What counselling actually is
Most people have never done it and have no idea what to expect. Films make it look intense. It really isn’t.
Young people often hold assumptions about counselling that stop them going. Setting expectations honestly tends to remove more barriers than reassurance does.
- Talking to someone trained who is not part of your life
- A space to say things out loud without managing anyone’s feelings
- Working out what is going on and what might help
- Building your own way of coping, so it lasts
- Free, and yours for as long as it is useful
- Someone telling you what to do with your life
- Only for people in crisis, or people with a diagnosis
- Lying on a couch talking about your childhood
- Something that goes on your record or follows you around
- A sign you have failed at coping
Is it private?
Yes. This is the thing that stops most people coming, so here it is plainly. What you say in that room stays in that room.
- Your tutors are not told what you talk about
- Your parents or carers are not told what you talk about
- It does not go on your course record or affect your grades
- Your friends will not find out from us
The one exception, honestly
There is one situation where a counsellor may need to share something. If they believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm, they have a responsibility to pass that on so people can be kept safe.
Even then, they would talk to you about it first wherever they possibly can, explain who needs to know and why, and involve you in what happens next. You would not find out afterwards.
That is the only exception, and it exists to protect you. It is not a loophole and it does not get used for anything else.
What people bring
People come with all sorts. Some of it is huge, some of it feels daft to say out loud. Both are fine. You do not need to justify being here.
Your first appointment
The first one is short and low pressure. It is really just a conversation about whether this is the right thing for you.
30 minutes, that's all
Your first appointment is a short assessment. It is a chance to understand what counselling is and how it might help you. Nothing is decided for you.
You lead it
You say as much or as little as you want. If you do not know where to start, say that. Counsellors are used to it and it is a perfectly normal place to begin.
You decide what next
At the end you work out together whether to carry on, try something else, or leave it there. Coming once and deciding it is not for you is a completely acceptable outcome.
How to book
Pick whichever feels easiest. You do not need a referral from anyone, you do not need permission, and you do not need to explain yourself to book.
Probably the easiest if talking about it feels like a lot. You do not have to explain anything, just say you would like an appointment.
counselling.service@don.ac.ukPhone
Straight through to the counselling service during opening hours.
01302 553741Call in
Come to room N413 and ask. If nobody is free right then, you can leave your details and they will get back to you.
Online form
Fill in a short form and the team will contact you to arrange a time. Useful outside opening hours.
Open the booking formOther places to turn
Our counselling service runs term time in office hours. Evenings, weekends and holidays, these organisations are there. All of them are free and confidential.
Samaritans
Whatever you are going through, they will listen. You do not have to be in crisis and you do not have to be suicidal to call.
116 123 Anyone, 24/7, by textShout
A text conversation with a trained volunteer, for when talking out loud is too much or you cannot get somewhere private.
Text SHOUT to 85258 Anyone, 24/7NHS 111
Call and choose the mental health option to reach the urgent mental health helpline for your area.
111 Under 35s, 24/7Papyrus HOPELINE247
Confidential support and advice for young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and for anyone worried about a young person.
0800 068 4141 Under 19sChildline
Free and confidential, about anything at all. The number does not show up on the phone bill.
0800 1111 Under 25s, 11am to 11pmThe Mix
Free support for under 25s on anything from mental health to money, relationships and housing.
0808 808 4994Support your child can reach whenever they need it
Every student here can see a college counsellor, free of charge. Our counsellors are trained and experienced, and they are there for the everyday things as much as the big ones: anxiety, low mood, stress, loss, anger, difficult relationships, low confidence and self-esteem.
Sessions are confidential, which is what allows a young person to speak openly. If something is worrying you, you can always contact the team. They will listen and act on what you tell them.
- Trained, experienced counsellorsThere to listen, to support, and to help your child build their own ways of coping with whatever life throws at them.
- Free, and easy to arrangeTerm time, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with other times sometimes possible on request. Students book directly by email, by phone, or by calling into room N413.
- It starts with 30 minutesThe first appointment is a short assessment, so your child can understand what counselling is and how it might help before committing to anything.
- Worried right now?Please do not wait for an appointment. Ring 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Papyrus on 0800 068 4141, who support anyone worried about a young person.
You don't need a good enough reason
If you have read this far, that is usually reason enough. One email, one call, or one knock on the door of room N413. Half an hour, no commitment, and it stays between you and the counsellor.
Email counselling.service@don.ac.uk or call 01302 553741