About Us
The purpose of the University of Glasgow Counselling Service is to support students to manage their mental health and to build strategies that will help them successfully complete their course of study.
The Service is primarily designed to support those with mild to moderate needs. The Service does not diagnose or prescribe and is not a crisis service, although we do offer Crisis Support. Students who require medical support should consult their GP (General medical Practitioner).
Upon fully registering with the Service, students will be offered an initial 1-2-1 consultation. Depending on need, the support we then offer includes:
- Short term, focussed blocks of therapy, subject to assessment
- Wellbeing Consultations
- Psychoeducation and group work
- Self-help resources
Examples of the types of issues suitable for therapy (this is not an exhaustive list) are:
- Anxiety and panic
- Ongoing difficulties resulting from bereavement and other types of loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Mild to moderate depression
- Significant life changes
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
Examples of presenting issues considered unsuitable for the University Counselling Service include:
- Exploratory issues which are not currently impacting on functioning
- Serious violent or aggressive tendencies
- PTSD or Complex Trauma
- Incapacitating phobias/obsessive symptoms
- Unstable or severe eating disorders
- Substance addiction
- Active psychosis or serious and unstable mental health conditions
- Current and unstable suicidal/self-harming behaviours that require emergency intervention
In these cases it would be best to consult your GP. If you do not have a one, you can register with a GP at a local medical practice.
In addition, we may decide that clients are not suitable for therapy. In such cases we will liaise with the student’s GP (or other relevant services) to arrange onward referral where appropriate.
Service definitions
Below are the definitions of the four therapeutic modalities which we offer and an idea of the type of client they are most suitable for.
Wellbeing Officers
Wellbeing Officers provide first line guidance, advice and support to students on a variety of general wellbeing issues, such as those relating to health, personal relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Wellbeing Officers deliver a range of proactive support, online interventions, workshops and group information sessions, to assist students in developing skills to manage and maintain their mental health and wellbeing.
Our Wellbeing Officers are experienced and accredited counsellors who draw on their experience to make sure that students receive the most appropriate support for their needs
Within our service Wellbeing Officers generally offer 3 individual sessions but this is flexible to meet the needs of the student.
Counsellors
Counsellors aim to aid self-exploration and understanding using a range of therapeutic approaches.
Counsellors can help students develop a deeper understanding of what is happening in their life and to make changes or develop strategies that will improve their wellbeing, facing problems more objectively or with greater acceptance and reducing tension and anxiety.
Within our service Counsellors typically offer 5 individual sessions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapists
Cognitive Behavioural Therapists (CBT) help students to manage their difficulties by challenging patterns of thinking, behaviour and emotion.
Strategies and techniques are used to help students move towards a more balanced way of thinking and learn to manage their difficulties. CBT uses a structured, problem-solving approach to improve wellbeing.
Within our service Cognitive Behavioural Therapists typically offer 5 individual sessions.
Psychologists
Our Psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance psychological wellbeing. They can support students with a wide variety of mental health disorders and challenges, including those with longer term difficulties.
Psychologists draw upon a range of psychological models and approaches, dependent on a student’s presenting problem, recognising the need for flexibility.
Within our service Psychologists typically offer 6-8 individual sessions.