What is Counselling?
Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which students can discuss any emotional or psychological difficulties they may be experiencing. The counsellor will use their training and expertise to help you clarify what issues are impacting on you and your life, and then facilitate exploration of how you can find better or different ways to live and different perspectives.
For further information please see TUS Midlands Student Counselling Service - Student Information
What issues do counsellors deal with?
The short answer is everything, really! We deal with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety/panic attacks, mental health difficulties, bereavement and loss, interpersonal or relationship problems, family difficulties, self-esteem, trauma, including sexual trauma, academic issues, eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal thinking Whatever your issue, if you are in emotional distress we encourage you to seek help.
How long does a session last and how many sessions will I need?
We are now offering a blend of both in-person & online/phone appointments.
Contact counsellor@ait.ie to register for counselling. Once you have registered you will be offered a brief assessment appointment with one of the counselling team. You can choose an in-person appointment, or a phone call. This appointment will last approximately 20 minutes.
The counsellor will work with you to find out your needs, and discuss whether counselling is suitable for you. If on-going counselling is agreed then we will arrange those appointments with you.
Counselling appointments usually last about 50 minutes. In most cases a number of sessions are required, often on a weekly basis. Due to the high demand for counselling services, normally six counselling sessions are available to each student. In exceptional circumstances this can be extended and will be assessed on an individual basis.
What about confidentiality?
The service is confidential and operates within the terms of confidentiality as laid down by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI) Code of Ethics and Practice. This means that your personal details are not disclosed to anyone outside of the service without your expressed permission, except in exceptional circumstances regarding safety including suicidal intent, risk to a minor, and threats to lives of others.