Student Counselling Service
An Introduction Ronnie Millar Director ronnie.millar@ed.ac.uk http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-counselling
Who we are • • • •
Professional counsellors and psychotherapists Experienced administration team Student Mental Health Coordinator Accredited by BACP
• Over past 3 years referrals have increased 75% • This year we saw 1700 students individually and had 570 attendances at groups events • Aim to keep waiting times down – fast, fair and friendly
What we do • Confidential short term counselling – up to six sessions • Counselling includes email counselling, CBT, hypnotherapy and EMDR • Presentation programme/group events • Online self help resources • Bibliotherapy • Booklets and publications • Staff consultation and training • Resource/referral point for other supports and information
Where we are • • • • •
Main Library Moray House Kings Buildings ECA Easter Bush Vet Centre
Role of Counselling • Helping students maximise their effectiveness • Mental health problems, psychological and emotional difficulties • Crisis intervention
What problems do students bring to counselling? • • • • • •
Anxiety Depression Self and identity issues Relationship difficulties Problems related to studying c. 20% present as at risk self-harm or suicide
What happens when a student contacts us? • Register and questionnaire • Initial appointment and triage • Referral to short term counselling if appropriate • Alternative or additional referral
How did we do this year? • 77% of students had an initial appointment within one week, 96% within 2 weeks • 98% started counselling within 4 weeks of being assessed • 40% of students choose to wait longer for appointments
How does counselling help?
How does counselling help? Counselling helped •70% experience significant recovery or improvement •88% stay at university •81% do better in their studies •improve the experience of university for 86% •develop employability skills for 83%
What students say “ A fantastic service….I have been through such a tough time and could not have done without it, and now I am feeling ready to move on and enjoy University.” “I got far more out of counselling than I antcipated I would. I found it extremely supportive and exactly what I needed. It was well –organised and catered for my needs as a student.” “ Having a counselling service that I can trust and talk to has been truly wonderful.”
Online support Student Counselling •http:// www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-counselling Bibliotherapy •http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/studentcounselling/self-help/bibliotherapy Big White Wall •http://www.bigwhitewall.com/landing-pages/default.aspx? ReturnUrl=%2f Helping Distressed Students Guide pdf •http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fr/I40607! fileManager/helping_distressed_studentspdf