Our process – what to expect
If you would like to register with the counselling service, the quickest way is to complete our online form. We aim to offer an appointment time within two weeks. If you have limited availability it may take a bit longer.
Privacy Notice
Please read our Privacy Notice before you complete the online form. It outlines what information we keep, why and how we process it.
Browse the information on our site
Before you complete our referral form you may find the self-help sections of this site helpful.
Complete our referral form
To register with the Student Counselling Service you need to self-refer using our secure online form. No-one else can refer you to our service.
Register now – secure online form
If you aren’t able to access our form, please call us.
Once you have completed the form, you will receive an automated email confirming your referral.
Attend an assessment appointment
Once we’ve processed your referral, we will get in touch offering you an assessment at a time you have indicated you are available. We normally call or email you (whichever you prefer) as soon as we can and our aim is to offer an appointment within two weeks though it may take longer at busier times. Emails will be sent to your University email account.
This appointment is a chance to talk about your main issues and the reasons you would like counselling.
Self-evaluation
When you arrive for your appointment, we will ask you to fill in a short form about how you have been feeling over the previous week, known as the CORE questionnaire (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation). This takes about five minutes,
We use it to measure current wellbeing and riskand as a research tool to make sure our service is doing the best we can. Any information taken for research purposes is anonymised. This helps us provide the best service for students.
However, you don’t have to fill this in if you don’t want to - and this won’t affect you using the Service.
Next steps
At the end of your assessment, you and the counsellor will decide what the best steps are. Normally one or more of the following:
- recommendations for self help
- a referral to another University service
- short term counselling
- a referral to an external service
Counselling sessions
If you are offered counselling, we will be in touch to arrange further appointments at a suitable time.
If you cannot make an appointment please give us at least 48 hours notice, if you repeatedly cancel you may lose your slot.
Complete your therapy
At the end of your counselling or therapy sessions, you will discuss the next steps.
If you filled in the CORE questionnaire at the start of your sessions, we will ask you to fill it in again at the end.
Safe and confidential environment
Some people particularly struggle with finding the language to express how they feel. They are uncomfortable talking about what they perceive as failure, and find it hard to know where to turn to when it becomes impossible to ignore disturbing feelings, behaviours and physical symptoms.
Counselling is designed to be a safe environment where you can be as frank as you want to be about what you are facing. Working with a professional counsellor gives you the opportunity to talk, listen and express yourself without being judged.
We don’t share the details of your sessions – or even the fact you are in counselling - with anyone else.
Register for an initial assessment