Counselling Service

What is counselling?

Counselling is about enabling you to explore your feelings and relationships more effectively. It gives you a chance to really look at issues in some depth, and gain a more confident perspective.

Who is it for?

The Service is open to everyone at CITY College.

What can I expect from counselling?

People who come to counselling are not always sure what to expect. The following information will help to clarify the way in which counselling works. When you first meet your counsellor, she/he will listen carefully to what is troubling you and will ask you some questions. The counsellor encourages you to express your thoughts and feelings, to explore the issues of concern, and to discover/clarify ways of living more resourcefully. The work you do together will be about helping you to find the right solutions for you, rather than telling you what to do.

Do I have to pay?

No, it is a free service.

How do I book an appointment with a counsellor?

To book an appointment, call the reception to discuss your options for beginning the counselling process or send an email at counselling@york.citycollege.eu

How long does each session last?

Counselling sessions last approximately 50 minutes.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of counselling sessions offered will vary according to individual needs and is negotiated with the client. It is often usual to contract to meet for an agreed number of sessions, on a weekly basis. One or two sessions are often enough, but more can easily be arranged. The counsellor will be limited to a maximum of five sessions between September and May - our busy time.

Will I have to wait long for an appointment?

We'll try to keep your waiting time as short as possible. You should get an initial appointment within a few days. 
If you need to contact the counsellor urgently between sessions, please leave a message at the reception or write to counselling@york.citycollege.eu

Is what we talk about confidential?

What happens in the sessions is strictly confidential. This means, in nearly all cases what is discussed will stay between you and the counsellor.
Very rarely there may be some things that cannot be kept confidential. Your counsellor will discuss these with you before breaking confidentiality, if at all possible. Indicatively, information that cannot be kept confidential could relate to serious criminal acts, child abuse, acts of terrorism or serious threats to harm yourself or someone else. The counsellor can explain more about this if you need to know.

What records are kept?

Your counsellor may make brief notes of each session, which are securely stored. You can see these if you ask to. Nobody outside the counselling service can see these without a court order from a judge. Some counsellors prefer not to make any notes; this is a personal choice and is also acceptable. If you and the counsellor think that it would be helpful for a tutor or someone else to know something about your problems, the counsellor can only do this with your consent.

I need some help now!

The Counselling Service is unable to provide an emergency service and does not offer on-call or acute psychiatric treatment.
about the counsellor.

Where can I find the counselling service?

The counselling service can be found at Strategakis building. Inquiries can be addressed at the reception desk.