What is Counselling?

What is counselling?

Counselling provides a safe place, separate from your daily life, where you can explore issues or feelings which are causing you difficulty.

The counsellor will aim to relate to you in a supportive and purposeful manner and assist you in the task of finding your own way forward.

Your use of counselling remains confidential to the service within the limits agreed with your counsellor.

What does Student Counselling offer?

Counselling offers a confidential space in which you can talk to a counsellor about your concerns.

Counselling offers you understanding, a feeling of being listened to, valued and accepted in a non-judgmental way. There is no pressure on you and we’re not here to tell you what to do. Instead, as counsellors we aim to help you find your own answers.

Our services are available:

for any student experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties relating to academic or social problems
to all students – international, European or home student, part-time or full-time, undergraduate or postgraduate.

Whatever your background and whatever your problem we’re here to offer you space and support in a confidential environment to work through your difficulties, as well as help you to think more clearly and develop the skills to cope.

All counselling is confidential except when someone is in serious danger. In these rare cases we will discuss any potential break in confidentiality with you.

Reasons to Seek Counselling

Student Counselling Services assists students with a variety of concerns. You may benefit from personal counselling to discuss:

Stress management
Adjusting to university
Life transitions and change
Difficulties in relationships
Depression
Anxiety
Anger
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Rape/sexual assault
Thoughts of suicide
Eating and body image concerns
Self-esteem
Loss and grief
Sexuality
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Trauma
Other feelings that cause discomfort

e-mail and telephone counselling support:

We can provide a level of support for students who are unable to attend in person using either e-mail or telephone.

What issues do students bring to counselling?

Well, anything and everything! People talk about many different issues in counselling sessions. Typical examples include: difficult thoughts, feelings or behaviours (their own or other's); responses to recent or past events and experiences; relationship struggles; making decisions; academic or personal concerns.

Your concern may not fall into these categories but if it is causing you distress or difficulty, you are welcome to come and talk to a counsellor.