful, we may advise you to see someone else.  However, referrals will only be made following discussion with you and your permission having been given.

How confidential is the Counselling Service?

It is a highly confidential service.  We will not give out any information about you without previously discussing it with you.  Amongst other things, it means that we do not tell lecturers that you are receiving counselling unless you tell us to do so.  If you nave any concerns, discuss these with a Counsellor.  You will find a fuller explanation in our Confidentiality Statement.  Please ask Student Services if you wish to see a copy.

My lecturer/mother/friend thinks I should have Counselling but I'm not so sure!

That's fine.  But, you are welcome to come and see us anyway.  If they have made it known that they are worried about you, it may take some pressure off you if you can say that you took their advice and came to see us.  Students who are not sure about seeing a Counsellor or feel they are being 'sent' to us often find the experience useful and get something out of counselling anyway.  If, having seen a Counsellor, you decide it is not for you, we will respect your decision.

So, how do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by contacting the Student Services Secretary, Tel: 01792 481206 or internally Ext 4206.  Alternatively, you can contact the secretary by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Is there a waiting list?

No, but you may have to wait a few days for an appointment as it is sometimes very busy.  The Secretary will advise you and make every effort to help you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

We are fortunate in being able to offer students Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) if this is considered to be appropriate.  This can be organised through discussion with a Counsellor and the appropriate arrangements being made.

What happens in an emergency?

If you consider that immediate assistance is required, you should contact the Emergency Services and ask for the appropriate service i.e. Ambulance, Police, Fire Service (Tel: 999).

The Counselling Service does not offer an emergency service, but we make every effort to respond as quickly as possible.

During the day either contact the Student Services Secretary (Tel: 01792 481206) or the Main Reception at Mount Pleasant (Tel: 01792 481000 or 01792 481101).

Alternatively, ask your lecturer/tutor to help you make contact.

If you are in Halls of Residence and no-one else is available, contact Security (Mount Pleasant Ext 4081 or Townhill Ext 2236).

Finally

If you have any queries about the Counselling Service please do not hesitate to contact us.  Any of our Counsellors will be happy to advise you on all aspects of the Service.  They can be contacted through the Secretary, Student Services, Mount Pleasant Campus (Tel: 01792 481206) where the Counselling Service is based.