Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information
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It is a way to explore any worries or concerns that are important to you, and a good way to develop ways of dealing with difficulties in your life. Talking about your thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment helps you to recognize and make sense of your emotions and understand how they affect your behaviour and the choices that you make.
Seeing a counsellor can provide you with an independent and confidential venue to discuss issues that may be concerning you. Sometimes there are difficulties that are hard to discuss with family, friends or work colleagues. Professional assistance at these times can help resolve problems and prevent future ones from developing. Appointments may assist with academic support, personal counselling, assistance with policies and procedures, dispute mediation, crisis services and particular support for students with disabilities.
Yes, counselling is for everyone if they want it.
Many people are worried that their concerns are not important enough to see a counsellor about. No problem is too small or too big to come and talk through.
If something is worrying you or causing you distress then it is important. Things always feel worse when they are kept bottled up and it isn't always possible to talk to your friends or family.
Counselling at Harper Adams isn't like going to the doctors, or seeing an 'expert' who will give advice. In many circumstances, people turn to family, friends for support in managing personal difficulties and concerns. However, there are occasions when it may also be helpful to seek professional support. The service is confidential and, apart from rare circumstances where there may be requirements to do so, no information about your use of the service is revealed without your consent.
Frequently raised issues include coping with disabilities, feelings of academic inadequacy, relationships with others, social anxieties, cultural concerns, depression, balancing the demands of family and study, sexuality, traumatic events old or recent. The counsellor is fully conversant with the University's policy and procedures and can help you identify appropriate courses of action in the varied situations that may arise in university life.
