What to expect

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. The number of sessions required will be negotiated with your counsellor - sometimes one may be sufficient. There is a maximum of six sessions available per calendar year. If you require further sessions, the counsellor can refer you to someone external to the University.

What can I expect in counselling?

  • You will be doing most of the talking
  • 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 you.

You may seek personal counselling or academic counselling.

Below are some of the sorts of issues people may seek counselling for, these are by no means exhaustive:

Personal counselling: adjustment to life and study, eating issues, family issues, loneliness, sexual harassment, relationship issues, sexuality, social skills development.

Academic advice: course changes, exam anxiety, managing work/life balance, special considerations & extensions, study difficulties, subject choices, withdrawing from subjects.

What do I need to do?

  • Treat staff with consideration and respect
  • Accept responsibility for your own part in the resolution process
  • Keep appointments made, or give as much notice as possible if cancelling or rescheduling