We offer short-term counselling to support your academic and university life.
Our 'One At A Time’ model, aims to help you make the most of each session.
After each meeting, we encourage you to:
- reflect on your learning from the session
- digest this learning for a while
- take some action based on this learning. For example, you can try out suggestions or strategies and see what effect they have.
- let time pass
- decide if you need to book a further session.
When you choose to book another session, you can do so via our online appointment self-scheduling system. Sessions are subject to availability, and you are only able to book one session at a time.
There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have over the academic year, but we are not able to offer regular sessions on an ongoing or weekly basis.
However, we recognise that sometimes students would benefit from a few sessions close together so if we feel this is appropriate, we will discuss that with you at the end of your first meeting. If that is decided as the best way forward then you will be offered up to 3 further sessions, on a weekly basis. After these 1 + 3 sessions, you can book on a needs basis throughout the rest of the academic year via the online self-scheduling appointment system.
Interestingly, our data shows that over 50% of students only ever book one session stating they felt the one meeting was helpful and allowed them to move forward and get the best from their time at university both in terms of academic achievement and student experience.
Our aim is to give you space to explore what is happening in your life, bring some focus to your current concerns and to help process that, but also resource you appropriately.
We are delighted to be able to extend our counselling offer with the addition of Associate and Sessional Counsellors
Additional Sessional (fully trained and experienced) staff support the service at times of peak demand and are therefore with us for periods of up to 3 months at different times of the academic year.
Associate Counsellors are either fully trained, volunteering their time, or trainee counsellors on placement. They are with us from the beginning of October through to the end of June.
Associate and Trainee counsellor appointments are not bookable via the online self-scheduling system as it is important, we support our trainee counsellors with appropriate referrals.
Sessional and Associates
- also work our 1+3 One At A Time model
- offer evening sessions up to 19:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Complex needs and specialist approaches
If your needs are more complex and require a specialist or long-term approach, we will direct you to more appropriate services in the community, including the NHS. Almost all city services operate waiting lists, generally a few months, so we will also suggest other ways of helping yourself in the meantime.
How long will I have to wait?
Once your form has been triaged to Counselling you will either be offered an Associate appointment or sent the link to book your appointment using our online appointment self-scheduling system.
We hope you will be able to find an appointment within 10 working days, but we are a very busy service and waiting times can sometimes be up to a month.
If you are in urgent need of support, you can refer to support on us immediate help page or access the daily Mental Health Drop-in which is available without prior appointment.
Can I choose the gender of my counsellor?
We have a mix of male and female counsellors. Online appointment self-scheduling allows you to choose your counsellor; individual’s pronouns are displayed on the booking form.
If you are allocated a male/female counsellor but would prefer to change then please notify Student Services.
Counselling and record keeping
Brief notes of your session are kept on a secure, password protected database, accessible only by Student Wellbeing Services staff.
The fact that you have used our service will not appear on your student record.
Extenuating circumstances letters
You can request a short letter in support of your EC application if you have attended 1 or more session with us. We have a standard template response letter and would normally require 10 day notice to produce at busy times of the year.
Sometimes a letter from your GP is more appropriate.
Sometimes a letter from your GP is more appropriate.
For more information on extenuating circumstances, please see the University policy.
