Coleg Ceredigion’s Counselling Service is part of the department of Learner Support and provides counselling for all students enrolled at any of the campuses across the college.

What is counselling?

Counselling is sometime referred to as ‘talking therapy’. Counsellors use their skills to help you better understand the issues that are causing you concern. These might include taking about life events in the present or the past, feelings, relationships, and ways of thinking or patterns of behaviour. Counselling can help you find better ways of coping with any difficulties you may be facing. Accessing your counselling service may enhance your student experience providing you with an opportunity for you to explore your issues in a safe and private setting. The team of counsellors are highly qualified and experienced professionals who will work alongside you to create positive change.

What can counselling help with?

The counsellors are experienced in working with lots of different issues. Counselling is for anyone having difficulties of any kind, if it is concerning you then it matters. Some of these concerns could be:

• Anxiety

• Issues of low confidence/self-worth

• Depression / low mood

• Alcohol / drug misuse

• Bereavement /loss

• Being a carer

• Loneliness/ feeling isolated

• Difficulties at home

• Relationship difficulties

• Things that have happened in the past

• Issues with sexuality or gender

• Abuse

• Feeling confused or unhappy

• Loss of life direction

• Changes you find difficult

• Self harm/feeling suicidal

How do I make an appointment?

You can refer yourself for counselling by phoning, texting or emailing Sarah Childs, our counsellor, at sarah.childs@ceredigion.ac.uk or 07787274890.  You are also able to speak with the Student Welfare Officers, mentors or your tutor, who are also able to refer you if you prefer.

What happens when I make an appointment?

Once a student requests counselling we will arrange an appointment as soon as possible. Following this there may be a small wait for counselling sessions to begin, depending on demand. We will prioritise students who are in crisis and need urgent support. The counsellor will inform you of where the counselling room will be depend on which campus you are on.

What if I need to speak with someone urgently?

If a counsellor is not available you can speak with a Mentor or our Student Welfare Officers. Go to learner support and ask to speak with a member of the Welfare Team. They will listen to you and help direct you to the right support for you.

Confidentiality

The counsellors will not tell tutors, family or friends that you have been to see them. They will not discuss this with anyone, unless this has been agreed between you beforehand. On rare occasions a counsellor may have to speak to someone else about what is happening. This would only happen if there was immediate danger to you or others. The counsellor will fully explain all aspect of confidentiality to you on your first appointment. All counsellors at the college are members of BACP British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapist and work to a strict code of ethics.

For more information: http://www.bacp.co.uk