Your first meeting

This is an opportunity for you to tell the counsellor what is concerning you and your counsellor will explain what to expect. The counsellor will probably ask you some questions to help clarify your situation and will  communicate her understanding.

You will be helped to identify the main issues that are troubling you and possibly getting in the way of your studies. If you both agree that counselling is the best form of support for you, you will be offered a number of individual sessions, usually up to a maximum of six. Occasionally longer-term work may be appropriate for your needs, and your counsellor will suggest further sessions. Most people come once a week, or once a fortnight, for 50 minutes.

The appointment is at the same time each week, and will be negotiated as far as possible to fit in with your timetable.

The aim of counselling is to help you find your own resources and answers and make your own independent decisions. The counsellor will not impose her opinion on you or tell you what to do, though occasionally she may suggest alternative sources of help in specialist areas. You will be working together in a professional relationship with someone who will really listen to your thoughts and feelings and treat them with respect and understanding.