Counselling

Counselling is a talking therapy which gives you the opportunity to explore issues which are causing you concern or distress. Your counsellor will give you the space to find a new perspective on a problem or think about options for change. The counsellor won’t tell you what to do but they will listen to you and help you find a way forward.

One at a Time Counselling means we focus on the most significant issue for you at the time of your session. We offer you one appointment at a time, then encourage you to reflect on what you and your counsellor have discussed. This may include taking some action regarding your situation and trying to manage it by putting into practice the ideas, techniques or action plans discussed in counselling. If it is more appropriate to refer you on to other services, either within or out with the University, we will do this with your permission.

If you feel after this process you need further support, you can make another appointment. About 70% of students find a single appointment helps them to move in the right direction.

Your appointment will last 50 minutes.

Your counsellor will review the Student/Counsellor Agreement with you to ensure your understanding.

The session will create space to explore your issues more deeply, gain new perspectives, and generate solutions for you to try out immediately.

At the start of each appointment your counsellor will assess risk to ensure an appropriate and timely response to your situation.

The work with your counsellor is confidential. We don’t discuss this with your tutors, families or anyone else without your permission.

However, if we believe you pose a significant risk of harm to yourself or others, we may need to act to minimise the risk. We would always try to involve you in any decisions and act in accordance with your wishes.

One at a Time Therapy can be used for a wide range of issues including anxiety, relationships, managing academic pressures, grief and loss, life changes and managing stress.

In a One at a Time session, we focus on your most pressing concern, providing immediate, contained support. While each session addresses your greatest concern, this therapy can still be beneficial for students facing multiple or complex challenges. So you may have a lot going on in your life, but still find a One at a Time session helpful.

If you're a current University of Stirling student and would like to access our service, please complete our Counselling registration form and email it to the Student Hub at ask@stir.ac.uk.

You'll receive the most appropriate support for your needs. We will treat you with dignity and respect, uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and offer you non-judgemental support to help you better understand your feelings and emotions.

We offer appointments with both University of Stirling counsellors and counsellors from an external service provider Spectrum Life.

In most cases you'll be offered an appointment with University counsellors within three weeks. If you will have to wait more than three weeks for an appointment with a University counsellor you'll be offered an appointment with Spectrum Life. Spectrum life offer online appointments only. 

Support available to students based overseas

For legal and regulatory reasons counselling cannot be provided by University of Stirling Counsellors to students overseas. However, we can provide online counselling with our partner organisation Spectrum Life.

We offer both face-to-face and online appointments. Face-to-face appointments are held in the 4Y corridor in the Cottrell Building. Online appointments are held via MS Teams.

We request that you attend your session on your own to protect your confidentiality. If your session is online, please make sure you are in a private space where you cannot be overheard or be distracted by someone else.

Please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible as there are no waiting areas. If your counsellor's door is closed, please do not wait outside the door, you should return in a few minutes. 

If you are not able to attend your appointment but still want to meet with a counsellor, please get in touch with your counsellor or the Student Hub to discuss switching to an online session.