Counselling for students away from home

I work with both undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering support and counselling during what can be a very difficult and stressful time.

I aim to work with young people in a supportive and collaborative way, to explore and identify your concerns at the moment. I believe that the relationship we develop is fundamental to counselling. My intention is to provide a safe place where you can express your feelings and explore issues in a non-judgemental, comfortable environment.

We may look at relationship issues, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, shock, anxiety, serious health anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, intrusive thoughts and addictions. These are all common issues that can feel pretty insurmountable, especially when living away from home, perhaps for the first time.

Prior to working as a counsellor, I was a primary school teacher and Deputy Headteacher in inner city London schools. This has enabled me to bring my experience both as a teacher and as a counsellor to working with young people with issues around family of origin dynamics and relationships with their current family, and friends.

Talking through your problems can help and it can be beneficial to speak to someone who is not your immediate group of family and friends.

Counselling can help you deal with personal problems, such as a long-standing issue or a short-term crisis. These could include problems arising from a variety of issues such as:

• trouble with family or friends

• feelings resulting from an event such as bereavement or trauma

• difficulties adjusting to life as a student/living away from home

• addiction

• stress

• anxiety

You can bring any personal problems to counselling. I can also help you access the assistance of an outside specialist agency if you would find that helpful. I am also able to help access support within the university/college around the stress of deadlines and general pressures of course requirements.