FAQs

Is it confidential?

Yes. It is a professional and confidential service. The relationship between you and your counsellor is confidential. What you say to your counsellor is not disclosed to anyone outside the Counselling Service, except in certain cases if your counsellor is concerned that you may be at risk of harm to yourself or that a third party is at risk of harm. In such circumstances your counsellor would make every effort to discuss the situation with you and involve you in the disclosure process.

Will my lecturers know if I am attending Counselling?

Your lecturer/class coordinator may contact us to refer you to our service or to enquire about your attendance at counselling. Only with your consent will the counselling service confirm to the lecturer that you are attending the service. Furthermore, no information regarding the content of your sessions will be disclosed to any member of the college staff without your explicit permission. Should you wish your counsellor to liaise on your behalf with college staff, then this can be arranged. 

Where are my records kept and for how long?

Counsellors are professionally obliged to keep records of counselling sessions. Files are securely held for a period of seven years and are then destroyed. You may ask your counsellor if you wish to see your file.

How long is a session?

Each session lasts for approx. 50 minutes. This is for both online and in person counselling.

How many sessions can I have?

Students are offered an initial six sessions. You do not have to attend six sessions, just inform your counsellor if you wish to finish up before this. Missed sessions count, so please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to keep an appointment so that the appointment can be offered to another student. After six sessions, you and your counsellor will review and determine the best plan for you moving forward, which may include your counsellor providing you with information on external agencies who may offer more approporiate or longer term support.

What do I do if I am concerned about a friend?

Make an appointment to speak with one of the counsellors to discuss your concerns and your options. You may encourage you friend to come to counselling however they will need to make the appointment.

What is the waiting time?

We strive to meet students within a few days of receiving a request for counselling. During busy times the waiting time for appointments can increase but our administrator will inform you of this, if necessary, when you make contact. We would advise you to book an appointment as soon as you can.