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Counselling Homepage

The Counselling Service is here for you to discuss any problems which may arise, privately and confidentially with the University Counsellors.

We offer one-to-one and group counselling and also run themed groups. The service is free to all students and staff, and is part of Student Based Services.

The Counselling Service has a series of different day workshops and groups planned throughout the Michaelmas Term, for both Undergraduates and Postgraduates. If you are interested in booking a place on any of these please contact us on counselling@lancaster.ac.uk or phone on 01524 592690. Alternatively you can all in to reception in B105, Furness College. Places are limited so we advise you book early!!

Finding your feet

This is a group aimed at helping fresher's that are new to university life. It will help you to deal with common challenges which face new students such as finding new friends, feeling at home, building a life for yourself here and dealing with the transition of moving to and living at Lancaster. It is being held on the 15th november between 10.30 am and 1 pm.

Dr Who?

This is a support group for research students who are struggling with motivation. You will have the opportunity to get together with other students and to help and support each other. You will look at issues such as your work life balance, isolation and motivation. The group will meet on the 4th & 11th November between 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm.

Developing your Confidence

This is a very popular one day workshop that will benefit you if you find it difficult to speak in public or to express how you are feeling. It will include assertiveness skills, communication and presentation skills, and strategies to help you in everyday life. You will also learn by practising the skills with others on the day. It is taking place on 25th November between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm.

Changing your Ways!

The workshop is designed to help you address issues that are holding you back and to provide you with tools to help you overcome these obstacles. It is a three part workshop running on November 5th, 12th and 19th.

Procrastination

Our procrastination workshops run throughout the year. They are run in conjunction with SLDC and are very popular. This terms workshops are open to all and are simply aimed at those students that find it difficult organising their time and who have a tendency to leave everything to the last minute. The workshop is taking place on Wednesday 18th and 25th November between 1 and 3 pm. Please specify which date you are interested in attending. To book a place on this workshop, please do so online at: http://luvle.lancs.ac.uk/celt/elis.nsf/homepage

Feeling anxious?

This will be a small group meeting 3 times in the next term designed to teach you some simple CBT techniques to help control anxiety and worry. It will meet on the 24th November and on 1st and 8th December between 2 pm and 3 pm. You must be able to attend all 3 parts.

What is Counselling?

Counselling provides you with the time and opportunity to talk to someone about the issues in your life that are of most concern. Talking through these issues with a counsellor can help you to gain your own understanding of your situation and deal with the feelings. This can help you to manage and cope with your problems better, and seek out possible solutions for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of problems can I talk to a counsellor about?

If something is troubling you it may be worth spending time thinking about this. Some frequent issues people bring include the following (you can click on them to get more info) although this is in no way an exhaustive list:-

List of issues:-

Academic Issues ~ Alcohol ~ Anxiety and Panic Attacks ~ Bereavement ~ Body Image ~ Bullying & Harassment ~ Cultural Issues ~ Depression ~ Drugs ~ Dyslexia ~ Eating Disorders ~ Exam Anxiety ~ Gender Issues ~ Homesickness ~ Loneliness ~ Men's Issues ~ Rape ~ Relationships ~ Self Harm ~ Self-Esteem ~ Sexuality ~ Relaxation ~ Sexual Abuse ~ Stress ~ Suicidal Thoughts

Does anyone else get to know the things we talk about?

Counselling is confidential. This means that what you say in a counselling session stays between you and the counsellor. The counsellor will not say anything to anyone else such as friends, tutors, managers, doctors, family or colleagues. There are, however, just a few exceptions to this, which the counsellor will inform you of in your first session, but these exceptions are usually in extreme cases where someone is at severe risk. You can view our confidentiality policy by clicking HERE.

How much time will I spend in counselling?

Each session is 50 minutes long, and each appointment will start and finish on time. Depending on the issue and what you want from counselling, usually you will be initially offered 3 sessions, with the option of further sessions, which are held weekly. The total number of session you have will be discussed with your counsellor.

How do I make an appointment?

Click here for further details or see the section on Appointments.

Where is the counselling service located?

We are in B105, Furness College. As you enter Furness College from the southern spine, enter the foyer, turn to your left and go up the stairs at the far end of the room. There are signs to direct you to the counselling service.

For location, opening times and contact information, please click here.

Other services offered by the Counselling Service

Themed Groups

Throughout the year, short term themed groups are run on subjects such as:-

Confidence Building, Presentation Skills, Procrastination and groups for post-graduates. For a comprehensive timetable of all groups offered, please see our groups section.

Please book early as places are strictly limited.

Group therapy

Group Therapy is also offered. This is where up to 8 people meet at the same time with a counsellor. This setting enables group members to learn more about themselves through the process of interacting with the other group members in an atmosphere which is respectful of difference and allows for honest sharing and listening. Groups work especially well with:- relationship issues, lack of confidence, depression, difficulty expressing yourself in front of others, stress. For further details see our section on groups or telephone the counselling service.

Wellbeing Activities

Throughout the year the counselling service offers a wide variety of activities to promote health and wellbeing of the campus and all the people who live, study and work here. These have included cookery classes for freshers, relaxation classes, staff support groups and orientation days and activities for international students.