What is counselling for?

The Counselling Service provides support to students experiencing stress or worry in their lives while studying.

Coming to see a counsellor does not mean that you are either mad or foolish, but rather that:

• You are an ordinary person who wants to deal with something in your life.
  
  
• You are experiencing a crisis or something is causing you concern.
  
  
• You want to face up to the problem and deal with it.
  
  
• You are experiencing a situation which is unfamiliar or challenging enough to feel threatening.
  
  
• People or circumstances around you are changing or you are changing.

If you wish to make an appointment please Contact Us

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Is it Confidential?

Yes it is a free and confidential service bound by a professional code of ethics.  A counsellor cannot discuss the particulars of a students situation without the students consent. This is often a issue students worry about but there is NO NEED!!!

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Why should I talk to a Counsellor?

The advantage we have over friends is that we don't have a vested interest in what you say, you may need specialised help with an issue. We will try to help you reach the solution which is best for you. We hope you achieve greater clarity about what troubles you have and the resources you have to deal with it.

If you wish to make an appointment please Contact Us

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Who is Counselling for?

The Counselling Service is open to students and staff of the University. However, some problems are specific to students and we try to be of practical assistance at stressful times.

To summarise, counselling is:

• For people in crisis.
  
  
• For people who want to get a better perspective on their situation.
  
  
• Completely confidential.

If you wish to make an appointment please Contact Us .

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What if I get there and panic or do not know what to say?

A lot of people come to counselling to help them sort out how they feel. They may have a lot of emotions, with confusion being a main one therefore it is perfectly normal to feel like that. The counsellors are use to this and will try their best to ease your nerves, after a few minutes of talking the nerves will usual dissolve.

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Does it mean there is something wrong with me if I have to see a Counsellor?

No not at all, everyone has phaes of their lives that may be more stressful than other. University can be a peroid of great enjoyment but also at times great stress. Problems outside university can feel larger and harder to deal with. Addressing these issues with counselling is a proactive and very healthy step to take.

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What can I do if I am concerned about a friend? 

You can make an appointment with a Counsellor to discuss these concerns. 

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How do I make an Appointment? 

Please Contact Us for further information.

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How long do I have to wait?

We do not have long waiting lists, you will be seen as quickly as possible. Urgent cases will be given priority.

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What is depression and why do people get depressed?

Depressed is a word we frequently use to describe our feelings when things are going badly for us and we have difficulty in discovering how they might improve. We feel low and lethargic but soon these feelings will change and we can begin to see a way forward, even beginning to wonder why we were so miserable.

Feeling sad, unhappy or discouraged is of course perfectly normal. You might begin to consider yourself depressed when your reaction to situations seems out of control and the feelings you experience seem out of proportion and persistent.

However exploring these feelings with a Counsellor can be very effective for you.

For further information please see our leaflet ‘Understanding Depression' .

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What is educational guidance?

The aim of this service is to provide suitable educational guidance, advice and support, which will enable students to reach their full potential including:

• Confidential testing and assessment to diagnose and advise on the learning needs of students.
  
  
• Information and practical advice on effective learning techniques.
  
  
• Individual and group sessions on study skills/exam techniques.
  
  
• Advice to mature students.
  
  
• Advice to academic staff regarding student's particular learning requirements.

Please Contact Us for further information.

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What can I do if I am stressed out about exams?

Help is available with managing anxiety and panic, before and after examinations. A counsellor can provide support for a range of study skills to help organise ongoing coursework, work/life balance and stress management.

For further information please see our leaflet ‘ Strategies for handling exam stress ' or  Contact Us

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How do I get used to being at University?

Coming to University involves simultaneously making a break with the lifestyle you're used to and adjusting to the demands of a new environment. While this can be difficult, there are also some helpful strategies.

For further information please see our leaflet ‘ Settling into the University ' or Contact Us to discuss your concerns with a professional counsellor.

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Is there any help for mature students?

As a mature student you may find the demands of study difficult to balance with the demands of family life. The Counselling Service has produced an information leaflet entitled ‘ Difficulties experienced by mature students ' to assist mature students in striking an appropriate balance.

If you wish to discuss your concerns with a professional counsellor please Contact Us

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Sexual Harassment

From time to time counsellors see clients, male and female who have been victims of sexual harassment.The university has a policy of harassment which states that any incidents of harassment will be taken extremely seriously.  Link to “Harassment Policy”; leaflet on “Protecting self from Sexual Harassment”. Could we also include here that we operate anti-discimination policy and treat all students equally, respecting race, religious, cultural and gender differences.