How does Counselling Work?

The counsellor will:

• listen carefully to what you say
• work with you so that you can see your situation more clearly
• help you discover and develop your own resources
• help you resolve your difficulties
• where appropriate, put you in touch with other sources of assistance within and outside of the educational institution.

How Long Will it Take?

Counselling sessions last up to 50 minutes, and are usually weekly. The number of sessions is negotiated during the first session - sometimes one may be sufficient, often two or more sessions are appropriate.

What Can I Expect in Counselling?

• You will be doing most of the talking
• Sometimes you may experience painful feelings before you start feeling better
• What you talk about with the counsellor is confidential. Your teachers/lecturers and parents WILL NOT be informed about what you discuss during the sessions
• While you are in counselling, you can talk about whatever is concerning you at the time. The counsellor will help you examine your concerns and assist you in finding a means to fulfil your goals.

When Can Counselling Help?

Counselling can help if you are experiencing personal problems, whether long-standing or resulting from a temporary crisis, that affect your academic or social life while studying. Deciding to see a counsellor is a positive step towards making things better for yourself.

You may seek personal counselling or academic counselling. Below are listed some of the sorts of issues people may seek counselling for:

How Else Can Student Development Counselling Services Help?

As well as working individually with students, the Student Devlopment Services offers workshops from time to time on subjects like stress & time management, exam anxiety, assertiveness, confidence-building, etc.

Details on these workshops are posted on this web page and all students are emailed information regarding these sessions.

To view our confidentiality statement click here.