What is counselling?
Counselling is a safe space for you to talk about any difficulties you are facing, these may be from past or current issues. Counsellors are not there to advise you and as they are neutral to your situation will listen to you in a non-judgemental way. They will help you to clarify your thoughts and feelings and develop strategies for you to find your own solutions and coping mechanisms.
Is it confidential?
What you bring to counselling sessions will not be passed on to parents, guardians or teachers. However, there are limits to confidentiality and these are explained in the Conditions of Funding under Confidentiality and Safeguarding.
How will counselling benefit me?
There are numerous benefits of counselling, they may include increased confidence, self-esteem, feelings of calm and improved relationships (including with yourself).
As counselling is a collaborative process it requires commitment from both yourself and the counsellor.
What can I talk about?
Counselling can help with a wide range of difficulties. Some of the common issues you may want to bring to counselling are:
- Depression
- Bereavement
- Identity
- Relationship support
- Stress/Anxiety
- Life changes
- Suicidal feelings
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Early onset disordered eating
- School Work/Exam Stress
Or any other issue(s) that is having a negative impact on your life
What will happen in my first session?
At your first session, you and your counsellor will go through a counselling agreement and assessment where you will be able to discuss what has brought you to counselling, what you hope to gain from your sessions and how many sessions can be offered.
Your counsellor will work in a way individually tailored to you, however, they may ask questions like:
- Where would you like to start?
- Tell me a little more about what’s going on for you at the moment
- What support do you have?
- How do you relax?
- What interests do you have?
- What would you like to happen?
- How would you like me to support you?
How, where, when?
Sessions usually last for 50 minutes and will be at the same time each week (dependent on counsellor). They can be offered Face to Face, Online, via telephone or at your home (dependent on counsellor).