Counselling at Bacon's College

Most of us experience personal and emotional difficulties at some time in our lives.  These difficulties are unpleasant but it’s important to know that they are a normal part of life. Changes in our lives e.g. moving to secondary school, trying to make and keep friends, coping with angry feelings and mood swings, parents separating and having a new baby in the family or losing someone we love - can be especially challenging.  There are times when these difficulties can become so overwhelming that they stop us functioning properly and can have a serious impact on us and our ability to learn and achieve what we should in college.

What problems can counselling help me with?

Whatever  is troubling you, seeing a counsellor may help you to get your problem into perspective and to think about how you want things to be different for yourself.  Counselling can support you so that you  are able to cope better, enjoy your life more and make the most of all that the college has to offer you. 

What might be warning signs for myself or my friends?

Most people know when they are feeling stressed out as they may become:

• Miserable or irritable
• Aggressive or agitated
• Withdrawn or unpredictable
• Lose or gain weight drastically
• Not sleep properly or want to sleep all the time
• Miss classes and not keep up with homework and coursework 

What about confidentiality?

All counsellors at Bacon’s College are bound by professional codes of practice and ethics to maintain confidentiality in most circumstances.  However, if someone is in danger, then the counsellor reserves the right to breach confidentiality in order to ensure that you or someone else is safe.

What do I do if I want to see a counsellor?

There are 3 ways that you can make an appointment to see the counsellor

1. You can refer yourself  - if you complete the self-referral form below, print it off and drop it into the confidential letter box outside the counsellors office at the end of the dining area.   
2. You can ask your parent to contact the counsellor for you – your parent or carer can ring the counsellor at the college 0207 237 1928 extn 4002 
3. You can ask your tutor or your Head of Year  to introduce you to the counsellor

The college counsellor will then write to you with an appointment time. At the first session, your counsellor will decide with you what help and support might be right for you.  You can ask any questions about counselling that you want and be assured that what you say to your counsellor is in confidence. 

At the end of that first session you may decide that one session was enough for you or you may decide to attend for a few more sessions.  Some people decide to continue in counselling for a longer period of time.