The School Counselling Service

Counselling offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment to have some time and space to explore and make sense of some of the upsets, difficulties and problems that students may be experiencing. Sometimes it may be simply ‘the need to be heard’.

Counselling can help with: depression, anxiety, panic, bullying, study pressures, relationship and family problems, loneliness, low self-esteem, eating disorders, self-harm, grief and bereavement, anger, trauma, phobia, a change of attitude or finding a new direction in life.

Here are some comments made by students who have accessed the Student Counselling Service:

“At first I found it difficult to talk about my feelings but I managed to break through that barrier. It now feels as if a large weight has been removed from my shoulders.”
 “The counselling improved my relationships with my family. I feel like a more confident person because the counsellor helped explain my feelings.”
“It’s very helpful because I could talk about anything and know that the counsellor wouldn’t tell anyone unless they thought I was in danger."

What is counselling?

We all have times when it feels hard to speak to those closest to us. Often this can be because we don’t want to worry those we love best, or because we want help thinking things through with someone else outside of the family. Counselling gives someone an opportunity to talk in confidence about things that are of concern.

What does a counsellor do?

Counsellors are trained to listen without judging and to help people make sense of their thoughts and feelings. The Counsellor will not be judging you or your child, but looking to help them find their way through whatever is troubling them.

Who is the counsellor?

Leigh Fenton is a professionally qualified and experienced counsellor. She receives regular and confidential supervision of her work to ensure the quality of her practice.

Why have a counsellor in school?

A school based service brings counselling to young people in a place that is familiar, safe and secure. If young people are able to receive emotional support from a qualified professional they will have greater opportunity to fulfil their potential.

When, where and for how long?

Counselling may be for a few sessions, or longer term. Typically students will have 6-8 sessions. We have a dedicated private room available and sessions last for 40-50 minutes (depending on the circumstances). Appointment times are varied so that time is not lost from any one subject.

How are referrals made to the counselling service?

A student can self-refer by emailing wellbeing@skdrive.org. Alternatively they can speak to their Head of House, Tutor or any trusted adult who will pass the message on.

Is it confidential?

A key feature of our service is that information discussed in the counselling session is treated confidentially. Counselling is a time when it’s ok to talk about concerns without fear of them being discussed elsewhere. This includes not discussing the work with parents, unless the young person requests or gives consent for this. This can be hard for parents to accept at times, but ensuring the confidentiality of the work is crucial for establishing trust so that young people feel confident to speak openly and freely about what is concerning them.

If a student appears to be at risk of significant harm, the Counsellor would immediately speak to Mrs Crocker (Designated Safeguard Lead) who would then decide on the appropriate course of action and contact the student's parents.

What is counselling?

At certain times in our lives, most of us could do with talking to someone about how we’re feeling. Speaking with friends or family can be helpful, but sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who is more separate.

A counsellor is someone who will listen to you very carefully, who will not judge you or tell you what to do.

Counselling is about helping you to work things out for yourself, making decisions and choices and helping you to look at things differently. It can help you to feel better about yourself.

What kind of things do people talk about in counselling?

People talk about whatever matters to them and is worrying them. It could be lots of different things, including: family issues, parents, friendships, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, relationships, school issues, guilt, worry, self-esteem, confidence, anger, sadness, fear, bereavement, body image, self-harm, and lots more.

What happens in a counselling session?

You can meet the counsellor to find out if counselling is right for you. You can ask questions and see how you feel.

Then if you decide you would like to come back, we can book in some weekly sessions.

Counselling is voluntary – you will never be made to attend if you don’t want to. You have the choice to come or not. Whatever you decide will be OK.

Will the counsellor tell anyone what I talk about?

No. What you talk about is confidential. That means it’s between you and the counsellor. It’s your time and your space to be with someone who is there for you and nobody else.

The counsellor will keep confidentiality unless you are at serious risk of harm, which will be explained in your first session.

You do not need to tell anyone that you are coming to counselling, not your teacher, tutor, Head of Year or even your parents, if you do not want them to know.

How can I see the counsellor?

If you think you would like to come for a chat then you can contact us in the following ways:

• Email: wellbeing@skdrive.org
• Speak to your Head of House, Tutor or a trusted adult

Parents and carers

If you are a parent or carer and would like to speak to a member of the School Nursing Team to get information and advice for your child, then please contact us using the details below:

Bristol: 0300 124 5816

North Somerset: 0300 125 6798

South Gloucestershire: 0300 125 5151

Young people

You can contact the School Nursing Service for information and support by coming along to one of our drop-ins at school, or by calling one of the numbers above.  You can also contact the School Nursing Service by completing the referral form on this page. You can complete the referral form yourself, or an adult can complete it for you such as your GP, teacher or parent/carer.

Self referral form - Young People

Referral form - Parent or Carer

If you would like to talk to someone outside of school try these helplines and websites.